This spring, the Florida State University Singers will celebrate a landmark anniversary, and they have big plans to mark the occasion.
Founded in 1949 by Dr. Wiley Housewright, the University Singers have been a cornerstone of the music community at Florida State University for generations. Even with 75 years of rich history, the Singers are rooted in an even longer tradition of choral music dating back to the earliest educational pursuits on campus. The first all-male Glee Club on campus was founded in 1904, with an all-female Glee Club to follow in 1911.
The creation of the University Singers coincided with many important developments in the history of Florida State University and the College of Music. The Florida State College for Women became Florida State University in 1947, marking the beginning of co-educational studies. The School of Music also moved into what is known today as the Kuersteiner Music Building in 1949. These state-of-the-art facilities were quickly filled with the music of a growing choral area, presenting numerous concerts on campus and throughout the state of Florida.
In the ensuing 75 years, the University Singers grew in number, and toured extensively throughout Florida and across the nation. They have welcomed guest conductors such as Robert Shaw, collaborated with regional and national orchestras, and premiered countless works by renowned composers around the globe. Their travels have taken them across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.
That tradition of touring and premiering works is as strong today as ever. In recent years, the University Singers have performed in Ireland, France, Puerto Rico, and throughout the United States. In January 2024, under the continued direction of Dr. Kevin Fenton, the University Singers will embark on a tour of central and south Florida.
Most importantly, the University Singers will celebrate their 75th Anniversary with a reunion weekend in April of 2024.
The University Singers 75th Anniversary Reunion will take place April 12-14, 2024. Beginning with an alumni reception on Friday, the weekend will include rehearsals, reminiscence, and some special guests. Dr. André Thomas will return to campus to work with alumni and current University Singers. Broadway star and FSU alum Mykal Kilgore will return to Tallahassee to celebrate the reunion and sing alongside fellow alumni. There will be an opportunity to attend a Chamber Choir concert, and a final performance with combined choirs and alumni will round out the weekend.
Whether you are a Singer from the era of Housewright, James, Krehbiel, Flummerfelt, Thomas, or Fenton, we hope you’ll join us in this momentous celebration of choral music, tradition, and the enduring legacy of the University Singers.
Reunion attendees must register to take part in the events throughout the weekend. Register now!
