Special Collections Research Center
KNOWLEDGEBASE

Main Content

William & Mary Choir

The William & Mary Choir is an undergraduate ensemble of about seventy members who represent a wide array of disciplines. The Choir makes over thirty appearances during the year singing at most of the formal events of William & Mary, including Convocation, Homecoming, the Sunset Ceremony, Yule Log, Charter Day, and Commencement. On campus, the major concerts for the Choir are the Holiday Concerts at the end of Fall semester, and the Spring concerts in late April. In addition, every third year the Choir gives the George Clayman Concerts--a series devoted to the major choral/orchestral repertory. The Choir also takes an annual, regional, five-day Spring Tour held in mid-March. 

Related groups include the Glee Club and the Chorus.

Directors of the Choir are faculty in the Department of Music. Past directors have included Carl Fehr and Charles Varner.

Material in the Special Collections Research Center

William & Mary Publications

Most issues of the Flat Hat are available online from Swem Library.1 Issues published in 2001 and forward are not indexed here. The Alumni Gazette and William & Mary News are not available online at this time.

  • To give recital FH, 5/17/1930, pg. 5.
  • College Choir to hold services in churches FH, 12/5/1930, pg. 10.
  • Concert Choir makes fourth appearance FH, 12/12/1930, pg. 3, 8.
  • Elects officers FH 10/27/1931, pg. 5.
  • To give program FH, 3/1/1932, pg. 6.
  • Plans to be announced FH, 3/1/1932, pg. 6.
  • Professor Small announces members FH, 10/4/1932, pg. 1, 6.
  • College choral groups form vocal ensemble FH, 10/25/1932, pg. 5
  • Signs at YMCA meeting FH 2/14/1933, pg. 1, 2.
  • To present sacred music at 1933 debut concert FH, 3/7/1933, pg. 6.
  • To hold rehearsal after tryout FH, 9/26/1933, pg. 6.
  • W&M chorus organized FH, 10/24/1933, pg. 2.
  • Choral group to present "Noel" FH, 11/14/1933, pg. 1.
  • To give Easter program FH, 3/13/1934, pg. 1, 6.
  • Presents pre-Easter musical program FH, 3/20/1934, pg. 6.
  • To hold try-outs FH, 10/2/1934, pg. 1, 6.
  • To aid in Yorktown Surrender Festival FH, 10/9/1934, pg. 1, 6.
  • Chorus to start rehearsals FH, 10/9/1934, pg. 1.
  • To sin gold Virginia hymns with glee clubs FH, 3/12/1935, pg. 1, 8.
  • Plans spring concert FH, 3/3/1936, pg. 1, 6.
  • Sings with Maurice Tyler for Sunday concert series FH, 3/12/1935, pg. 1, 8.
  • To sing at all Vesper services FH, 3/19/1935, pg. 1, 2.
  • To sing at commencement FH, 5/7/1935, pg. 6.
  • To make trip FH, 11/12/1935, pg. 1, 6.
  • Three soloists from Richmond to aid in production of Mass in Phi Beta Kappa Hall FH, 4/28/1936, pg. 1.
  • Tickets for President's Third Sunday Musicale available FH, 5/5/1936, pg. 1.
  • To represent college in Commemoration program FH, 5/12/1936, pg. 1.
  • Choral Union members to travel to Richmond FH, 5/12/1936, pg. 1.
  • Prepares music for vesper services FH, 10/6/1936, pg. 1.
  • Required to take voice lessons FH, 10/6/1936, pg. 2.
  • To sing at Vesper services FH, 10/13/1936, pg. 5.
  • To participate in 330th anniversary of Jamestown Day FH, 5/11/1937, pg. 2.
  • Choir and soloists to sing 'Messiah' FH, 12/6/1938, pg. 1, 5.
  • Choir sings 'Messiah' in musicale FH, 12/13/1938, pg. 1.
  • To sing Armistice Day FH, 10/31/1939, pg. 5.
