Choral, Vocal, and Opera Ensembles
The Department Of Music is proud to offer a wide variety of choral ensembles for the aspiring professional musician. Coached and conducted by the foremost leaders in the field, the ensembles exhibit a very high level of performance excellence. Each ensemble is in popular demand and performs concerts both on and off campus. The philosophy of the choral music program is to provide students with a wide exposure to and performance of the standard and contemporary choral literature.
Choirs
Chamber Choir
The CSULB Chamber Choir is comprised of the top 36 singers at the University. Recognized as one of the finest collegiate choral ensembles in the US, the CSULB Chamber Choir tours yearly, offering performances of varied repertoire embracing all styles of choral composition. The Chamber Choir performed at the ACDA Western Convention in 2008, at the ACDA National Convention in 1993, the CMEA Conventions in 1997 and 2002, and the World Symposium of Choral Music in Netherlands in 1999. In the last 5 years, the ensemble has sung with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Pacific Symphony, the Long Beach Symphony, and the Pasadena Pops Orchestra. On University sponsored choral tours, the CSULB Chamber Choir has performed in Vienna, Rome, Venice, Florence, Budapest, Munich, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. American appearances have included Disney Hall, Carnegie Hall, Segerstrom Hall, and Grace Cathedral. Dr. Jonathan Talberg directs the Chamber Choir.
Singers interested in auditioning for the CSULB Chamber Choir should consult the Auditions Page.
University Choir
University Choir is a select ensemble of 65-75 voices. The University Choir has appeared before regional and national conventions of the ACDA and MENC, demonstrating its versatility in presenting works from the Renaissance through the 20th century. The choir has recorded extensively, and appears on soundtracks for film and video games. The University Choir was the first American choir to tour Scandinavia, and has toured extensively on 4 continents. Dr. Jonathan Talberg conducts the University Choir.
Forty-Niner Chorus
The Forty-Niner Chorus, comprised of over 100 singers, is open to all CSULB students who wish to sing and enjoy the choral art. The Forty-Niner Chorus often performs extended works by composers such as Mozart, Bach, Handel, Vaughan Williams, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Orff. The ensemble combines with the Chamber Choir, University Choir, and University Symphony Orchestra to perform master works. Dr. Leland Vail is the music director of the Forty-Niner Chorus.
Women's Chorus
Women's Chorus provides the female vocalist with a unique singing experience in performing the rich repertoire of music composed especially for treble voices, from the Middle Ages to the present. Steven Berlanga conducts the Women's Chorus.
Men's Chorus
Men’s Chorus is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all men at CSULB interested in performing classical, contemporary, and popular repertoire, while acquiring basic vocal technique and musicianship skills. The chorus will have several performances throughout the semester, including combined concerts with the 49er Chorus, Women’s Chorus, University Choir, and Chamber Choir. To join the Men’s Chorus, simply register for MUS 200K, 400K, or 600K Performance. Hope to see you at the rehearsal! Dr. Jonathan Talberg directs the Men's Chorus.
Jazz Choirs
CSULB is proud to have two Jazz Choirs, the acclaimed Pacific Standard Time, and Jazz and Tonic. More information on the Vocal Jazz program at CSULB can be found in Jazz Studies.
Pacific Standard Time
Pacific Standard Time is a highly select 8-12 member ensemble, requiring refined musicianship and improvisation skills. The group performs a wide variety of vocal music in the jazz genre. Pacific Standard Time has appeared at both the American Choral Director's Western Division Convention and the California Music Educators Association Convention. The ensemble tours and records yearly. The ensemble is directed by Christine Guter.
Jazz And Tonic
Jazz And Tonic is a select 8-12 member vocal jazz ensemble. This group focuses on jazz harmony and style, as well as improvisation. Jazz and Tonic performs at concerts and jazz festivals annually. The group is directed by Sherrine Mostin.
