Choral Studies & Activities

"We are the heart, soul, and voice of the academy"

"Preparing to be Among the Greatest of Greats"

With a diverse repertoire of classical, jazz, contemporary, spiritual, gospel, and multicultural choral genres, the FAMU Concert Choir is well known for its innovation and versatility. Students in the Concert Choir represent some of the best talents on the campus of FAMU.

Mission

The mission of the Florida A&M University Choral Music Division is to provide the highest quality vocal / piano music at the undergraduate level for music majors embarking on careers as teachers, scholars, performers or composers. It is also the mission of the division to teach non-majors and members of the community about music as a part of human culture and experience.

To carry out its select mission, the Florida A&M University Choral Division commits itself to the following goals:

To pursue nationally competitive training and development of music educators, scholars and performers.
To prepare nationally competitive undergraduate students for successful admission into nationally recognized graduate degree programs;
To encourage scholarly activity including research and creative endeavors from faculty and students.

To provide for the citizens at Florida A&M University and the surrounding region by:

Encouraging faculty, students, and staff to participate in culturally enriching outreach activities
Serving a vital role through its abilities in grant and fund raising activities
Maximizing its ability to attract and retain professionally accomplished faculty
Making available, as a service to business, industry, and the general public, the unique professional expertise of the faculty and staff

"Stand" written by Dr. Mark Butler. Performed by the Florida A&M University Concert Choir, 2021.

Under the direction of Dr. Mark Butler, the Florida A&M University Concert Choir is recognized as one of the premier collegiate vocal ensembles in America.

Learn more about Dr. Mark Butler
The concert choir's gifted yet humble students — including music majors and non-music majors — remain visible and busy by preparing, hosting, and presenting various student musical events and choral activities for their campus community and surrounding areas, such as their annual Fall, Holiday, and Spring Concerts. Additionally, over the years, they have received invitations for tour performances nationwide, including events in Georgia, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and New York, to name a few.
In September 2021, in collaboration with vocal artist Alicia Keys, the FAMU Concert Choir made history in the United States by being selected to be the first ever to sing the Black National Anthem – "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at an NFL game.
Watch the FAMU Concert Choir
Make NFL History - YouTube
In late 2019, The FAMU Concert Choir was invited to perform at the prestigious world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. (Unfortunately, the event was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic).
Amid the heartbreak and disappointment of the cancellation, the students maintained their integrity and drive to promote melodious music, and turned their focus to creating a proliferation of rejuvenation.

Hence, their decision to start a series to uplift and encourage the people of our Nation “Songs to Inspire" Series:
FAMU Concert Choir presents "A New Day" from their Modern "Songs to Inspire" Series
In March 2019, the FAMU Concert Choir joined forces with the Morehouse Glee Club and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven's 9th symphony.
In October 2018, the FAMU Concert Choir was featured as the exhibition choral ensemble at the Florida ACDA.
In March of 2017, Verdi's Requiem was performed brilliantly by the FAMU Concert Choir and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
FAMU's vocal and choral students have also performed significant cast roles in Musicals and Opera Productions.
Other notable past performances include the Unity Concert with Dr. Andre Thomas and the Tallahassee Community Chorus, and Handel's Messiah with the Pensacola - Pedido Symphony Orchestra.
The concert choir appeared in the Annual Holiday Magic Concert with Broadway artist Sal Viviano and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
They've also performed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Furthermore, they appeared at Tuskegee University's annual William Dawson Commemorative Concert Festival.
They've also participated in a collaborative recording project with hip hop artist "T" pain and a command performance with the legendary, world-renowned Female vocal group, "Sweet Honey in the Rock."

Florida A&M University Concert Choir Highlights

Invited to Perform at Lincoln Center in New York, City (Spring 2023)
Invited to perform in Italy (December 2022)
Command performance at FMEA conference (January 2022)
Featured performing guest in USA Today’s documentary “Seven Days of 1961” (November 2021)
Selected by a panel of judges as 1st first winners of the Florida HBCU Choirs and selected as the crowd’s favorite (October 2021)
First ever to sing the Black National Anthem – “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at an NFL game (September 2021)

The Florida A&M University Concert Choir has active performance and recording schedules.

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Tours

The FAMU Concert Choir usually takes two tours per year. One occurs during Spring Break, the other occurs at the end of the school year.

Concerts

The Choir has 3 major concert events during the year. A Fall Concert, the Holiday Moods Concert, and the Spring Colours Concert.

Other Events