  • Choir music featured at Armistice Day FH, 11/7/1939, pg. 5.
  • Glee Club, Orchestra, Choir to sing for Christmas season FH, 12/12/1939, pg. 1.
  • Tryouts to be held FH, 3/12/1940, pg. 8.
  • College choir announces coming plans FH, 5/7/1940, pg. 1.
  • Chapel Vesper services end May festival FH, 5/7/1940, pg. 1.
  • Places open on College Choir FH, 9/24/1940, pg. 2.
  • Eleven new singers in choir FH, 10/14/1941, pg. 5.
  • Bill of Rights feted FH, 12/16/1941, pg. 5,
  • Annual festival brings to climax W&M music season FH, 5/6/1942, pg. 8.
  • Choir officers elected FH, 5/20/1942, pg. 6.
  • Student groups to give concert FH, 12/8/1942, pg, 1, 4.
  • Yule concert given FH, 12/7/1943, pg. 1.
  • Concert features united choruses FH, 12/15/1943, pg. 1, 4.
  • Chorus plans concert FH, 2/9/1944, pg. 4.
  • W&M chorus gives concert FH, 4/26/1944, pg. 2.
  • Chorus features director's own work FH, 5/3/1944, pg. 6.
  • Tenors and basses needed FH, 11/1/1944, pg. 6.
  • Chorus presents Christmas music FH, 12/6/1944, pg. 1.
  • Music concert FH, 12/13/1944, pg. 1, 7.
  • Choirs to sing 'Messiah' FH, 12/13/1944, pg. 1.
  • Music groups presents carols FH, 12/19/1944, pg. 1.
  • Three Christmas programs presented by Chapel Choir FH, 12/19/1944, pg. 7.
  • Students receive music credits FH, 1/17/1945, pg. 3.
  • Music organizations start new semester rehearsals FH, 2/7/1945, pg. 4.
  • Students offered chorus auditions FH, 9/19/1945, pg. 3.
  • Music groups revised FH, 10/3/1945, pg. 7.
  • Music Department lists chorus, choir members FH, 10/10/1945, pg. 2, 7.
  • Choir and Chorus select Marilyn Woodbury, Frances Moore heads FH, 10/31/1945, pg. 4.
  • Glee Club chooses Bob DeForest as head FH, 11/14/1945, pg. 1, 7.
  • Three choral groups give annual concerts FH, 12/5/1945, pg. 1.
  • Choral groups combine in Christmas 'Greetings' FH, 12/12/1945, pg. 1, 3.
  • Gives programs for local servicemen FH, 12/19/1945, pg. 6.
  • Choral groups take cheer to hospital FH 1/9/1946, pg. 8.
  • Auditions announced FH, 1/16/1946, pg. 7.
  • Fehr tries voices for music groups FH, 2/6/1946, pg. 2.
  • To present concert at Westhampton School FH, 2/6/1946, pg. 7.
  • Male chorus adds fifteen members FH, 2/13/1946, pg. 10.
  • College chapel choir gives radio performance FH, 2/13/1946, pg. 10.
  • To present first radio broadcast over WRNL FH, 2/20/1946, pg. 1.
  • Charms audience at Westhampton FH, 2/27/1946, pg. 3.
  • Radio repeats choral music FH, 2/6/1946, pg. 8.
  • Presents second outside program FH, 3/20/1946 pg. 3.
  • Plans concerts FH, 4/10/1946, pg. 8.
  • Chorus and Glee Club present program FH, 4/17/1946, pg. 7.
  • Petersburg, Eustis hears chorus music FH, 4/24/1946, pg. 1.
  • Girl's chorus, men's glee club present spring concert FH, 4/24/1946, pg. 1.
  • Singers offer concert FH 5/8/1946, pg. 3.
  • Presents spring concert FH, 5/15/1946, pg. 1, 3 (picture).
  • Chorus, choir, glee club plan tours, concert for year FH, 9/16/1946, pg. 8.
  • Plans tryouts for musical groups FH, 9/25/1946, pg. 4.
  • Men's Glee Club to sing at College Chapel service FH, 10/15/1946m pg. 3.
  • Music groups decide concert dates FH, 11/12/1946, pg. 3.
  • Presents Thanksgiving concert FH, 11/26/1946, pg. 7.
  • Hospital, educators hear concert FH, 12/3/1946, pg. 4.
  • Choir, chorus, Glee Club carol in Christmas program FH, 12/17/1946, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Fehr announces new choral set-up FH, 1/14/1947, pg. 1, 9.
