Choral and Vocal Studies at Northwestern

Thank you for inquiring about choral and vocal music program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Here at NWOSU, we have a long and distinguished tradition of choral and vocal music.

Degree Programs

The Department of Fine Arts at Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers several degree options in music; the Bachelor of Music (B.M.), the Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.), and the Master of Education with Music Emphasis.  The B.M. degree prepares students to be performers, studio teachers, church musicians, and for music-related industry or graduate school.  The Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) degree prepares students to be professional music educators in the public schools.  Although a music education major may select either a vocal or an instrumental option, the music faculty encourages all students to have experience in both vocal and instrumental music, and strongly suggests achieving state certification in both areas.  In addition to the B.M. and B.M.E. degrees we offer a Minor in Music.  However, you do not need to be enrolled in a music degree program to participate in one of our ensembles; membership is open to any student currently enrolled at Northwestern.

Choirs at Northwestern

We offer a wide range of choral and solo vocal performance opportunities.  Currently there are three choirs at Northwestern Oklahoma State University: the University Chorale, our top mixed ensemble; the Concert Choir, which is a large mixed ensemble; and the University Singers, the elite small mixed ensemble.

Off-Campus Performances

Of course, there are many opportunities for off-campus performances as well.  The NWOSU Choirs perform regularly at our campuses in Enid and Woodward.  Additionally, the Chorale and the University Singers tour both regionally and nationally.  Previous tours by the University Chorale have included Santa Fe, NM, Washington D.C. and St. Louis, MO. 

Opportunities for Solo Performances

Vocal students at Northwestern perform regularly as soloists on both departmental and student recitals.  In addition, students regularly have the opportunity to perform as soloists with one or more of the NWOSU Choral Ensembles.

To Learn More ...

If you are interested in becoming involved in our programs, I would encourage you to schedule a scholarship/admissions audition for incoming freshmen.  You can schedule an appointment by contacting me directly at sakingsbury@nwosu.edu or 580-327-8692. I also invite you to attend any of our choral concerts so you may experience for yourself the high quality of our program.  A list of those concerts can be found on the music department calendar.

Visit NWOSU

In addition, I would encourage you to visit our department and talk with the faculty and students.  I would be happy to arrange a visitation schedule that would allow you to sit in on classes and rehearsals.  I feel confident you will like what we offer.  Please let me know in advance when you'd like to come and I'll make the arrangements for you.

Again, thank you for inquiring about our program. If I can be of any further assistance, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stephen Kingsbury
Chair, Department of Fine Arts
Director of Choral and Vocal Studies
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
580-327-8692 Voice
sakingsbury @nwosu.edu