UW-Eau Claire's The Singing Statesmen - ON TOUR!

from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire celebrated their 55th Season in 2020-2021 as one of the premier university male choruses in the Unites States of America. This auditioned choir represents diverse academic disciplines with a common respect and admiration for choral music. The creed upheld by the membership is "Once a Statesmen, always a Statesmen!" The Singing Statesmen are proud of their tradition of performing choral music representing repertoire from the Renaissance through the Contemporary Period.

The ensemble was established in 1966 by Morris D. Hayes, who sought to create an outstanding choral ensemble for male voices. The ensemble has been directed by five conductors: Morris D. Hayes from 1966 to 1987; Bruce G. McInnes from 1988 to 1990; Gary R. Schwartzhoff from 1991 to 2016; Elizabeth Joosten from 2016 to 2019; and Christopher G. McGinley from 2019 to the present. The Singing Statesmen is one of six choral ensembles on the UW-Eau Claire campus recognized as "Wisconsin's Singing University."

The history of The Singing Statesmen is rich with noted performances, both at home and abroad, including two main season concerts and one Midwest tour each year. The Statesmen performed at the 2008 National Convention of the National Association for Music Education and at the 1983 and 2003 National Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). The Statesmen hosted the Intercollegiate Men's Choruses, Inc. National Seminar in 1996 and 2006.

In 1998, 2000, 2008, and 2014, The Singing Statesmen performed at ACDA Divisional Conventions around the Midwest. Additionally, the ensemble performed at the Wisconsin Music Educators Convention in 1998, 2004, and 2010. The Singing Statesmen have toured internationally to Portugal (2014) and Central Europe (2018). The ensemble celebrated their 50th Anniversary Season in 2015-2016 with a reunion weekend, Midwest Concert Tour, alumni events, and commissioned works by Z. Randall Stroope and James Mulholland. In 2016, The Singing Statesmen had the honor of performing at the Intercollegiate Male Choruses National Conference. In April 2022, the ensemble will headline The Associated Choruses of America's Big Sing.

The Singing Statesmen have released nine recordings during their history including: 25th Anniversary; Musick; Volume 3; 2002 European Tour; At The Ball; An American Journey; 2004 WMEA Convention; A Testament; and Take Up The Song.

DR. CHRISTOPHER G. MCGINLEY

Dr. Christopher G. McGinley is a dynamic conductor and music educator based in the upper Midwest where he serves as Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Music Director at Trinity Lutheran Congregation in Minneapolis. His choirs are noted for their vibrant and nuanced interpretations of works from diverse eras and genres. A strong advocate for community music, McGinley has served intergenerational choirs in Philadelphia, Wisconsin,​ and Oregon. He holds degrees in conducting and music education from the University of Minnesota, the University of Oregon, and the University of Delaware and pursued further studies in conducting at the Frost School of Music. His conducting mentors include Kathy Saltzman Romey, Matthew Mehaffey, Karen Kennedy, Sharon Paul, and Paul D. Head.

Host or Publisher Cappella Performing Arts Center