  • Presents concert FH, 2/25/1947 pg. 1.
  • Description AG, March 1947, pg. 6-7, 16.
  • Gives concert FH, 3/4/1947, pg. 1.
  • Appears for second concert FH, 3/11/1947, pg. 1.
  • Offers two concerts FH, 3/25/1947, pg. 1.
  • Schedules concerts of classical, sacred, folk music FH, 4/1/1947, pg. 1, 3 (picture).
  • Present Annual Concert FH, 4/15/1947, pg. 1.
  • Crowds laud concert tour FH, 5/6/ 1947, pg. 4.
  • Musical groups to give concert FH, 5/6/1947, pg. 4.
  • Present WRVA program FH, 5/20/1947, pg. 6.
  • Fehr announces vacancies FH, 5/20/1947, pg. 6.
  • Fehr announces audition dates FH, 9/16/1941, pg. 1.
  • Organist and College choir present joint concert FH, 9/16/1947, page 9.
  • Students to audition FH, 9/23/1947, pg. 9.
  • Fehr reports on choral auditions FH, 9/30/1947, pg. 7.
  • Needs more singers FH, 10/7/1947, pg. 3.
  • Christmas Concerts planned FH, 12/2/1947, pg. 4.
  • Choir, Chorus, singers take part in Messiah FH, 12/19/1947, pg. 1.
  • Fehr announces program for music groups FH, 1/13/1948, pg. 10.
  • To perform in varied concert FH, 3/9/1948, pg. 6.
  • To present Spring Concert FH, 3/23/1948, pg. 7.
  • Soloists for choir concert FH, 3/30/1948, pg. 7 (picture).
  • Auditions set FH, 9/21/1948, pg. 3.
  • Auditions continue FH, 9/28/1948, pg. 9.
  • Carl Fehr praises choir FH, 10/26/1948, pg. 9.
  • Plans concert in Capital FH, 11/23/1948 pg. 3.
  • To Broadcast Christmas music over CBS Network FH, 12/7/1948, pg. 1.
  • 'Messiah' serves for subject of Annual Christmas program FH, 12/14/1948, pg. 1(pictures).
  • Presents annual spring concert FH, 3/22/1949, pg. 1.
  • Chorus will sing at final concert FH, 3/22/12949, pg. 7.
  • Soloists featured FH, 3/29/1949, pg. 1.
  • Schedules three concerts FH, 3/8/1949, pg. 7.
  • To record album of records FH, 3/29/1949, pg. 1.
  • To release album FH, 4/19/1949, pg. 11.
  • To continue tours FH, 5/3/1949, pg. 12.
  • Album goes on sale FH, 5/24/1949, pg. 1.
  • Auditions continue FH, 9/27/1949, pg. 9.
  • Warren Sprouse conducts choir FH, 10/18/1949, pg. 12 (picture).
  • Choral groups announce try-outs FH, 11/1/1949, pg. 3.
  • Choir and Chorus to give concert at PBK FH, 12/13/1949, pg. 9 (picture).
  • Auditions FH, 1/10/1950, pg. 8.
  • Plans annual spring concert FH, 3/2/1950, pg. 1, 3.
  • Presents services in chapel FH, 5/16/1950, pg. 4.
  • Chorus and Orchestra present concert FH, 5/16/1950, pg. 10.
  • New students urged to attend auditions FH, 9/19/1950, pg. 4.
  • Members win door prizes FH, 9/19/1950, pg. 4.
  • Sponsors weekly chapel FH, 9/26/1950, pg. 4.
  • Auditions planned FH, 9/26/1950, pg. 4.
  • Choir and Chorus sing together FH, 11/7/1950, pg. 8.
  • Sings in concert FH, 11/14/1950, pg. 3.
  • Presents program of Carols FH, 12/12/1950, pg. 3.
  • Choir and chorus to present annual concert FH, 12/12/1950, pg. 1.
  • Student plan mass choral sing FH, 12/19/1950, pg. 1.
  • Fehr announces vacancies in Girl's Chorus FH, 2/27/1951, pg. 10.
  • To perform at National Gallery of Art FH, 2/27/1951, pg. 1, 11 (picture).
  • Fehr plans tour of National Gallery of Art, High Schools FH, 3/13/1951, pg. 1.
  • Performing in Easter service FH, 3/20/1951, pg. 11.
  • Opens Spring Concert at PBK Hall FH, 3/20/1951, pg. 12 (picture).
  • Description AG, May 1951, pg. 12-13.
