Choral Program

The Choral Program at Northern Kentucky University provides the opportunity for students from all disciplines to be involved in a variety of quality choral ensembles. Students are taught by faculty with outstanding credentials and significant experience who believe in the individual growth of the student as well as the quality of the choral experience. NKU choral ensembles are highly regarded at the state and regional level, appearing at major conventions on a regular basis, touring each year and presenting a number of concerts in venues throughout the region and state each semester.

Chamber Choir
The NKU Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Randy Pennington, is the elite choral ensemble at Northern. The ensemble is open to any student enrolled at the university. The ensemble specializes in the performance of challenging choral repertoire. They have performed by invitation at such events as the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Conference, the Southern Division Conference of the Music Educators National Conference (SMENC), Sing! Cincinnati, the dedication of the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts, as well as regional secondary schools, churches and civic organizations. The choir also travels regularly and recently took an international tour of Great Britain. AUDITION REQUIRED

Northern Chorale
The Northern Chorale is the largest choral ensemble at NKU. The group is composed of both music majors and non-music majors; members go through an informal group audition for voice part placement. The Chorale is under the direction of Dr. Randy Pennington and performs a variety of literature throughout the year. The Chorale also combines with the other choral ensembles to perform a major choral/orchestral work each year. NO AUDITION REQUIRED

Vocal Jazz Ensemble
The NKU Vocal Jazz Ensemble are small, auditioned ensembles that specialize in the performance of standard and contemporary vocal jazz and solo jazz literature. Under the direction of Dr. Randy Pennington, the ensembles perform frequently in the Cincinnati region including performances at area clubs (The Blue Wisp) and theatres, civic organizations, and on campus. Don Steins is the accompanist for the ensemble. The group also regularly performs with outstanding jazz performers in the Cincinnati area.THIS GROUP WILL BE PERFORMING AT THE AMERICIAN CHORAL DIRECTOR’S ASSOCIATION SOUTHEREN CONVENTION IN MEMPHIS IN SPRING 2010. AUDITION REQUIRED

Women's Ensemble
This is the newest choral ensemble at NKU. Directed by Dr. Vance Wolverton the choir meets two days a week (T, R) from 9:25-10:40 and presents two to three concerts per semester. A perfect choir for female students with limited time that love to sing true women’s chorus literature. Ditch the men and enroll ladies! NO AUDITION REQUIRED