Vocal Ensembles at NWU
Nebraska Wesleyan University choirs stand on the belief that making beautiful music together can inspire us to become more compassionate, empathetic, expressive, mindful and caring people. All of our choral ensembles are open to students, regardless of major or class standing. Music scholarships are available to all incoming students. These choirs are supportive, nurturing communities for our students as they face the rigors of college life.
University Choir
The Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir is an auditioned ensemble open to all students, regardless of major. Rehearsals take place Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12-12:50 p.m. with Tom Trenney.
The choir performs annually for NWU's Music Showcase Concert during homecoming weekend and for Christmas with Wesleyan. Both events feature the university's combined choirs.
The choir performs annually for NWU's fall Music Showcase Concert, Christmas with Wesleyan and our spring Big Sing. The choir experience includes a meet-the-composer weekend, a week-long domestic tour and an annual choral/orchestral performance. In Summer 2025, our students have the opportunity to sing Mozart’s Requiem in Prague as part of a 10-day international tour.
Chamber Singers
Nebraska Wesleyan's Chamber Singers is a choral ensemble open to all sopranos and altos regardless of gender or major. No audition is required for participation. The ensemble rehearses Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11-11:50 a.m. with Tom Trenney.
The choir performs annually for NWU's Music Showcase Concert, Christmas with Wesleyan and for our spring Big Sing.
Jazz Choir
Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Jazz Choir is an auditioned group open to all students regardless of major. Jazz Choir performs regularly both on campus and around the Lincoln community. An annual spring break tour is among the highlights of the season. The ensemble has performed and competed in jazz festivals held in Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado.
The choir performs annually for NWU's Music Showcase Concert, Christmas with Wesleyan, and for our spring Big Sing. Jazz Choir is also featured at special events on campus and around the Lincoln Community.
Unity Choir
Unity Choir is open to all NWU students, alumni, faculty and staff, as well as members of the surrounding community. No audition is required for this ensemble. Rehearsals take place Sunday evenings from 7-8:45 p.m. for the second eight weeks of each semester.
This eight-week course will engage students in the communal singing of music from diverse composers and cultures that are traditionally underrepresented. Community members may register for Unity Choir by contacting ttrenney [at] 268297.com (ttrenney[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)
Opera
Operatic performing opportunities have been offered at Nebraska Wesleyan University for more than 30 years. Opera is open to any student, regardless of major. Dr. Dawn Pawlewski Krogh teaches opera courses at Wesleyan.
When the students are not in rehearsal, they study additional topics such as acting, audition technique, movement, dance and directing. Students are actively involved in all aspects of opera production, including costuming, make-up, lighting, scenic design, props, choreography, musical direction and stage management.
In the recent past, spring productions have included operas by Puccini, Mozart, Johann Strauss, Menotti, Haydn, Stravinsky and Humperdinck.