  • Cuts new record album FH, 5/1/1951, pg. 9.
  • Makes final appearance FH, 5/15/1951, pg. 1.
  • Auditions scheduled FH, 9/18/1951, pg. 8.
  • Vacancies FH, 9/25/1951, pg. 10.
  • Offers wide program is annual Christmas event FH, 12/11/1951, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Chapel service features Chorus FH, 12/18/1951, pg. 1, 7.
  • Prepares Spring Concert FH, 3/4/1952, pg. 9.
  • 'Down in the Valley' a feature of Spring program 4/15/1952, pg. 1.
  • Choir gives spring concert FH, 4/29/1952, pg. 1.
  • Plans West Point concert FH, 5/6/1952, pg. 4.
  • Students invited to try out Choir, Chorus FH, 9/16/1952, pg. 7.
  • Students urged to audition FH, 10/7/1952, pg. 10.
  • Fehr urges men to join choir FH, 11/4/1952, pg. 8.
  • Opens annual Christmas concert FH, 12/9/1952, pg. 1.
  • Carol program highlights Christmas Service FH, 12/16/1952, pg. 1.
  • Christmas spirit pervades campus FH, 12/16/1952, pg. 1, 10 (picture).
  • Choir presents final performance FH, 12/16/1952, pg. 1.
  • Rehearses for spring concert; plans tours FH, 3/31/1953, pg. 1.
  • Presents spring concert FH, 4/21/1953, pg. 12.
  • Opens spring concert FH, 4/28/1953, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Chorus plans recital FH, 5/12/1953, pg. 1.
  • Membership opens FH5/19/1953, pg. 4.
  • Audition date announced FH 9/15/1953, pg. 3.
  • Presents Richmond concert FH, 10/27/1953, pg. 1.
  • Fehr announces plans for Menotti opera FH, 11/17/1953, pg. 12.
  • Fehr releases names of production staff FH, 11/24/1953, pg. 11.
  • Prepares Christmas program FH, 12/8/1953, pg. 1.
  • Holds Christmas concert FH, 12/15/1953, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Chorus plans annual carol service FH, 12/15/1953, pg. 1.
  • Out of town concerts on the agenda FH, 3/16/1954, pg. 1.
  • Selections recorded on LP FH 4/20/1954, pg. 10.
  • Presents last of its concerts FH, 4/27/1954, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Chorus presentation FH, 4/27/1954, pg. 3.
  • Chorus presentation FH, 5/4/1954, pg. 1.
  • Completes engagements FH, 5/4/1954, pg. 2.
  • Tryouts open for vocal positions FH, 5/18/1954, pg. 2.
  • Tryouts scheduled for choir, chorus FH, 9/21/1954, pg. 5.
  • Tryouts continue, 9/28/1954, pg. 6.
  • Plans local programs FH, 11/9/1954, pg. 16.
  • Rehearses Handel's "Messiah" FH, 12/7/1954, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Records selections for Edgar Berger show FH, 12/7/1954, pg. 1.
  • Prepares caroling service, "Messiah" FH, 12/14/1954, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Prepares ambitious program FH, 3/15/1955, pg. 4.
  • Prepares spring concert FH, 3/29/1959, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Women's chorus presents varied concert FH, 4/19/1955, pg. 1.
  • Auditions set FH, 9/20/1955, pg. 16.
  • Releases members names FH, 10/4/1955. pg. 6.
  • Representatives sselcted for all-state chorus FH, 10/18/1955, pg. 11.
  • Rehearses Yuletide selections FH, 12/6/1955, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Chorus prepares Yuletide service FH, 12/13/1955, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Member finds new bus great for traveling FH, 12/13/1955, pg. 9.
  • Second Christmas concert set FH, 12/13/1955, pg. 10 (picture).
  • Needs men FH, 1/17/1956, pg. 16.
  • More male voices needed FH, 2/14/1956, pg. 4 (picture).
