University of Texas at Tyler Choirs (Choirs)

Founded: 1975 - Tyler, Texas, USA

Concert Chorale

The UT Tyler Concert Chorale was organized in 1975 as the first music ensemble of the university and since that time has continued a rich heritage of performances across a wide variety of classical, sacred, folk and multicultural traditions. Choral-orchestral masterworks performed in recent years have included: J.S. Bach's Cantata Christ lag in Todesbanden BWV 4, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, W.A. Mozart's Missa in C, J. Haydn's Kleine Orgelmesse, J.S. Bach's Motet Jesu, meine Freude BWV 227, Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria, F. Schubert's Mass in G, John Rutter's Gloria, J. Rutter's Requiem, Gabriel Fauré's Requiem, Maurice Duruflé's Requiem. In 2018, Concert Chorale collaborated with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra in performances of George Frideric Handel's Zadok the Priest, Johannes Brahms's Nanie, and L.v. Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. An informal vocal screening with the director is needed prior to enrollment. Singers are also welcome to join mid-year.

Patriot Singers

Patriot Singers is the auditioned, vocal chamber ensemble of UT Tyler, and performs a vibrant and challenging repertoire from sacred Renaissance works to contemporary vocal jazz. Their many highly-attended performances include joint concerts with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Grammy-winning Swingle Singers, and performing the National Anthem for the Dallas Mavericks (20,000 in audience). In 2018 they were featured at the College Music Society South Central Regional Conference. In addition to formal performances with the Concert Chorale, the Patriot Singers perform in numerous featured community and regional events each year as musical ambassadors for the university at large. Membership is by audition in the spring. A full academic year commitment is expected.

Choir History

In 1975, Dr. Chadwick Edwards became the first choir director of the university when Tyler State College was renamed Texas Eastern University. In 1979, the school became UT Tyler when it joined the University of Texas system, offering only upper-division courses to transfer students. Dr. Mark Mecham served as conductor during Dr. Edwards' sabbatical (1984-1986). Dr. Edwards conducted the university choirs until 1990, following which Keith Weber, Director of Music at Christ Church Episopal, served as interim conductor (1990-1991).

Dr. Thomas Allen served as choir director from 1991 to 2006. During this time, the Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center opened (1997) and UT Tyler added freshman and sophomore classes, becoming a full four-year institution (1998). Dr. Mark Johnson directed the newly-formed Patriot Singers from 2003 to 2007. Dr. Allen passed away just prior to the spring concert of 2006. Dr. David Scholz (2006-2007) and Dr. John Petzet (2007-2008) served as interim conductors.

Dr. Cameron Rose-Balderas began his service as Director of Choral Activities in 2008, conducting the Concert Chorale and Patriot Singers. In 2016, the Center for the Musical Arts, a new wing of the Cowan Center was opened.

Sources:
UTTyler Website
Bits & pieces from other sources
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2024)

Cameron Rose: Short Biography | Ensembles: Cantori - Choral Artists of East Texas | UTTyler Concert Chorale | UTTyler Patriot Singers
Bach Discography: Recordings of Vocal Works

Links to other Sites

UTTyler Choirs (Official Page)