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Choirs

The NC State Choirs offer a community of singers for students who wish to lift their voices in harmony with others. As a member of a choir, you’ll hone your musical skills, learn a wide variety of choral music, and connect with fellow student-performers who share your love of singing. You’ll perform in concerts with your friends and travel for unique performances, forming memories that will last a lifetime.

Being involved with State Chorale has helped shape my voice and has allowed me to make so many new friends at NC State! [The department] has allowed me to continue growing as a musician throughout my time at college.

Matt Slaughter

B.S. chemical engineering, 2021

State Chorale (MUS 115)

The State Chorale is the premier choral ensemble at NC State. This 50-voice choir is dedicated to upholding and advancing the art of choral music in the collegiate tradition through the performance of the finest choral literature of all eras.

The Chorale has a rich tradition and performs regularly throughout the year, including tours every 2-3 years. Members of State Chorale typically have significant prior vocal experience and strong music reading skills.

Directed by Dr. Nathan Leaf

MUS 115 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Photograph of the State Chorale performing inside Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. Image shows a large group of students wearing formal attire, holding folders of sheet music and singing.

University Singers (MUS 111)

University Singers performs a wide variety of repertoire for SATB choir, with a particular focus on modern compositions. Additional emphasis is also placed on the development of choral skills. All singers are welcome, and most singers who are new to NC State first sing in University Singers.

Directed by Dr. Nathan Leaf

MUS 111 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-4:15 p.m.

Photo of a group of male singers performing with the choir wearing tuxedos and snapping their fingers.

Chamber Singers (MUS 114)

With members drawn from State Chorale and University Singers, members of Chamber Singers will perform chamber vocal music, in small groups ranging from 4-16 voices, typically with one or two singers on each part.

Directed by Dr. Nathan Leaf

MUS 114 meets Mondays, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Close up image of a female singer singing a solo during a concert.

The NC State University Choral Artists

The NC State University Choral Artists is a public-private partnership between the NC State University choral music program and professionals in the vocal music industry that brings excellent and innovative choral music to NC State. This partnership aspires to the highest levels of musical artistry and is dedicated to collaborative musical performances that positively impact NC State students, the community, and the Triangle’s choral music scene.

Dr. Nathan Leaf conducts the State Chorale

Faculty

Nathan Leaf

Teaching Professor | Assistant Department Head | Director of Choral Activities | Conductor of Choirs

Frequently asked questions

Most first-year choir students will audition into University Singers and should hold space for it in their schedules. Some experienced choral singers may be placed into State Chorale. Dr. Leaf will recommend students in either of the two SATB choirs for Chamber Singers following choir auditions (if you have a particular interest in chamber singing, contact Dr. Leaf for more details).

Students interested in pursuing the music minor in the vocal performance track may register for MUS 193 (Applied Music Lessons I). A limited number of spaces are available in MUS 190 (Preparatory Applied Music Lessons) for non-music minors who wish to take voice lessons.

All new choir students should register for MUS 111, University Singers, which meets T/Th at 3:00, and sign up for an audition time.

Other questions?

Contact Dr. Nathan Leaf, director of choral activities, at 919.515.8280 or njleaf@ncsu.edu