About Us

With over 150 participants across five choral and vocal ensembles, the School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University offers a comprehensive choral program that prepares the music major and non-music major for the rigorous demands of the 21 century performing world.

Learn More

Special Events

Choir Schedule

Fall 2024
August 15 & 16 Choral Hearings for NSU Choirs students | 10am-2pm | Choir Room
August 17 Chamber Choir Callbacks | 6pm | Choir Room
August 19 First Day of Classes 
August 31 NSU All-State Day | 9am-5pm | CAPA

Full Schedule

Scholarships

To schedule an audition, please contact:

Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Shane Thomas at thomassh@nsula.edu or,

Associate Director of Choral Activities,  Adam Philly at philleya@nsula.edu.

Audition requirements

Directors

Dr. Shane Thomas
Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music
318-357-5755
thomassh@nsula.edu
Faculty Profile

Adam Philley
Assistant Professor of Music-Voice & Associate Director of Choral Activities
318.357.5753
philleya@nsula.edu
Faculty Profile

NSU Chamber Choir


The flagship choral ensemble at Northwestern State University, Chamber Choir is an auditioned SATB chorus comprised of highly skilled vocal musicians that serve as the choral ambassadors for the university. Chamber Choir has competed across the United States and Europe and won significant awards at global competitions. They were invited to perform at state, regional, and national conventions of the National Collegiate Choral Organization, American Choral Director’s Association, and Louisiana Music Educators Association. The Chamber Choir presents the annual Lessons and Carols in the Minor Basilica in Natchitoches, LA.

Cane River Singers


Cane River Singers is an unauditioned mixed chorus comprised of all scholarship students, faculty, and community members specializing in the performance of choral masterworks. Cane River Singers has provided performances of timeless choral literature, including Orff’s Carmina Burana, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Lyrica


Lyrica is the premier, unauditioned treble chorus which serves all majors across NSU. Lyrica has performed in regional and international performances and garnered coveted awards, such as Gold and the Best Treble Choir at the Laurea Mundi Budapest Competition. Lyrica has been a featured ensemble at the state conference of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, tours annually, and performs across our community. They sing a variety of repertoire and seeks to provide an uplifting community for all its singers.

Orpheus


Orpheus is an unauditioned tenor-bass chorus which serves all majors across NSU. With over 30 years of incredible music-making, Orpheus sings across our community and region and has been a featured ensemble in the Christmas Gala. Orpheus performs repertoire from all styles and genres and seeks to provide an uplifting community for all its singers.