The Singing Statesmen Invitational Performances

The Singing Statesmen to perform at two conferences

The Singing Statesmen, directed by Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff, Professor of Music, have been invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association North Central Division Convention and at the Music Educators National Conference this spring.

The ACDA North Central Division Convention, hosted by North Dakota State University in Fargo, will feature performances by some of the finest ensembles throughout the Upper Midwest. The Singing Statesmen earned this honor by auditioning and were among those asked to give a concert stage performance. Their concert performance on Friday, March 7 will includeTrösterin Musik by Anton Bruckner; Absalon, Fili Mi by Josquin des Pres; Dance from Invocation and Dance by David Conte;The Tabernacle of God by Edwin Fissinger; Fare Thee Well Love aranged by James Mulholland; and La Danza by Giacchino Rossini/James Mulholland. Joining The Singing Statesmen during their performance of Dance will be Dr. Jeffery Crowell, guest soloist on percussion, and UW-Eau Claire music faculty.

The Singing Statesmen's performance at the MENC National Conference will be held Friday, April 11 at 10:00 am in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in Milwaukee, WI. The Singing Statesment will perform Trösterin Musik by Anton Bruckner; Absalon, Fili Mi by Josquin des Pres; Dance from Invocation and Dance by David Conte; Fare Thee Well Love aranged by James Mulholland; La Danza by Giacchino Rossini/James Mulholland; and Ka Hia Manu (Polynesian Chants) arranged by Stephen Hatfield.

The Singing Statesmen are celebrating their 42nd season in 2007-2008 as one of the premier university male choruses in the United States of America. The ensemble was established in 1966 by Morris D. Hayes, who sought to create an outstanding choral ensemble for male voices. The ensemble has been directed by three conductors: Morris D. Hayes from 1966 to 1988; Bruce G. McInnes from 1988 to 1990; and Gary R. Schwartzhoff from 1991 to present. The Singing Statesmen is one of six choral ensembles on the UW-Eau Claire campus recognized as "Wisconsin's Singing University."

The history of The Singing Statesmen is rich with noted performances, both at home and abroad. The Statesmen performed at the 1983 and 2003 National Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). The Statesmen hosted the Intercollegiate Men's Choruses, Inc. National Seminar in 1996 and 2006. In 1994, The Statesmen performed for the Austrian National Day of Celebration at the Austrian Consulate in Chicago and at the 1995 Eastern Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Milwaukee. In 1998 and 2000, The Singing Statesmen performed at the ACDA Divisional Conventions. Additionally, the ensemble performed at the Wisconsin Music Educators Convention in 1998 and 2004. The Singing Statesmen have represented UW-Eau Claire on five international concert tours in 1980, 1990, 1996, 2002 and 2006. In 2007-2008, The Statesmen will perform at the North Central ACDA Convention and the National MENC Convention.

The Statesmen have released eight recordings during their history including: 25th Anniversary; Musik; Volume ³; 2002 European Tour; At The Ball; An American Journey; 2004 WMEA Convention and A Testament.

The Singing Statesmen represent diverse academic disciplines with a common respect and admiration for choral music. The creed that is upheld by the membership is "Once a Statesmen, always a Statesmen!" The Singing Statesmen are proud of their tradition of performing choral music representing repertoire from the Renaissance through the Contemporary Period.