UT Music: UT Singers 80th Anniversary Celebration
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In 2026, the UT Singers celebrate their 80th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music will host the UT Singers 80th Anniversary Celebration on November 6, 2026, during the University of Tennessee Knoxville's Homecoming Weekend. The event will bring together generations of alumni to celebrate a shared musical legacy, reconnect with fellow performers, and reflect on the lasting impact of the ensemble on their personal and professional lives.
The UT Singers: A Storied Past and Promising Future
The UT Singers are the oldest vocal ensemble on the University of Tennessee campus, with a legacy dating back to 1946. What began as a choral group under the direction of John Carl Tegnell has evolved alongside generations of students and audiences, transforming through choral, show choir, jazz, and contemporary a cappella traditions while maintaining a commitment to musical excellence and innovation.
In 1963, the Tennessee General Assembly recognized the UT Singers as the state's official Musical Ambassadors. More than six decades later, the ensemble continues to embody that distinction, serving as a visible and vibrant representative of the University of Tennessee through performances, community engagement, and artistic achievement.
Today, the UT Singers are co-directed by Jeffrey Pappas, founding dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, and Professor Andrea Markowitz Gantte, a UT alumna and accomplished music educator. Under their leadership the past two years, the ensemble has expanded its visibility and impact through performances across Tennessee and beyond, including:
Performing the National Anthem at prominent athletics events, including Knoxville Smokies baseball games at Covenant Health Park, UT Men’s basketball and baseball games, and Lady Vols basketball, volleyball and soccer games.
Performing the National Anthem prior to the opening of the Tennessee State Senate at the State Capitol in February 2026.
Performing during the Chancellor's annual Flagship Address in fall 2024 and 2025, with an expected invitation in 2026.
Performing a Holiday Concert at President Randy Boyd’s home in December 2025.
Performing the Alma Mater at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet in 2024 and 2025.
Performing during the Rossini Festival in Downtown Knoxville in April 2026.
Collaborating with the UT Jazz Big Band during two annual performances in the last two academic years.
Performing two studio sessions to acquaint the UT Singers with the music recording industry.
Collaborating with Professor Matthew Pittman’s social media class in the UT College of Communication & Information on two social media posts, resulting in over 3.2 million views on Instagram and 1.8 million views on TikTok—over 5 million views on both platforms!
Read more on "UT Singers History" in the tab above.
We look forward to celebrating the storied traditions and the future successes of the UT Singers with you! The evening will include a concert at 7:30 p.m. with a dessert reception to follow.
The UT Singers: A Storied Past and Promising Future
The UT Singers are the oldest vocal ensemble on the University of Tennessee campus, with a legacy dating back to 1946. What began as a choral group under the direction of John Carl Tegnell has evolved alongside generations of students and audiences, transforming through choral, show choir, jazz, and contemporary a cappella traditions while maintaining a commitment to musical excellence and innovation.
In 1963, the Tennessee General Assembly recognized the UT Singers as the state's official Musical Ambassadors. More than six decades later, the ensemble continues to embody that distinction, serving as a visible and vibrant representative of the University of Tennessee through performances, community engagement, and artistic achievement.
Today, the UT Singers are co-directed by Jeffrey Pappas, founding dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, and Professor Andrea Markowitz Gantte, a UT alumna and accomplished music educator. Under their leadership the past two years, the ensemble has expanded its visibility and impact through performances across Tennessee and beyond, including:
Performing the National Anthem at prominent athletics events, including Knoxville Smokies baseball games at Covenant Health Park, UT Men’s basketball and baseball games, and Lady Vols basketball, volleyball and soccer games.
Performing the National Anthem prior to the opening of the Tennessee State Senate at the State Capitol in February 2026.
Performing during the Chancellor's annual Flagship Address in fall 2024 and 2025, with an expected invitation in 2026.
Performing a Holiday Concert at President Randy Boyd’s home in December 2025.
Performing the Alma Mater at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet in 2024 and 2025.
Performing during the Rossini Festival in Downtown Knoxville in April 2026.
Collaborating with the UT Jazz Big Band during two annual performances in the last two academic years.
Performing two studio sessions to acquaint the UT Singers with the music recording industry.
Collaborating with Professor Matthew Pittman’s social media class in the UT College of Communication & Information on two social media posts, resulting in over 3.2 million views on Instagram and 1.8 million views on TikTok—over 5 million views on both platforms!
Read more on "UT Singers History" in the tab above.
We look forward to celebrating the storied traditions and the future successes of the UT Singers with you! The evening will include a concert at 7:30 p.m. with a dessert reception to follow.
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Where is it happening?
University of Tennessee Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, 1741 Volunteer Blvd,Knoxville,TN,United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherUT Knoxville Alumni
