- Singing Statesmen
The Singing Statesmen, the
Glee Club of theUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau Claire , is a male vocal ensemble composed of students from a wide array of academic backgrounds. The Singing Statesmen are one of seven vocal ensembles of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, "Wisconsin's Singing University."About the Group
The ensemble was established in 1966 by Morris D. Hayes, who sought to create an outstanding choral ensemble for male voices. The ensemble has been directed by three conductors: Morris D. Hayes from 1966 to 1988; Bruce G. McInnes from 1988 to 1990; and Gary R. Schwartzhoff from 1991 to present.
The ensemble is guided by its tradition and history as its creed "Once a Statesmen, Always a Statesmen" reflects. The ensemble performs a wide variety of repertoire, but is best known for their performances of German and Austrian pieces. The choir performs compositions of
Anton Bruckner ,Johann Strauss II , andMozart annually at the University's Viennese Ball.The history of The Singing Statesmen is rich with noted performances, both at home and abroad. The Statesmen performed at the 1983 and 2003 National Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). The Statesmen hosted the Intercollegiate Men's Choruses, Inc. (IMC) National Seminar in 1996 and 2006. In 1994, The Statesmen performed for the Austrian National Day of Celebration at the Austrian Consulate in Chicago and at the 1995 Eastern Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Milwaukee. In 1998 and 2000, The Singing Statesmen performed at the ACDA Divisional Conventions. In 2003, The Statesmen performed at the ACDA National Convention in New York City. Additionally, the ensemble performed at the Wisconsin Music Educators Convention in 1998 and 2004.
The Statesmen have released eight recordings during their history including: "25th Anniversary"; "Musik"; "Volume³"; "2002 European Tour"; "At the Ball"; "An American Journey"; "2004 WMEA Convention"; and "A Testament".
In 2008, The Singing Statesmen performed at the ACDA North Central Divisional Convention in Fargo, and will be performing at the MENC National Convention in Milwaukee in April.
External links
* [http://www.uwec.edu/Mus-The/Choir/statesmen.htm The Singing Statesmen Website]
* [http://www.uwec.edu The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire]
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