Choral Music Program

choir

The Delaware State University Choral Program is under the direction of Dr. Gregory McPherson, director of choirs. Contact him at 302.857.7399 or via email at gmcpherson [at] desu.edu.

UNIVERSITY CHOIR (MUSP 101)

The University Choir is a choral ensemble created to provide a high-quality choral experience to all Delaware State University students. Membership is open to all students.

The University Choir prepares and performs choral literature from medieval to 20th century. There are two main concerts on campus each year: one in the fall and one in the spring. The choir also performs for special occasions such as convocation, Parents and Family Weekend, and commencement.

Members of the University Choir earn one academic credit hour per semester.

CHAMBER SINGERS (MUSP 102)

The Chamber Singers is a selective vocal chamber ensemble of approximately 8 singers. It includes both music and non-music majors at Delaware State University.

Membership is by audition and only for those who meet the demands of voice, sight reading, overall musicianship, and commitment. Members are expected to have some formal voice training.

The Chamber Singers performs vocal music of every musical period but devotes its energies to performance of medieval, renaissance, and baroque music.

Members of the Chamber Singers earn one academic credit hour per semester and must also be enrolled in the University Choir (MUSP 101).

CHORAL UNION

The Choral Union is a college and community ensemble designed to provide a high-quality choral experience to the student body, faculty, staff, and interested community singers.

The Choral Union performs two large choral works, one in the fall and one in the spring. Repertoire includes works such as Handel’s Messiah and Faure’s Requiem.

Rehearsals are held on Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Education and Humanities Choral Room. No credit is earned for this ensemble.

CHOIR SCHOLARSHIP

The Delaware State University Choir Scholarship recognizes student’s achievements and talents in the vocal arts.

Scholarship Application

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

$1,000 to $4,000 Awards

These scholarships are in addition to any academic awards for which the student may qualify during the academic year. Scholarships are renewable each year, for a maximum of three years, by completing an audition and the attached form.

HOW TO APPLY:

Complete the Choir Scholarship Application form and submit it to Dr. Gregory McPherson, Director of Choirs (EH 286).

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS:

Students invited to audition for a scholarship must prepare two contrasting pieces (more details below) and be prepared to interview with a faculty member.

Questions? Contact Dr. Gregory McPherson in the music department at 302.857.7399 or gmcpherson [at] desu.edu.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

If your performance requires accompaniment, it is preferred that you bring your own accompanist or a high-quality accompaniment sound file. If you provide accompanist parts at the time of application submission, a staff accompanist will be available.

Prepare two classical or Broadway songs in contrasting nature (style, tempo, mood). Performance in a foreign language for at least one piece is encouraged but not required. Both pieces must be memorized (approximately 6 to 10 minutes total).

Students are asked to submit a Google Drive or One Drive link to Dr. Gregory McPherson at gmcpherson [at] desu.edu

REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOLARSHIP:

  • GPA must remain higher than a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Must be enrolled in courses full-time. If academic probation or suspension occurs, the student may lose their scholarship.
  • Must participate in voice lessons and university choir during the entire academic year, receiving a letter grade of “B” or higher.

Performance Schedule

Performance dates to be announced.