A tradition of choral excellence has long been a part of Millikin's history. With more than 200 singers, the choral program now includes four traditional choirs led by a nationally recognized staff of conductors. Music majors and non-majors alike count their choral experience as among the most profound during their college years. In addition to their own performance schedule choirs have opportunities to perform together for large-scale choral/orchestral works in the spring. All participate together for Vespers, the largest single event on Millikin's campus drawing 6,500 people annually. Recordings of the choirs may be purchased through First Step Records, Millikins' student led label.
Choirs
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University Choir
The flagship of the Millikin choral fleet, the University Choir features 43 upper-class students from a variety of majors. Membership in the choir places high demands on students who travel extensively throughout the United States representing the university in a variety of settings. In recent years, the choir has also toured internationally to Spain, Ireland, Scotland, England, China, Taiwan, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The Millikin University Choir has gained national recognition, due in part to six invitations to perform at national and regional conferences of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Their performances have fostered new conversations in response to their approach to tone, style and programming. The choir has six recordings on Millikin's .
Collegiate Chorale
Collegiate Chorale, under the direction of Nate Widelitz, is an upper-class select mixed ensemble exploring all forms of choral music, both from within and outside the traditional canon, of the last 500 years. It emphasizes the development of musical skills through the exploration of choral music from a wide range of historical, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. The choir tours annually throughout the region and has been invited to perform for the Regional Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. Collegiate Chorale is open to all majors and non-majors.
Treble Choir
Treble Choir, under the direction of Nate Widelitz, is an all-gender ensemble exploring all forms of choral music, both from within and outside the traditional canon of the last 500 years. It emphasizes the development of musical skills through the exploration of choral music from a wide range of historical, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. The choir has a long-standing tradition of excellence at Millikin, performing throughout the community and having received special invitations for performances statewide.
2023 Concert Season
April
Mothers and Mentors Concert - Sunday, April 30th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. - Central Christian Church, 650 W. William Street
True Blue Chorale
Fifty-five voices strong, the True Blue Choir sings a broad variety of repertoire. Whether before a crowd of 70,000 for the national anthem at a Chicago Bears game, before an audience of conductors at the IL-MEA Conference or in front of an audience of high school choristers at the annual Millikin Vocal Festival, the True Blue are a favorite wherever they perform.
2023 Concert Season
March
Irish/Celtic Concert - Wednesday, March 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. Albert Taylor Hall
Vocal Jazz Showcase - Friday, March 31, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. - Decatur Brew WorksApril
Mothers and Mentors Concert - Sunday, April 30th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. - Central Christian Church, 650 W. William Street
Spring Sing Choral Concert - Sunday, April 30th, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. - Central Christian Church, 650 W. William StreetSeason
Vespers
Saturday, December 3rd & Sunday, December 4th
2:00pm & 7:30pm
KFAC
Collegiate Choral Tour Finale
Sunday, January 29th
7:30pm
Central Christian Church
650 W. William
University Choir Tour Finale
Sunday, January 29th
2:00pm
St Patrick Church
407 E. Eldorado
Millikin's Celtic Salute
Wednesday, March 15th
7:30pm
Albert Taylor HallTickets $10 Available at KFAC Ticket Office (424-6318) or online
The Millikin choirs pair with the Broken Brogue Irish band for a boisterious evening of Celtic music.
Mother鈥檚 and Mentor鈥檚 Concert
Sunday, April 30th
2:00 pm
Free AdmissionCentral Christian Church
650 W. WilliamThe Treble choir is joined by family and community members who have had a lasting influence on their lives for this final concert of the season.
Spring Sing
Sunday, April 30th4:00 pm
Free Admission
Central Christian Church
650 W. WilliamThe final concert of the year featuring lighter fare performed by True Blue, Collegiate Chorale and University Choir.