Music

Choral Music Opportunities

Choral music thrives at CWU, with four traditional Choral Ensembles, Opera and two Vocal Jazz Ensembles offered. These ensembles comprise a mixture of voicing options, repertoire specialties, and ability levels. If you like to sing, there's a CWU Choir for you! 

CWU's Reputation

The CWU choirs are recognized for their consistent excellence across the country and beyond.  The traditional choirs are known for their stunning tone and intonation, and our Vocal Jazz groups continue the roots of NW Vocal Jazz styles.  Each choir has achieved its own recognition!

Chamber Choir - Dr. Nicole Lamartine

The CWU Chamber Choir has been hailed in the last year as “the finest collegiate choir in the west” with “genius programming” and “stunning” performances. Chamber Choir is the flagship choral ensemble at Central, representing excellence in vocal talent, musicianship, and professionalism. This SATB ensemble focuses on innovative programming - including premieres, commissions, and guest artists -  to create a concert experience of exploration and intention. With a tradition of excellence spanning several decades, the CWU Chamber Choir is under leadership of Director of Choirs, Dr. Nicole C. Lamartine.   The members represent the highest level of singing musicians at Central.

• Chamber Choir Auditions – only open to students with Sophomore standing or above
• Full year commitment
• MTWThF 11-11:50am   Choir Room (McIntyre 153) or Concert Hall
• MUS 268, 2 credits (Fr/So), MUS 468, 2 cr. (Jn/Sn), MUS 568, 1 cr. (Grad)

Vox Divina - Dr. Nicole Lamartine

Vox Divina creates beauty in community by performing music infused with expression to inspire the lives of all audience members.  Described as possessing an “intoxicating” vocal tone, this non-auditioned treble choir membership ranges from brand-new singers to pre-service music education and performance majors.  We strive to bring breadth and depth of musical experience: the ensemble provides new singers with music literacy and a foundation of strong vocal technique, while music education majors receive leadership opportunities.  The choir sings a variety of musical styles from cultures around the world and is under the leadership of CWU Director of Choirs, Dr. Nicole Lamartine.

• Non-Auditioned – open to all students, all majors
• MWF  12-12:50pm Choir Room  (McIntyre 153) or Concert Hall
• MUS 211, 2 credits (Fr/So), MUS 411, 2 cr. (Jn/Sn)

University Chorale - Prof. Vijay Singh

University Chorale is the largest mixed choral ensemble at CWU open to all students without audition.  Founded by Scott Peterson as a graduate teaching assistant in 1974, Chorale has become a destination ensemble for all students who love to sing regardless of major area of study.  Prof. Vijay Singh has directed the Chorale since 1999 and emphasizes building musicianship, teaching vocal technique, commitment to excellence, and varied entertaining programming.

• All first year voice students should register for this ensemble
• Non-Auditioned – open to all students, all majors
• MTWF  11-11:50pm    Choir Room (McIntyre 153) or Concert Hall
• MUS 267, 2 credits (Fr/So), MUS 467, 2 cr. (Jn/Sn), MUS 567, 1 cr. (Grad)

Wildcat Chorus - Dr. Scott Peterson

The CWU Wildcat Chorus is as ensemble for any CWU tenor and bass student who would like to sing:  The “Wildcatters” are non-auditioned.  They are an energetic group which fosters a team attitude and works to be a support group for the members as well.  We generally sing a program of music styles taken from the traditions of the tenor/bass choral canon.  The Wildcat Chorus has appeared at two Washington Music Educators Association conferences and at a NW Division Conference for the American Choral Directors Association in Seattle. Wildcat Chorus is conducted by Dr. Scott Peterson.

• Non-Auditioned – open to all students, all majors
• MWF  12-12:50pm  Choir Room (McIntyre 153) or Concert Hall
• MUS 228, 2 credits (Fr/So), MUS 428, 2 cr. (Jn/Sn)

Vocal Jazz Groups - Prof. Vijay Singh

CWU offers two vocal jazz ensembles. Each of them is designed for the singer who wants to experience the thrill of close harmony singing in the jazz idiom.

• Vocal Jazz I is the premiere vocal jazz ensemble at CWU and has been acknowledged as one of the finest collegiate jazz vocal ensembles in the country with invitations to perform at IAJE, ACDA, and MENC national conventions. Vocal Jazz 1 consists of upper level students selected for their technical skills, musicality, stylistic diversity, jazz sophistication, and performance abilities.
• Vocal Jazz II focuses on building musicianship and repertoire through improvisation, ensemble skills, stylistically authentic performance practices, and jazz concepts. Repertoire focuses on custom arrangements by students, alumni, and other Northwest jazz luminaries. Students often gain experience and skills in Vocal Jazz 2 necessary to compete for spots in Vocal Jazz 1, creating a "feeder program" for the premiere ensemble.

Large Ensemble Requirement

Chamber Choir and University Chorale are considered "large ensembles" (this only matters for music majors). Up to six quarters of Wildcat Chorus and Vox Divina can be substituted for large ensemble credits.

For more information about Choral Ensembles, contact Dr. Nicole Lamartine.