Welcome to Choral and Vocal Music at the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of Music.
In addition to private vocal instruction for vocal music majors, we offer a variety of ensembles in which both music majors and non-majors may participate. From a highly-select, auditioned choir, to a large campus-wide ensemble in which everyone is welcome to join and sing, to a Women’s Choir that focuses on treble literature, our department has a choral ensemble which meets your artistic needs, vocal experience, and your schedule. Our department works hard to prepare productive and successful performing and teaching musicians as well as providing stimulating and artistic ensembles for all students at the University.
In addition to the ensembles and Lyric Opera Theatre detailed below, vocal music majors in the Department of Music have many performance opportunities throughout the year, helping them to establish self-confidence in front of an audience. If you have an interest in singing with us, please visit the UT Martin Choral Web site, the UT Martin Vocal Studio Web site or contact us with any questions you might have. We look forward to meeting you!
ENSEMBLES
University Singers
The New Pacer Singers
Women’s Choir
Lyric Opera Theatre
University Singers – conducted by Dr. Mark Simmons
This is the primary choral ensemble on UTM’s campus. It is the largest ensemble and is comprised of music majors, minors, and students majoring in subjects across campus. Everyone is welcome to join this choir and develop and explore their unique musical abilities. The Singers perform multiple times each semester and occasionally undertake concert tours to locations across the state and the southeast region of the United States.
The Singers perform classical choral literature that includes music from all major historical time periods, including major works. Recent major work performances include the Mozart Requiem with orchestra, Haydn’s Te Deum, and the Brahms Requiem. The ensemble also performs approachable music from the 20th century, including spirituals and quality arrangements of audience favorites. The ensemble meets four days each week: Monday and Wednesday from 2-2:50 and Tuesday and Thursday from 1-2:15 in FA 142.
Auditions are conducted on the first day of classes and are used to place students properly within the correct vocal section of the ensemble. You do not need to audition prior to registering for the University Singers. Simply come to the first class meeting. The audition is private and non-threatening. Please contact Dr. Mark Simmons for more information.
The New Pacer Singers – conducted by Dr. Mark Simmons
This ensemble performs all styles of choral music, from challenging 20th century compositions to lighter “pop” and jazz styles. They are the primary group to perform for public University events such as serving as featured performers at a variety of Alumni Association functions throughout the year. They perform on all concerts throughout the year and occasionally tour throughout the region and country.
This ensemble is comprised of 16 singers who are selected from an audition. The members of the New Pacer Singers frequently are vocal music majors. However, the major of the student does not determine membership in this ensemble. Any student at UTM may audition for and be a participant in it. The audition consists of sight-reading, demonstration of vocal ability and flexibility, pitch memory, and demonstration of a strong commitment to the ensemble and the work ethic required in this challenging artistic environment.
The ensemble meets twice each week: Tuesday and Thursday from 2:45-4:00 in FA 142.
Auditions for the New Pacer Singers take place on the first day of classes. Scholarships are available for those invited to join this ensemble. Please contact Dr. Mark Simmons for more information.
Women’s Choir – conducted by Dr. Fred Spano
Women's Choir is a non-audtioned ensemble that is open to all UTM women. The choir sings a variety of choral literature and performs a concert each semester. It is not necessary to be a music major to be in the ensemble and first-time singers are welcome. Please contact Dr. Fred Spano for more information.
Lyric Opera Theatre - directed by Dr. Amy Yeung
Each spring semester, the Department of Music presents scenes from the standard opera repertoire. Lyric Opera Theatre (MUEN 367) is open to all vocal majors as well as instrumental majors. Other UT Martin students who posses adequate vocal skills are welcome to audition.
The goal of the course is to provide the opportunity for the students to gain knowledge and experience in operatic repertoire for the stage and development of techniques for role preparation and performance. After successful completion of the course, the students will be able to think in character, to move on stage and to function as a singing actor.
Lyric Opera Theatre meets two days each week: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00-6:00. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled the month before the production.
This year, the Lyric Opera Theatre presented Gian Carlo Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief . The production was directed by Amy Yeung, and the musical accompaniment was provided by Scott Roberts.
For more information about auditioning for the upcoming production, please contact: Dr. Amy Yeung.