The 90-member Concert Choir was organized in the fall of 1988 and has a long tradition of great trips, close friendships and musical excellence. Members are chosen by audition. The majority of members major in areas other than music; approximately 30 majors within the University are represented. The group maintains an active schedule singing on campus, touring regionally and singing with the Harding Orchestra. In the last few years, the group has sung for Harding's presidential inauguration as a part of the combined 250-voice choir, and performed for President George Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Why you should join the Harding University Concert Choir
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, members of the Harding University Concert Choir seek to praise God by singing fantastic pieces in an atmosphere filled with friends, fun and laughter. As musicians, we strive to develop constant attention to musical excellence, a tradition that dates back to 1988, and one we hope to continue for many years to come. By joining Concert Choir, you get the opportunity to nurture lasting friendships with other Christians, and you become a member of a giant, boisterous family – one that will laugh, cry and pray with you. You will get to know people from every academic major-- from art to engineering, music to nursing-- and will develop relationships that may last for decades.
Questions You Might Have
Will Concert Choir be a massive time-drain?
Not at all! With rehearsals only three times a week and little assigned homework, Choir is a very fun and memorable way to integrate into campus life. We have about 8-10 events per semester outside of class—fewer than one per week.
Do you go on choir trips often?
We usually go on three or four trips a year. In recent years we have traveled to Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma as well as trips in Arkansas. A highlight of the year is the first trip- to Greer's Ferry Lake, where we sing a casual concert and have a choir retreat in a beautiful location.
Is memorization of music required?
It depends on the concert. Early in the year we often sing with music. As the year progresses, we move toward singing from memory, but most of the memorization happens in class. Some pieces require it due to strategic hand-clappery.
How much does it cost?
Choir dues are only $20 to $30 for the entire year. The course can be taken for one hour of credit or can be taken for zero credit.
Do I have to be a music major?
No, there are majors from all disciplines.
How do I get into Concert Choir?
Our main audition date is March 15, 2025. There are also open auditions the weekend before the fall semester starts (during Stampede). Announcements are posted in the Reynolds Center with information and times for auditions.
Students who audition for a music major scholarship are not required to do a separate choral ensemble audition.
Choral Alumni Scholarship Fund:
There are a limited number of choral scholarships that may be offered each year to non-majors singing with Harding choral groups. To apply for this scholarship, please email Dr. Kyle Pullen by February 15. A demonstration of solo singing and sight-reading will be part of the application process.
About our Director
Mrs. Stacey Neely, bio to come...
Choir Life
The Harding University Concert Choir provides many great opportunities to make friends, improve your musical talents, and expand your musical repertoire. With a fun and engaging atmosphere during rehearsal, members share a sense of belonging to both a family and to an integral part of campus life.
Early in September, we have a choir retreat at Greer’s Ferry Lake, where we sing an outdoor concert, swim, play volleyball and have a special choir devotional.
Concert Choir traditionally sings our first major performance of the year at Harding's Lectureship in September.
The remainder of the fall semester consists of concerts, on and close to campus, and an occasional full-day or overnight tour.
In the spring semester the Choir might participate in festivals and workshops, short overnight trips and other special activities such as the winter banquet.
What the students have to say
"Lots of people hear that I give up my lunchtime slot on MWF for choir, and they say, “But you don’t have a break!” But I really do. I love walking into that room a three times a week and sharing something so special with ninety other people. It’s so much fun, and I can only imagine how happy it makes God to hear us offer our talents back to Him, and LOVE doing it. It’s infinitely better than a lunch break, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything." - Erin Shadduck, Soprano
"Choir is happy! I love the carefree environment – everyone leaves their inhibitions at the door and has a good time. I always leave choir with a song in my head, and my spirits lifted. My dearest friends have come from choir, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences there for anything else." - Jeanie Cavender, Soprano
"For me choir was the beginning to a wonderful harmony-filled semester at Harding University. It added at least 100 different friends and people to my group of friends. Friends who I knew I would see on a regular basis and friends who are from some very different backgrounds. Choir has been a very enriching environment to me, teaching me discipline and fun throughout the years. Also, it’s always cool to have so many talented people around, knowing that they had to pass through the same audition you did at some point." - Stephan Raab, Bass