Ensembles

Texas State Chorale

The premiere choral ensemble in the Texas State School of Music.  With a broad repertoire ranging from chant to the minimalism of Rautavaara this ensemble of 28-32 voices performs pieces from the vast choral canon that enrich the musical experience of both the musicians and their audience.  Recent concerts have included the twenty-one spiritual madrigals in Orlando di Lassus’ Lagrime di San Pietro and Vigilia of Einojuhani Rautavaara.

This ensemble performs to standing room only audiences during the holiday “pastiche” concerts where they entwine choral masterworks with secular music sung by jazz artist Tiffany Stone Richter. Recent international tours with this ensemble have included Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and South Africa.

Texas State Chorale has been featured on several recent conferences through refereed auditions including the Texas Music Educators Association Conference ~ spring 2009, the Southwest Division of ACDA Conference (Denver) ~ spring 2010, and the National ACDA Conference (Chicago) with Maestro Helmut Rilling ~ spring 2011. Dr. Joey Martin directs this outstanding group of musicians. Excellent sight-reading skills and superb musicianship are qualities of the members of this ensemble.

Texas State Chorale rehearses Mondays from 5:00–6:30 PM (M216) and Tuesdays/Thursdays 12:30-1:50 PM (M222).

University Singers

A select mixed ensemble that focuses on masterworks from the 17th century to the present with emphasis given to larger works. With a membership of 65-70 musicians from throughout the campus, this ensemble is quickly becoming recognized for its musical excellence. Recent concerts have included Johann Sebastian Bach’s Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden, Samuel Barber’s Reincarnations and Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb. Strong sight-reading skills and musicianship are important to membership. This ensemble is directed by Dr. Jonathan Babcock, associate director of choral activities.

Texas State University Singers rehearses Mondays from 5:00–6:30 PM (M222) and Tuesdays/Thursdays 2:00-3:20 PM (M222)

Vocalibre

VocaLibre, the most visible and recognized of the choral groups, is an auditioned a cappella group open to students of all grades and majors. From choral standards to pop and jazz covers, from renaissance motet to South African freedom song, the group is a hybrid ensemble exploring unique and innovative programming, and sharing their voice with the San Marcos community. The group provides outreach and entertainment for the university, and is active in central Texas as an advocate for singing, community, and for the music department at Texas State. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester. VocaLibre is directed by Mr. Craig Aamot.

VocaLibre rehearses Mondays from 3:30-4:30 PM and Fridays from 12:00 -2:00 PM.

Men’s Choir

The Texas State Men’s Choir is a non-auditioned group, open to men in any grade and any major. The group performs one major concert each semester, and enjoys other fun performances around campus. The Men’s Choir takes pride in offering up the finest in collegiate male chorus repertoire, while embracing the camaraderie and fun that are unique to the group. The Men’s Choir is conducted by Mr. Craig Aamot.

Men’s Choir rehearses Mondays/Wednesdays from 2:00 – 3:20 PM (M222).

Women’s Choir

The Texas State University Women’s Choir is a non-audition performance group designed to enhance the skills of developing musicians through the choral genre. Repertoire is chosen that incorporates many styles and represents the vast canon of choral music including small octavos and larger works. Emphasis is placed on nurturing reading skills and honing awareness of musical form, stylistic characteristics, and musical ensemble performance. As the women help build a “culture of singing” at Texas State, they foster a community of beautiful music in a positive environment. This ensemble is directed by Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer, director of choral music education.

Approximately 90 women participated in the 2010 Texas Collegiate Women’s Chorus Festival performance. The ladies have been invited to sing with the Turtle Creek Chorale and the Fort Worth Symphony as Partners in Harmony during the fall of 2011.

Women’s Choir rehearses Monday/Wednesdays from 12:30 – 1:50 PM (M222).

Symphonic Choir

For major works with orchestra all of the Texas State choirs combine to create the 200-voice Texas State Symphonic Choir. Recent performances include Orff’s Carmina Burana and Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor. The Symphonic Choir has performed with the Texas State Symphony Orchestra, Round Rock Symphony and the Victoria Bach Festival Orchestra.