The Singing Statesmen
The Singing Statesmen from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are celebrating their 49th Season in 2014-2015 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 1987; Bruce G. McInnes from 1988 to1990; 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 2008National Convention of the National Association for Music Education and at the 1983and 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 1998, 2000, 2008 and 2014, The Singing Statesmen has performed at ACDA Divisional Conventions around the Midwest. Additionally, the ensemble performed at the Wisconsin Music Educators Convention in 1998,2004, and 2010. The Singing Statesmen represented UW-Eau Claire on their seventh international concert tour to Portugal in January 2014. The ensemble will celebrate their 50Th Anniversary Season in 2015-2016 with performances, a Midwest Concert Tour, alumni events and a commissioned work by Z. Randall Stroope.
The Statesmen have released nine recordings during their history including: 25thAnniversary; Musik; Volume ³; 2002 European Tour; At The Ball; An American Journey; 2004 WMEA Convention, A Testament and Take Up The Song.
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.