Music at the collegiate level oftentimes drops the egalitarian, non-exclusive leanings of its high school counterpart, taking something once available for all and limiting it to the elite.
The University of Wyoming Singing Statesmen offer a compelling alternative: an elite men’s choir open to anyone with a desire to sing. As of yesterday, the men came together from all walks of life to embark on a tour canvassing the North West and culminating in a performance at 2015 National Association for Music Education Northwest Division conference in Spokane, Wash.
Getting to the National Association for Music Education conference is not easy. Last year, the Statesmen began the long process by sending in an audition tape that beat out numerous other choirs. An invitation to attend the conference identifies a choir as one of the strongest in the region.
“A very small amount of the choirs that audition get to go,” International Studies Senior Brian Schueler said, “Its a huge honor.”
The choir, started in 2005, came under the leadership of Nicole Lamartine, Director of Choral Activities. It is her influence that both brings students into the choir, and keeps them there, said several Statesmen’s members,.
“As soon as you get your foot in the door, she pulls you in,” Computer Science Senior Ian Miller said.
Miller serves as the president of the Statesmen, a position he has held since the last academic year. A Colorado resident, Miller’s decision to come to the university hinged around Lamartine’s influence.
“She’s a huge part of the reason I came to the university,” Miller said.
For Lamartine, teaching the students from diverse backgrounds who make up the Statesmen is an opportunity to be part of the formation of a community.
“The Singing Statesmen operate as a community,” Lamartine said, “freshmen and others find a place to call home.”
Besides creating a sense of community, the Statesmen provide the opportunity for personal growth and development.
“It’s taught me a lot about organization,” Miller said. “While fun, there’s also an expectation of excellence.”
Being in the Statesmen necessitates having at least five hours per week to dedicate to class time and private practice. Before a concert or a tour, a significant amount of additional time must be spent in careful rehearsal and preparation. Despite ultimately subject to the leadership of Lamartine, students also play a critical role in deciding the direction of the group.
“She’s good about letting us share our opinions and vision,” Miller said, “It’s great to be able to decide what our vision is.”
One of Lamartine’s primary concerns is recruiting students from all areas and all walks of life.
“Anyone who has ever been curious about singing should come check us out,” Lamartine said, “Once people come and see what we’re about, it’s hard for them to leave.”
After their tour, the Statesmen will return to Wyoming and begin prepping for their spring concerts.
Dr. Nicole Lamartine leads the Singing Statesmen. The group is known for being open to all men who express interest and does not require an audition for membership.
