WCU Choral Program

Support the WCU Choral Program

Wells Choirs at WCU:

Your contribution during the Day of Giving will have an immediate impact on the more than 200 Golden Rams that sing in the vibrant and active choral program at the Wells School of Music. Donations to the choral program support student travel, annual guest artist residencies, collaborations with professional ensembles, student scholarships, community outreach, and technology purchases. The Wells Choirs provide high-level student experiences that reside at the intersection of artistry and education, and we’re grateful for your support of our students’ work, accomplishments, and aspirations!

About the WCU Choral Program:

The choral program is an important part of the University's cultural life, with 200 or more students enrolled each semester in one of eight ensembles performing more than a dozen concerts annually for large and appreciative audiences. The WCU choirs sing an amazing range of repertoire: traditional choral repertoire, chamber music, large choral masterworks with orchestra, Spirituals, folk songs, opera choruses, vocal jazz, early music, premieres of new music, and music from around the world.

Beyond concerts, we regularly host internationally renowned guest composers, conductors, and professional choral ensembles. In the 25-26 academic year alone, the choir hosted Dr. Dennis Shrock for a choral literature residency, GRAMMY-winning conductor Dr. Donald Nally for a conducting residency, and the all-women’s professional choral ensemble, Lyyra, for a choral workshop and concert. Interactions with professionals of this caliber ignite a passion for excellence in our students that far outlasts their time on campus.

Travel Support:

Starting in 2026, the Concert Choir, WCU’s flagship ensemble, will initiate a touring schedule spanning local, regional, national, and international destinations. Even a short three-day tour can reach more than a thousand high school students, and international travel offers transformative artistic and cultural opportunities while advancing the University’s reputation. Your support ensures that every student can participate—contributions will go directly to funding student travel.

Scholarships:

Scholarships through the choral program fund the study of both undergraduate and graduate students and provide professional opportunities for singers and pianists. The graduate program in choral conducting at the Wells School of Music attracts exceptional emerging conductors from across the country, and our alumni continue to achieve remarkable success in the field. Your financial support helps us continue to recruit and retain the most talented graduate conductors—students whose leadership, artistry, and dedication enrich the entire WCU choral community.