Northwestern Concert Choir Open to Public, Rehearsals on Monday Evenings

September 28, 2022

Members of the University Singers at Northwestern Oklahoma State University perform at the spring Soundscapes concert at the Alva Bus Barn. Members of the community can join these singers by participating in the Concert Choir each Monday evening in the J.W. Martin Library Annex.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s music program is once again welcoming members of the public and anyone from the university to participate in the Concert Choir. Rehearsals are Mondays from 6:55 to 8:45 p.m. in the J.W. Martin Library Annex.

“We want to welcome all community members and alumni members to come out and join in to sing and enjoy our singing community,” Dr. Karsten Longhurst, assistant professor of music and director of choral music, said. “We have room for singers of all levels. If you are just getting started, returning to singing after a while, or would just like to let your voice ring and not only in the shower, then this is the group for you!”

Three separate sessions will be open to everyone interested in all surrounding communities at no cost. The first session, “Cantate,” started on Aug. 23 and will continue each Monday evening through Oct. 18. The second session, “Holiday Session,” is Oct. 24 through Dec. 3. The “Masterworks Session,” will begin on Jan. 9, 2023, which is the first Monday of the spring 2023 semester.

The first concert, “Cantate,” featuring works from musical theatre, the Renaissance, Africa, and more, will take place on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Alva. The second concert, “Holiday Session,” will be a joint concert with the university band at the Holiday Gala Concert on Dec. 3 in Herod Hall. The third concert, “Masterworks Sessions,” will take place on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. More information about each concert will be announced soon.

“Concert Choir is an opportunity for people in all walks of life to come and be a part of the experience of making beautiful music,” said junior Emily Smith, a vocal music education major from Harrah. “With such a friendly and hardworking atmosphere, so many new connections are made and hearts are filled. Personally, it is so cool to see the camaraderie between the ‘choir vets’ helping others who are on the beginner side of music and then witnessing their growth from when they first joined Concert Choir.”

For more information about the Concert Choir, contact Longhurst at (580) 327-8662 or krlonghurst@nwosu.edu.

For additional information about the choral and vocal studies program, visit https://www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/fine-arts/choral-and-vocal-studies.  More about all facets of the Reichenberger Fine Arts Department may be found at www.nwosu.edu/fine-arts.

-NW-