Community Voices Invited to Join UMD Summer Chorus This July

If you’ve ever thought about singing with a full orchestra—or simply miss the joy of being part of a choir—this summer offers a unique opportunity right in our region.

The University of Maryland’s annual Summer Chorus returns this July, welcoming singers from high school age and up to take part in an immersive choral experience. No audition is required, making the program accessible to a wide range of participants—from current and prospective School of Music students to alumni and community members who simply love to sing.

Over the course of three weeks, participants rehearse and prepare a major concert program, culminating in a live performance with professional orchestra and soloists. The ensemble is led by talented graduate students from the university’s choral conducting program, offering singers the chance to work under emerging leaders in the field while tackling ambitious repertoire.

This year’s program features a compelling mix of works, including Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein, His Light Still Shines by Moses Hogan, and The Promise of Living by Aaron Copland. The program will be directed by Eric Beomjin Kim and Julie Huang Tucker.

Rehearsals will take place at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, primarily in Room 2201, with final rehearsals and the performance held in the center’s Dekelboum Concert Hall.

The 2026 schedule is as follows:

·       Week 1: July 7–9 (Tuesday–Thursday)

·       Week 2: July 13–16 (Monday–Thursday)

·       Week 3: July 20–22 (Monday–Wednesday, held in Dekelboum Concert Hall)

·       Dress Rehearsal: July 24, 7–10 p.m. (Dekelboum Concert Hall)

·       Performance: July 25 at 8 p.m.

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All standard rehearsals run from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Past Summer Chorus performances have included major works such as Mozart’s Requiem, Haydn’s Harmoniemesse, Duruflé’s Requiem, and Orff’s Carmina Burana—a testament to both the program’s ambition and its welcoming, community-centered approach.

For those looking to stay musically active, meet fellow singers, or experience the thrill of performing large-scale choral music, the UMD Summer Chorus offers a rare blend of accessibility and artistic excellence.

Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or someone who just enjoys singing, this is an opportunity to step into a full-scale concert experience—and add your voice to something truly powerful. For all the information go to https://music.umd.edu/community-engagement/summer-programs-camps/umd-summer-chorus