Choirs

The NC State Choirs offer a community of singers for students who wish to lift their voices in harmony with others. As a member of a choir, you’ll hone your musical skills, learn a wide variety of choral music, and connect with fellow student-performers who share your love of singing. You’ll perform in concerts with your friends and travel for unique performances, forming memories that will last a lifetime.

Being involved with State Chorale has helped shape my voice and has allowed me to make so many new friends at NC State! [The department] has allowed me to continue growing as a musician throughout my time at college.
Matt Slaughter
B.S. chemical engineering, 2021

University Singers (MUS 111)

University Singers performs a wide variety of repertoire for SATB choir, with a particular focus on modern compositions. Additional emphasis is also placed on the development of choral skills. All singers are welcome, and most singers who are new to NC State first sing in University Singers.

Directed by Dr. Nathan Leaf

MUS 111 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-4:15 p.m.

Questions? Email Dr. Nathan Leaf

Photo of a group of male singers performing with the choir wearing tuxedos and snapping their fingers.

Chamber Singers (MUS 114)

With members drawn from State Chorale and University Singers, members of Chamber Singers will perform chamber vocal music, in small groups ranging from 4-16 voices, typically with one or two singers on each part.

Directed by Dr. Nathan Leaf

MUS 114 meets Mondays, 3-5 p.m.

Questions? Email Dr. Nathan Leaf

Close up image of a female singer singing a solo during a concert.

State Chorale (MUS 115)

The State Chorale is the premier choral ensemble at NC State. This 50-voice choir is dedicated to upholding and advancing the art of choral music in the collegiate tradition through the performance of the finest choral literature of all eras.

The Chorale has a rich tradition and performs regularly throughout the year, including tours every 2-3 years. Members of the State Chorale typically have significant prior vocal experience and strong music reading skills.

Directed by Dr. Nathan Leaf

MUS 115 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m.

Questions? Email Dr. Nathan Leaf

Photograph of the State Chorale performing inside Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. Image shows a large group of students wearing formal attire, holding folders of sheet music and singing.

Where in the world are the NC State choirs?

Our choirs love to travel and perform around the country and the world. See photos from some of our most recent tours.

Choir students posing for a picture in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland — State Chorale in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

Choir students posing in a large church — University Singers at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh

Choir Students performing on stage with a symphony — Choir members performing with the Legend of Zelda symphony tour at DPAC

Choir posing for a photo at St. Peter’s Basilica — State Chorale singing at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

Combined Choirs and Orchestra performing at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh — Combined Choirs and Orchestra at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh

State Chorale holiday performance at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington D.C.

Singing Statesmen performing in North Raleigh

NC State Chorale students standing in Salzburg Cathedral in Austria — State Chorale at the Salzburg Cathedral in Austria.

Vox Accalia performing in a church — Vox Accalia at the Soprano-Alto choir festival in Blacksburg, VA

State Chorale posing for a photo in Assisi, Italy — State Chorale in Assisi, Italy

State Chorale performing in Charlotte, NC — State Chorale in Charlotte, NC

State Chorale standing in front of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney, Ireland — State Chorale at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, Ireland

The NC State University Choral Artists

The NC State University Choral Artists is a public-private partnership between the NC State University choral music program and professionals in the vocal music industry that brings excellent and innovative choral music to NC State. This partnership aspires to the highest levels of musical artistry and is dedicated to collaborative musical performances that positively impact NC State students, the community, and the Triangle’s choral music scene.

NC State Choral Artists rehearse for Considering Matthew Shepard.

NC State Choral Artists Prepare for Debut with ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’

Read about the NC State Choral Artists’ debut performance. Written by Andrew Schnittker.

Considering Matthew Shepard Program

Look back on the Choral Artists’ first performance in our Concert Program Archive.

Dr. Nathan Leaf conducts the State Chorale

Faculty

Nathan Leaf

Director of Choral Activities

919.515.8280

njleaf@ncsu.edu

Frequently asked questions

Most first-year choir students will audition into University Singers and should hold space for it in their schedules. Some experienced choral singers may be placed into State Chorale. Dr. Leaf will recommend students in either of the two SATB choirs for Chamber Singers following choir auditions (if you have a particular interest in chamber singing, contact Dr. Leaf for more details).

Students interested in pursuing the music minor in the vocal performance track may register for MUS 193 (Applied Music Lessons I). A limited number of spaces are available in MUS 190 (Preparatory Applied Music Lessons) for non-music minors who wish to take voice lessons.

All new choir students should register for MUS 111, University Singers, which meets T/Th at 3:00, and sign up for an audition time.

Choirs

University Singers (MUS 111)

Chamber Singers (MUS 114)

State Chorale (MUS 115)

Where in the world are the NC State choirs?

NC State Choral Artists Prepare for Debut with ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’

Considering Matthew Shepard Program

Faculty

Frequently asked questions

Which choir should I audition for?

Can I take voice lessons if I’m in a choir?

How do I sign up for choir for the first time?

Other questions?