Singing Statesmen - About The Group

About The Group

The ensemble was established in 1966 by Morris D. Hayes, who sought to create a male choral ensemble to perform and revitalize the traditional fight songs and hymns of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Since the choir's founding, the ensemble has been directed by three conductors: Morris D. Hayes from 1966 to 1988; Bruce G. McInnes from 1988 to 1990; and Gary R. Schwartzhoff from 1991 to present.

The ensemble is guided by its tradition and history as its creed "Once a Statesmen, Always a Statesmen" reflects. The ensemble performs a wide variety of repertoire, but is best known for their performances of German and Austrian pieces. The choir performs compositions of Anton Bruckner, Johann Strauss II, and Mozart annually at the University's Viennese Ball. The Singing Statesmen have also commissioned works by contemporary composers, including Z. Randall Stroope, James Mulholland and Jackson Berkey.

The history of The Singing Statesmen is rich with noted performances, both at home and abroad. The Statesmen performed at the 1983 and 2003 National Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). The Statesmen hosted the Intercollegiate Men's Choruses, Inc. (IMC) National Seminar in 1996 and 2006. In 1994, The Statesmen performed for the Austrian National Day of Celebration at the Austrian Consulate in Chicago and at the 1995 Eastern Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Milwaukee. In 1998 and 2000, The Singing Statesmen performed at the ACDA Divisional Conventions. In 2003, The Statesmen performed at the ACDA National Convention in New York City. Additionally, the ensemble performed at the Wisconsin Music Educators Convention in 1998 and 2004. In 2006, the Statesmen toured to Rio de Janeiro. Over the 2009/2010 holiday season, the Statesmen completed their most recent international tour to Buenos Aires, Argentina and Uruguay.

The Statesmen have released nine recordings during their history including: 25th Anniversary; Musik; Volume³; 2002 European Tour; At the Ball; An American Journey; 2004 WMEA Convention; A Testament; and Take Up The Song. Take Up The Song is a collection of the choral works of James Quitman Mulholland, in collaboration with the UWEC Concert Choir and the Women's Concert Chorale.