Choral Music
Townsend School of Music offers three performing collegiate choirs. Mercer’s choirs are recognized for their excellence. In addition to excellent undergraduate preparation in music performance and education, the choral area offers a master’s degree in choral conducting and a masters degree in church music with an emphasis in choral conducting.
Mercer Singers
The Mercer Singers, an auditioned ensemble of 48 voices, is the primary touring choral ensemble of Mercer University. The choir includes undergraduate and graduate students and performs a wide range of choral music spanning from the Renaissance to works written by composers of our time. The Mercer Singers have sung on programs for the Georgia Music Educators Association, the Southern Division of NAfME (MENC), and the Southern Division of American Choral Directors Association. The choir and their director tour extensively and have performed throughout the United States and Europe. Since 2000, the Mercer Singers have experienced six highly successful international tours of England and Wales (May 2000), Italy (2002), Austria & Czech Republic (2004), Germany, Poland, Slovakia, & Hungary (2006), Japan (2007), and Russia (2011). In 2012, they joined with the McDuffie Center for Strings to film A Grand Mercer Christmas that was distributed to Public Broadcast Stations throughout America. They made their Carnegie Hall debut under the baton of their director in 2017. Additionally, the choir has gained a regional following with its annual performances of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held each December. The choir is widely acclaimed for its spirited performances, breadth of repertoire, and dedication to singing repertoire of the a cappella idiom.
Mercer University Women’s Choir
The Mercer Women’s Chamber Choir is a 40-voice ensemble comprised of undergraduate students from all disciplines of Mercer University. The choir performs a wide range of choral music spanning from madrigals and motets of the Renaissance to works by contemporary composers, and music theater selections. Founded by their director in 2002, this auditioned ensemble rehearses twice each week and performs off-campus in addition to giving several performances through the Townsend School of Music concert series. They are featured each December with the Mercer Singers in the annual performances of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Students interested in auditioning should contact Dr. Stanley L. Roberts.
University Choir
The University Choir brings together the Mercer community by uniting the voices of students, faculty and staff. The choir rehearses each Monday evening with the Choral Society of Middle Georgia to create a large choral organization of 100+ singers. Though dedicated to singing choral and orchestral masterworks, the choir also presents thematic programs with repertoire from a variety of musical styles. This ensemble enjoys performing with instrumental accompaniment (ranging from full orchestra or chamber orchestra, to organ and brass) as well as singing a cappella selections. Every year, the choir performs Handel’s Messiah at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. No audition is required, but interested students will meet with the director prior to the first semester rehearsal to determine vocal range and ensure proper voice placement. For more information about the Mercer University Choir or to set up an appointment, contact Dr. Gary G. Gerber, conductor and artistic director.
