EMU Voices
EMU Voices is an auditioned choral ensemble open to treble voices (soprano/alto). The ensemble welcomes students from all majors and disciplines. With membership between 16-24 singers, this high-level performing ensemble will dedicate itself to choral art music for soprano and alto voices. The choir sings music from various composers, time periods, and genres. We collaborate with other EMU ensembles, as well as choirs and artists throughout the state. We are an accepting space for anyone who wishes to join, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, religion, or musical background.
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Rehearsal Schedule
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00-2:15 pm
Choir Room Alexander Music Building, Room 109
How to Register
EMU Voices requires an audition. When 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, Voices Section
Conductor
Jillian Burgam is a Lecturer of Choral Music at Eastern Michigan University where she conducts the EMU Voices. Prior to her work at EMU, Jillian taught for 10 years in public middle schools and high schools all over the country. Working in Wickenburg, AZ, Helena, MT, and most recently at Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI, Jillian’s choirs have earned superior ratings at solo, ensemble, and choral festivals alike, and have had singers qualify for regional, state, and all-state honors choirs. Most importantly, her work in public education has focused on Culturally Responsive Teaching and engaging English Language Learners. Among her fellow educators, she has focused on advocating on behalf of new teachers, developing a Mentorship program at Wickenburg High School and a New Teacher Orientation at Fordson High School.
An advocate for community choirs throughout Metro Detroit, Jillian is the Artistic Director of the Detroit Women’s Chorus (DWC), a barrier-free treble choir that welcomes singers of all ability levels. In the past two years, DWC has appeared on PBS: Detroit Performs, collaborated with Detroit artists Emily Rose, Audra Kubat, and Emily Rogers, sang and marched at Take Back the Night Ann Arbor, and performed the National Anthem at a Detroit Tigers game. Along with her work with DWC, Jillian is the assistant conductor of the Detroit Concert Choir, serving a diverse group of singers ages 22 to 76.
Jillian sings professionally with Beyond, Mariners’ Church of Detroit, Toledo Symphony Chorus, and the Choral Artists of Michigan. She has appeared as a guest performer at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the UMS Choral Union. Jillian has also worked with professional choirs around the country, singing with the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix Chorale, Solis Camerata, the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, and the Spoleto Festival USA Chorus.
Jillian completed her graduate degree in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College (2020) and Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Music Education and Spanish Education from Western Michigan University (2013). She is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, and is the State Choral Festival Supervisor for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association.