KU Chamber Choir hits the road for the 2013 Choral Recruiting Tour

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Music will share some of its talents with six Kansas high schools during the Choral Recruiting Tour April 1-3, 2013.

The 23-member Chamber Choir and Paul Tucker, director of choral activities, will visit the following high schools during the three-day trip: Topeka West, McPherson, Salina Central, Salina South, Marysville and Junction City.

The tour will focus on recruiting students for future participation in KU choirs. The KU students will sing a few songs, including KU’s Alma Mater, and take time to listen to what the high school students are rehearsing and critique their work. The KU students might even join the high school choirs for a song.

“We are focusing on students who sing in high school and are interested in attending KU. These students might be planning to concentrate on a different area of study but would want to be active in choral opportunities open to nonmusic majors,” Tucker said.

The choral ensemble experience at KU is diversified and comprehensive, ranging from traditional to experimental, classical to jazz, and intimate to grandiose. Each of the 11 choirs has its own identity, and they combine for special events such as the annual Holiday Vespers and major concerts with orchestra. Membership in KU choirs is open to any KU student by audition.

The tour was initiated by Dr. Robert Daugherty, a strong supporter of choral programs at KU. Dr. Daugherty’s late wife, Dr. Sandra Keller-Daugherty, graduated from KU and was a valuable member of the KU choirs. Dr. Robert Daugherty is also an alumnus of KU, completing his bachelor's and medical degrees at KU.

“Dr. Daugherty contacted me at the beginning of the 2013 school year and was very instrumental in getting this recruitment opportunity off the ground,” Tucker said. “We’re grateful for his commitment and support.”

For more information, contact the KU School of Music at 785-864-3436.