  • Chooses leaders FH, 3/27/1956, pg. 3.
  • Tours Virginia FH, 4/17/1956, pg. 3.
  • Begins concert tour FH, 4/24/1956, pg. 12.
  • Evening brings varied programming FH, 5/1/1956, pg. 12 (picture).
  • Chorus to feature variations in music FH, 5/8/1956, pg. 1.
  • Gives surprise dinner for "Pappy" Fehr FH, 5/15/1956, pg. 4 (picture).
  • "Pappy" Fehr's 10 years AG, May 1956, pg. 11.
  • Tour of West Virginia AG, May 1956, pg. 13-14.
  • Audition dates set FH, 9/4/1956, pg. 1.
  • Rehearses for Yuletide show FH, 11/20/1956, pg. 5.
  • Spends month of work on program FH, 11/27/1956, pg. 1.
  • Begins holidays with annual concert FH, 12/4/1956, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Choir, chorus combine for Holiday music FH, 12/11/1956, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Sings at Garden Club convention FH, 2/12/1956, pg. 4.
  • Asked to participate in Jamestown Festival FH, 2/12/1957, pg. 11.
  • Seeks laurels in Norfolk Thompson premiere FH, 3/26/1957, pg. 1.
  • Busy choir returns to final rehearsal FH, 4/30/1957, pg. 8.
  • Includes special numbers in concert, FH, 5/7/1957, pg. 1.
  • Repeats performances of 'Ode' ny Thompson FH, 5/7/1957, pg. 7.
  • New members posted FH, 10/8/1957, pg. 7.
  • Prepares Christmas Concert FH, 11/26/1957, pg. 1.
  • Presents 'Messiah' in concert FH, 12/10/1957, pg. 1.
  • Chorus presents Christmas concert FH, 12/10/1957, pg. 1.
  • Touring two cities FH, 4/15/1958, pg. 3.
  • Spring concerts varied FH, 4/29/1958, pg. 11.
  • Chorus presents first in series of concerts FH, 5/6/1958, pg. 3.
  • Performs with band FH, 5/13/1958, pg. 12.
  • Successful year FH, 5/20/1958, pg. 7.
  • Offers final recital FH, 5/20/1958, pg. 7.
  • Auditions open for men and women FH, 9/23/1958, pg. 10.
  • Auditions close FH, 10/7/1958, pg. 5.
  • Practices for Christmas concert FH, 11/18/1958, pg. 10.
  • Chosisters sing at Carol service FH, 12/9/1958, pg. 11.
  • Ceremony of Carols FH, 12/16/1958, pg. 1 (picture).
  • Plans spring tour FH, 3/10/1959, pg. 12.
  • Departs for annual Tour FH, 4/21/1959, pg. 10.
  • Concert FH, 4/28/1959, pg. 1.
  • Dual college choirs, band gives concerts at PBK FH, 5/5/1959, pg. 1, 2.
  • Elect officers FH, 5/5/1959, pg. 10.
  • Turns north FH, 5/5/1959, pg. 10.
  • Tapes concert for Radio network FH, 5/12/1959, pg. 5.
  • Departmental concert FH, 5/19/1959, pg. 18.
  • Completes busy year FH, 5/19/1959, pg. 8.
  • Auditions continue FH, 9/29/1959, pg. 3.
  • Tour of Philadelphia, New York and Boston AG, October 1959, pg. 10-13.
  • Faces busy schedule FH, 10/13/1959, pg. 11.
  •  

References

  • Website

 

Want to find out more?

To search for further material, visit the Special Collections Research Center's Search Tool List for other resources to help you find materials of interest.

Questions? Have ideas or updates for articles you'd like to see? Contact the Special Collections Research Center at spcoll@wm.edu or 757-221-3090.

A note about the contents of this site

This website contains the best available information from known sources at the time it was written. Unfortunately, many of the early original records of William & Mary were destroyed by fires, military occupation, and the normal effects of time. The information in this website is not complete, and it changes as we continue to research and uncover new sources.