The University Choir

The University Choir is the primary choral unit for the University and serves as the major ensemble requirement for the B.A. and B.S. majors in voice and piano. The Literature for this group includes but is not limited to classical choral, anthems, masses, oratorical works, spirituals, gospel selections, and secular selections when appropriate. The University Choir maintains a membership of 70 to 100 voices. This group provides music for the major choral events on campus such as Convocation, Founder's Day, and Commencement. Furthermore, the Choir produces at least two major concerts annually, sings in the University Memorial Church, and provides musical support for a number of campus-wide venues.

The Concert Choir
The University Concert Choir can serve as the major ensemble requirement for the B.A. and B.S. majors in voice and piano. Admission into this group is through an additional audition and requires permission from the Director of Choirs. The Concert Choir is a select ensemble auditioned from both the University Choir and the University Gospel Choir. This group is the primary touring/performing ensemble for the University. With a history that dates back as early as 1870, this group is charged with upholding the traditions of former ensembles.

Performing a wide variety of concert choral literatures, the choir specializes in music of African-American composers as well as new music by American composers. The choir joins the other choirs in performance at Convocation and Commencement. Additionally, the choir produces one major on-campus concert, occasionally sings in Memorial Church, and provides at least two community concerts annually. The Concert Choir tours on weekends, during the full Spring Break, and during the week prior to commencement. Highlights include appearances at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, St. John the Divine, in the Virgin Islands, Sweden, Denmark, British Columbia, and England to name just a few. In 1997, the choir performed for the Inauguration of President William Jefferson Clinton.

The Gospel Choir: His Chosen Sounds

The University Gospel Choir has been in existence at Hampton for thirty years. The choir primarily sings a variety of musical styles within the gospel music genre. However, there is a fundamental foundation for quality singing achieved through the singing of spirituals and anthems. The Gospel Choir maintains a limited membership of up to 125 singers.

This group provides music in conjunction with the University Choir for events such as Convocation and Commencement. Additionally, the choir sings in Memorial Church, produces at least three major concerts annually, provides a venue for community service, and participates in High School Day and other campus events. This group also tours on weekends to cities throughout the eastern seaboard. Highlights include performances in New York City's St. Paul The Apostle Cathedral, The Hampton Crab Festival, appearances at Mary Washington College, and performances with LaShun Pace, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Winans and Richard Smallwood.