Men’s Chorale
Dr. James Tipps, conductor
The
Wright State Men’s Chorale provides the opportunity to learn about
the art of choral music in a university setting. Members develop musical skills
and superior vocal technique through rehearsal and performance of a wide variety
of challenging choral literature. The Chorale also gives back to the community
by motivating young people to participate in vocal activities and encouraging
young men to identify with a positive image of collegiate men singing in performances
and workshops.
The Men’s Chorale has performed for many schools, churches, retirement homes, and various civic functions, and the group has been regionally televised. The Chorale has also performed in the state and regional Music Education Conference, and frequently joins forces with other WSU ensembles to perform masterworks.. Other venues have included basketball games, graduation ceremonies, homecoming festivities, tours, and an annual anything-goes variety show.
Much of the Chorale’s appeal to the public results from the wide variety of both secular and sacred choral music representing all if the major style periods. The ensemble is able to adapt to diverse audiences with lively folk song arrangements, entertaining selections from opera, operetta, musical theater, and movies, as well as popular tunes.
Always looking for a few more good men, the Chorale is made up of over 70 students from various academic disciplines, with over two-thirds of the ensemble being non-music majors. The WSU Men’s Chorale is relatively new, having begun in 1995, and is anticipating continued numerical and artistic growth.
While an audition is required for joining, musical backgrounds of the members differ widely and have included participation in school choruses, bands, orchestras, show choirs, church choirs, musical theater, and rock bands.
