About WFU Choirs

Our mission

​Choral music has a long tradition that stems back to the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. It is no wonder, then, considering the breadth and wealth of exquisite choral literature available to choirs in the modern day, that programming for ensembles in the Wake Forest University choirs can be a delightful challenge. At Wake Forest, where great emphasis is placed upon academic rigor, intellectual integrity, and the pursuit of excellence, the focus for the choirs is twofold: to provide students a well-rounded education in the great historic works from the choral repertoire of the past, and to introduce them to well-crafted contemporary works that are shaping the ever-evolving choral landscape of the future.

Within those parameters, throughout four years of participation in the choral program at Wake Forest, the choirs perform challenging repertoire that is artistically meritorious, scholarly, and historically relevant, while at the same time indulging in new and exciting repertoire that bridges the gap between the classical and popular genres through the performance and study of various multicultural, folk, and pop-style compositions.

Wake Forest University students value the study of culture and see the arts as a bridge to the past and a pathway to the future. Choral participation teaches discipline, focus, artistry, interpretive and cultural sensitivity, body awareness, nuance of language diction and meaning, empathy, teamwork, and a number of other unique skills. Students find that the disciplined, academic study of music through history, theory, and performance not only challenges their mental acuity, but their personal discipline, and inner resolve, not to mention a larger world-view and social awareness.

Choirs at Wake Forest are open to ALL students (including graduate students) from every academic discipline and skill level, from beginning to advanced. Auditions for the choirs are held during the first week of classes (both semesters) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in Scales Fine Arts Center Room M208.

*may be taken as a course for academic credit or for non-credit. 

The skills necessary to be a trained artist are at the cutting edge of the proficiencies vital in today’s competitive and comprehensive market, and the rigor and flexibility music study engenders sets the motivated and focused student on the right path towards a successful future—no matter what their ultimate career path.  

For questions or additional information, email Dr. Gilliam.