Vocal Ensembles

Choral Ensembles

Bel Canto

Image of choral's members wearing black clothes and singing for the choral.

The Azusa Pacific University Bel Canto Women’s Choir, under the direction of David Hughes, DMA, presents more than 20 performances each year. With more than 40 years of service history, the 50-voice ensemble travels extensively, ministering to and entertaining thousands of people worldwide. In addition to U.S. appearances, the Bel Canto Women’s Choir has performed internationally in places as diverse as Romania, Poland, and South Africa in cooperation with APU’s Center for Student Action. Local destinations include annual appearances at the Disneyland Resort and the Peter and Masha Plotkin Memorial Art Gallery. On campus, Bel Canto enjoys ensemble partnerships with the APU Symphony, Symphonic Band, Oratorio Choir, Chamber Singers, University Choir, and Men’s Chorale. Annual participation in APU’s Dinner Rally, Celebrate Christmas, and student-led Liturgical Chapel help Bel Canto connect with students, staff, faculty and alumni. All Bel Canto students enjoy the opportunity to study voice with one of the department’s voice faculty. Bel Canto regularly features new works commissioned by APU faculty, students, and other recognized composers, and enjoys additional leadership by graduate assistant directors.

Chamber Singers

Image of the chamber singers in front of the darling library at APU wearing black suits and blue dresses.

The Azusa Pacific University Chamber Singers, directed by Michelle Jensen, MM, perform works in a variety of musical styles and periods ranging from early Renaissance to contemporary a capella. Founded in 2000, Chamber Singers’ high level of performance is a result of talent, discipline, excellent musicianship, and professionalism. Members of the ensemble strive to sharpen their skills as performers, educators, and musicians. Chamber Singers perform at various university events and recitals, churches, high schools, other universities, and national and international conferences and competitions.

In addition to hosting local concerts, the APU Chamber Singers have competed and toured around the world, including Germany, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Wales, Ireland, France, and Hong Kong. They have performed at venues like the Sydney Opera House, the Vatican, Paul’s prison in Rome, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, and Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. They have commissioned numerous works, including “This Marriage” by Eric Whitacre, and have collaborated with artists and composers including Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre, Hila Plitman, Linda Eder, Sydney Guillaume, Ralph Carmichael, and Ben Bram (Pentatonix).

In fall 2011, the Chamber Singers were selected as 1 of 12 performing ensembles for the National Collegiate Choral Organization’s biannual conference in Fort Collins, Colorado, and again in fall of 2015 in Portland, Oregon. In spring 2013, the Chamber Singers went to Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia, Austria, where they competed in the 50th International Competition for Choirs (ICC) and won first place overall, and first place in every individual category by the highest margin in competition history. In spring 2015, Chamber Singers competed in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, where they placed second overall in the bid for the title of Choir of the World. In spring 2017, Chamber Singers competed both in Florilège Vocal de Tours in Tours, France as well as the International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf, Germany.

Gospel Choir

Image of the gospel choir performing in a stage wearing black gown with details in red.

APU’s Gospel Choir combines unique voices with a fresh sound to establish a gospel music experience that is both artistic and cultural. Combining the gifts and talents of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, administration, and community members makes this choir one of the most diverse organizations on campus.

The choir, led by Jonli Tunstall, PhD, performs at special events and at venues such as the Salvation Army, Union Rescue Mission, Desert Bar Association and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Annual Prayer Breakfast. Future plans include studio-recording sessions for various artists, a local area mini-tour, which will include visits to middle and high schools as well as churches in and around the Los Angeles County.

Masterworks Chorale

Image of the masterworks chorale.

The Masterworks Chorale is a large SATB chorus performing major choral works with orchestra. It is composed of APU undergraduate and graduate students, and is open to adult singers in the community via a choral audition with the conductor. The Masterworks Chorale is directed by John E. Simons, DMA, and rehearses 7-9:30 p.m. each Monday. For more information, contact the conductor at jesimons@apu.edu.

Men’s Chorale

Image of the Men's Chorale performing.

APU Men’s Chorale, under the direction of Galen Clark, has been a respected choral ensemble in the School of Music for more than 45 years. Composed of men from all disciplines and majors offered at APU, this 80-voice ensemble performs regularly at churches, schools, and civic organizations. Their repertoire represents many musical styles, including traditional men’s choral music, spirituals, jazz arrangements, hymns, folk songs, and contemporary Christian music. Men’s Chorale regularly performs newly commissioned works by APU faculty and students and contemporary composers.

Men’s Chorale has appeared at the National Day of Prayer in Washington, DC, the Los Angeles Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, and at A Celebration of Freedom at the Regan Library honoring 38 Medal of Honor awardees, as well as annual appearances for the Plotkin Memorial Foundation in Orange County. In addition, they have produced numerous custom recordings. Men’s Chorale tours annually, including the East Coast, Midwest, Hawaii, Korea, and Romania. In recent years, tours have included performances throughout the western United States.

University Choir

The University Choir, a premier choral ensemble in APU’s School of Music, is composed of top student musicians from the School of Music and throughout the university. Open to all students who read music and have choral experience, the University Choir performs the very best of choral literature from throughout the Western canon, specializing in music written for large choirs from historical periods and the latest compositions of today.

Vocal Groups

Driven

Image of the vocal group Driven.

This unique ensemble represents a diverse spectrum of students majoring in many areas of study who desire to minister to people through worship and music. Under the leadership of Galen Clark, Driven performs a wide variety of music ranging from Pentatonix songs to classic hymns, Renaissance to contemporary choruses, and gospel favorites. Their presentation includes riveting personal testimonies and profound messages. They perform regularly for community events throughout Los Angeles, and in various churches and Christian schools.

East End Vocal Jazz

Image of the East end vocal jazz.

APU’s East End Vocal Jazz is an audition-based vocal ensemble in the School of Music. The ensemble includes 8-12 talented singers and a full rhythm section. This ensemble performs a wide variety of vocal jazz literature, both classic and contemporary, and is available to perform for special private events in Los Angeles County. In addition to their performances each year, East End Vocal Jazz is honored to appear annually in the Battle of the Big Bands concert featuring both APU’s Jazz Ensemble and Citrus College’s Blue Note Orchestra. East End Vocal Jazz also appears regularly at schools, jazz festivals, civic organizations, and other local concert events. The ensemble is under the direction of Teryn McPherson, who also teaches as a Commercial Voice Private Instructor at APU, as well as Fullerton College. Teryn performs regularly with her own jazz ensembles such as the Teryn Ré Trio and Teryn Ré Big Band in the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas.

Opera

Image that represents the opera program at apu.

APU Opera offers comprehensive training for the aspiring singer/actor. Students work with designers from around the vibrant Los Angeles region, which is host to designers and artists of national and international renown. APU also frequently hosts master teachers and guest coaches from global industry-leading companies and conservatories.

APU Opera offers excellent training within a supportive and encouraging environment where singers of all levels can grow and develop, reaching their fullest potential. Along with music and language coaching, students have opportunities for training in stagecraft, acting, makeup, and improvisation. The fall opera scenes and spring production give students ample performance opportunities in opera in addition to their other ensemble responsibilities in the APU School of Music. APU Opera is directed by Kristof Van Grysperre.

Undone

Image of 14 students singing that represents the undone ministry program at apu.

Undone, led by Galen Clark, is a ministry ensemble of 14 voices that reaches out to Christian and public high schools across Southern California, performing a wide range of music with beautiful testimonies woven between numbers. The name Undone comes from the fact that when we draw close to God, He draws close to us and His indescribable goodness and love leave us undone.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

Donate Now
Full Menu