Choral Ensembles

Chamber Singers (MU1512)

MW: 2:00 - 3:15 PM
Location: Weber 206 (Singer Rehearsal Room)
Conductor: Dr. Mason (bio)

Chamber Singers is a small auditioned ensemble usually limited to four or less on a part singing. Members are typically co-enrolled in University Singers. Chamber Singers explore the rich variety of music for small ensemble, with an emphasis on non-conducted or self-conducted performances. Chamber Singers has been the featured guest ensemble at state and regional ACDA events, and have performed for numerous choral department concert tours. The ensemble performs at most choral events, and has been invited to sing for special holiday performances, UMD campus receptions, and for special projects including: a cantata for the Baeumler-Kaplan Holocaust observance; motets for a mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral; chorus for a Baroque opera; and performances with the Chamber Orchestra.

Audition information is below.

Concert Chorale (MU1510)

MW 4:30 -  6:00 PM
Location: Bohanan 90
Conductor: Dr. Mason (bio)

Concert Chorale is a non-auditioned choir dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of music from a variety of cultures, styles, and historical periods. Concert Chorale typically performs twice each semester in the Weber Music Hall. Comprising both music majors and non-music majors alike, Concert Chorale welcomes any interested student on campus. 

No audition is required for Concert Chorale. All you need to do is register for MU 1510.

Keep an eye out for an email from Dr. Mason. Likely, Concert Chorale will not meet during the first week of classes.

Lake Effect Vocal Jazz Ensemble (MU1513/4513)

MWF 12:00 - 12:50
Location: Singer Rehearsal Hall, H206
Conductor: Professor Dixon (bio)

Founded in 1992, the UMD vocal jazz program has been the largest curricular ensemble program specializing in vocal jazz and contemporary commercial styles in the state of Minnesota. Composed of students of varying majors and musical backgrounds, UMD’s vocal jazz ensemble, Lake Effect, performs two sold out solo concerts each year and joins the UMD Choirs on their Sounds of the Season and Honors festival concerts. In addition to campus and community gigs, Lake Effect travels regionally, nationally, and internationally, including trips to Ireland and China. 

In 2023, Lake Effect appeared as the featured performer at the Kirkwood Jazz Festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In the past, UMD vocal jazz performed frequently at the well-known Western Michigan Gold Company Vocal Jazz Invitational, where the ensemble has received Outstanding Performance Awards.

In 2005, Lake Effect won a Downbeat Award in the Outstanding Collegiate Performance category. Lake Effect was selected for the 2006 ACDA state convention and for the 2007 MMEA Midwinter Clinic. In March of 2014, Lake Effect performed at the North Central Division for ACDA in Des Moines, Iowa where they opened for Cantus. 

Membership in the UMD vocal jazz ensemble is open to all UMD students regardless of major or year in school. All are welcome! If you enjoy singing: 1) jazz, latin, funk, rock, pop and other popular styles, 2) challenging harmonies, and 3) on mics in small groups, then consider joining. If you have never sung jazz, no worries - we do all kinds of popular genres. We are looking for potential, not perfection!

If you are interested in auditioning for Lake Effect, see below for information.

University Singers (MU1511)

MW 3:20 - 4:30 in Bohannon 90
TR 3:00 - 4:10 in Chester Park Room 209
Conductor: Dr. Mason (bio)

Selected by audition from students of any major on campus, University Singers is the premier large ensemble in the UMD choral program. Founded in 1972 by Professor Vernon H. Opheim, University Singers has a long and successful history of performances, including nine concert tours of Europe; concert tours in Kenya, Tanzania, and Costa Rica; and invited performances for state and regional conferences of both ACDA and MMEA. University Singers is conducted by Dr. Mason, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth. 

University Singers maintains an active performance schedule, performing large choral masterworks with the UMD Symphony Orchestra and combined choral ensembles and annual concert traditions, including the Weber Memorial Concert, Sounds of the Season, and annual fall, mid-winter, and spring concerts. The choir has hosted and performed under guest conductors from Sweden, Hungary, and Russia.

Auditions for University Singers are described below. Register for MU 1511 to be on the email list or contact Dr. Mason directly at mason421@d.umn.edu with any questions. 

Audition Information

UMD Vocal Ensemble Auditions will take place Friday, August 22 through Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

Auditons are open to students from any major on campus. All vocal music majors are required to audition for choir and will be placed in the appropriate ensemble by the choral faculty. 

Auditions for Chamber Singers and University Singers

1. Fill out this information form.

2. Review and prepare according to these audition requirements. 

3. Sign-up for a time here.

Auditions will take place in Humanities 246.
Email Dr. Mason (mason421@d.umn.edu) with any questions.

Auditions for Lake Effect Vocal Jazz Ensemble

1. Fill out this information form.

2. Sign-up for a time HERE. Please email Lora Dixon if you have conflicts with all of the available times.

3. Review and prepare according to these audition requirements.

Auditions will take place in Humanities 236.
Questions: Professor Dixon (gaut0012@d.umn.edu)