EMU Choir
Choir Biography
The internationally acclaimed Eastern Michigan University Choir is a highly select auditioned ensemble comprised of students from across the university, most of whom are music majors whose principal area is voice study. They maintain a rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule and focus predominantly on choral art music for advanced choral ensembles.
With its tradition spanning back to 1854, singing at EMU has a long tradition of musical excellence. Under the direction of Dr. Johnson recent activities have included two European Concert Tours, two performances with Grammy-nominated tenor, Andrea Bocelli, 2018 Carnegie Hall Performance, 2018 Central/ North Central American Choral Directors Association Conference, 2018 Michigan Music Conference, 2017 Michigan ACDA State Conference, finalist in the American Prize and the release of four recordings in the past six artistic seasons.
How To Join
EMU Choir requires an audition. When/if invited to the “Final Call-back,” students will meet, on the first day of class, with all students invited to the Auditioned Ensembles call-back to determine which section they will participate in for that year. Please sign up for an audition slot using this online scheduler. You can find the current CRN if you search the catalog for MUEN 131L, EMU Choir Section.
Mission Statement
The Eastern Michigan University EMU Choir proudly commit to an unwavering pursuit of artistry and excellence in choral music. We foster an environment of care for each musician and we value commitment, consistency and perseverance; all of which lead to artistic achievement. Beyond technical facility, we believe that transformative musical experiences require a connection of the poetry and the composer’s expression to 21st century students.
Touring
The Eastern Michigan University Choir embarks on performance tours each season. In recent years, the EMU Choir toured throughout the U.S. and Austria, England, Germany, Czechia, Poland, Scotland & Wales. Many times, the ensemble collaborates with high schools and offers a masterclass as well as a joint concert to provide a collegiate level experience to high school students.
EMU Choir Touring Schedule
2023-2024 Michgian
2022-2023 Italy Tour (Assisi, Arezzo, Bologna, Cinque Tera, Florence, Perugia, Rome, Venice)
2021-2022 Alaska Tour
2020-2021 Canceled due to COVID
2019-2020 West Coast Tour
2018–19 Great Lakes and International Tour (Austria, Czechia, Germany & Poland)
2017–18 Carnegie Hall, ACDA Regional, ACDA State, Michigan Music Conference
2016–17 South East
2015-2016 Midwest & International (England, Scotland, Wales)
2014-2015 Eastern USA
Please visit our Choir Touring Page for the most up-to-date concert information
Musicians
Soprano 1
Emily Beggs 2025- Music Education Canton, MI
Rachel Mah 2026- Vocal Performance Fenton, MI
Sophia Merkle 2027- Psychology Saline, MI
Zoe Spencer 2024- Music Education Escanaba, MI
Soprano 2Elizabeth Clark 2025- Music Pinkney, MI
Catherine Lietz 2024- Music Performance Buchanan, MI
Alyssa Malbon 2024- Music Education Canton, MI
Jennifer O’Neal 2025- MM Conducting Ypsilanti, MI
Kaylee Stokely 2024- Music Education Jackson, MI
Nicole Wills 2025- MM Conducting Fairbanks, AK
Alto 1
Hannah Berberoglu 2025- Interior Design Ypsilanti, MI
Olivia Kissner 2026- Music Therapy Defiance, OH
Nicole Mroczek 2024- Music Education Mattawan, MI
Eleanor Myers 2026- MM Conducting Detroit, MI
Sarah Jerica Sales 2026- Music Education Woodhaven, MI
Alto 2Mavis Clawson 2025- Music Education Parma, MI
Katelyn Dunn 2026- Music Education Canton, MI
Julia Tully 2025- Social Work Wyandotte, MI
Vivian Vargas 2025- Exploratory Adrian, MI
Daniela Walbridge 2026- Music Education Ann Arbor, MI
Emma Willerup 2024- Music Education Cockeysville, MD
Tenor 1Matthew Cook 2024- Music Martin, TN
Anthony Davis 2023- Music Education Milford, MI
Ben Ward 2026- Music Education Marine City, MI
Tenor 2Jonathan Bias 2027- Theatre Rossford, OH
Troy Birdsong 2024- Music Education Ypsilanti, MI
Victor Ross 2026- Music Therapy Ypsilanti, MI
Phillip Solis 2024- Computer Science Harper Woods, MI
Verick Von Buskirk 2027- Music Brighton, MI
BaritoneChristopher Berlongieri 2027- Music Performance Ann Arbor, MI
King David Obiji 2027- Music Nwka, AN
Sean Ryan 2025- Music Northport, NY
Jack Tabor 2027- Exploratory Ypsilanti, MI
BassMerrick Breckler 2025- Music Education Farmer, OH
Connor Eilers 2026- Music Education Canton, MI
Nicolas Guzman 2025- Music Performance Clinton, MI
Christopher Studnicki 2025- Music Education Canton, M
Available Recordings and Media Material
To purchase recordings, download pictures, videos, press-releases, past concert programs, and recording information, please visit our Press & Media Page.