UNCG CHORAL ENSEMBLES

The UNCG Choral program is recognized for excellence, creative performances, and high artistic standards. The UNCG Choirs are comprised of four ensembles: University Chamber Singers, University Chorale, Coro di Belle Voce and Spartan Voices. These diverse offerings allow students the opportunity to experience a wide range of stylistic ideas through the exploration of music from various time periods and various cultures, including major choral-orchestral works as well as smaller chamber pieces. The UNCG Choirs have performed at state, regional, national and international conferences. Dr. Welborn Young serves as director of choral activities and conductor of the University Chamber Singers and Coro di Belle Voce. Dr. Carole Ott serves as associate director of Choral Activities and conducts the University Chorale and Coro di Belle Voce. Dr. Brett Nolker is director of choral music education and conducts Spartan Voices.

The mission of the UNCG Choirs is dedicated to the teaching, performance, study and cultivation of choral music of the highest quality representing not just the western choral canon but also choral music of other cultures by a diverse body of historical and new composers. We believe that the UNCG Choirs are a serious and distinctive medium of musical expression, of vital service and importance to its members and to UNCG. Through ensemble performance, we strive to create an environment of trust, communication, and expressive freedom, to present outstanding performances throughout the year, and to enhance the institutional sprit and character of UNCG. To music as an art and a profession, the UNCG Choirs seek to bring increasing artistry, understanding, and respect by efforts within our own immediate sphere and by providing leadership and sponsorship to school choral programs and through cooperation with all other agencies pursuing similar musical goals.

Note: Graduate students should enroll at the 600 level for ensembles (680, 682, 678, 688)

SPARTAN VOICES (ENS 380/680)

Spartan Voices (ENS 380/680) is a mixed ensemble of singers from across campus. No audition is necessary for students who are not music majors or minors. This ensemble sings literature from all historical periods and styles: classical, sacred, secular, serious and lighter works from broadway to pops.

Brett Nolker, conductor
ENS 380-01 | ENS 680-01 (1 credit)
TR (12:30 – 1:45 pm)

CORO DI BELLE VOCE/Treble Choir (ENS 387/687)

UNCG Treble Choir (ENS 387/687) is an SSA(A) ensemble made up of music majors, minors, and singers from across campus. They rehearse T/Th 12:30-1:45 in Tew Recital Hall and perform under the direction of Prof. Lindsay Kesselman. This ensemble will appeal to those wanting to build knowledge and skill in the areas of musicianship, vocal development, and connective performance with audiences. Singers will explore historical and contemporary repertoire across a variety of genres/styles.

Lindsay Kesselman, conductor
ENS 388-01 | ENS 688-01 (1 credit)
TR (12:30 – 1:45 pm)

UNIVERSITY CHORALE (ENS 382-01/682)

The University Chorale is a mixed choir of 40 to 50 singers. The Chorale performs a full range of literature primarily representing the western choral tradition. In AY 2024–25, the University Chorale will be directed both by graduate student conductors as well as Dr. Carole Ott Coelho. The ensemble should appeal to those wanting to build knowledge and skill in the areas of sight-reading, conducting gesture, rehearsal techniques, choral repertoire, and free improvisation. University Chorale will perform programs of varied repertoire throughout the school year, spending 5-6 weeks on each program.

Carole Ott Coelho, conductor
ENS 382-01 | ENS 682-01 (1 credit)
TR (12:30 – 1:45 pm), F (1:00 – 1:50 pm)

CHAMBER SINGERS (ENS 388/688)

Chamber Singers (ENS 388/688) is primarily made up of advanced undergraduate and graduate student singers. Undergraduate students are eligible for membership in Chamber Singers only after participating in one of the other UNCG choral ensembles for at least one semester and passing a through the audition process. Because of its more rigorous schedule of rehearsals and performances both on and off-campus throughout the year, this ensemble requires students to make a full-year commitment, with exceptions made for music education students in their final semester for student teaching.

Carole Ott Coelho, conductor
ENS 388-01 | ENS 688-01 (1 credit)
MW (11:00 am– 12:50 pm)