Renee Rosenow

In 1966, Morris D. Hayes sought to create a choral ensemble for male voices. The Singing Statesmen is what he formed.

“It’s usually around 60 guys . we’re the only all-guys choir in Eau Claire,” sophomore Alex Bell said.

For 43 years, The Singing Statesmen have represented UW-Eau Claire both nationally and internationally. The Statesmen have performed at such events as the 2008 Music Educators National Conference and at the 1983 and 2003 national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association. In 1996 and 2006, The Singing Statesmen hosted the Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses, Inc. national seminar. The Statesmen have also performed at the Austrian Consulate in Chicago, and at the 1998, 2000 and 2008 ACDA Divisional Conventions.

“We have a fall concert and we also perform with all the other music ensembles, including the symphony orchestra, at the holiday concert,” senior president JT Wesley said. “Also, every once in awhile we perform in music festivals that welcome local school students.”

The Singing Statesmen have also made appearances throughout the world. In 2005, The Statesmen performed at Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2003, The Statesmen made numerous performances in Europe. The performances at the Karlskirche in Vienna, Austria, and in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Rome, helped create one of the ensemble’s eight CDs.

“We’re planning to go to Europe (again),” Bell said. “We haven’t gotten anywhere too crazy recently.”

In 1993, The Singing Statesmen released “25th Anniversary,” their first CD. Other CDs released include: “Musik”, released in 1996; “Volume 3”, released in 1998 during the 30th Anniversary Celebration; “2002 European Tour,” released in 2002; “At the Ball,” a tribute to the Eau Claire Viennese Ball released in 2003; “An American Journey,” a musical salute to the United States of America released in 2004, “2004 WMEA Convention,” released in 2004; and “A Testament,” released in 2006. CDs can be purchased online at www.uwec.edu/Mus-The/Choir/CD_Form.

“This year we are working, along with the concert choir, on recording a CD for James Mulholland,” Wesley said. “We will be releasing it next year.”

The ensemble is conducted by professor Gary R. Schwartzhoff, the third conductor in the organization’s existence. Hayes conducted The Singing Statesmen from 1966 to 1988 when Bruce G. McInnes took over. McInnes conducted from 1988 to 1990, when Schwartzhoff took over.

“We’ve had numerous pieces of music dedicated to The Singing Statesmen by composers who we have worked with,” Wesley said.

While some of the funding does come out of the performers’ pockets, the majority of the funding The Singing Statesmen receive is from the school.

“At the beginning of the semester they’ll give us an idea of what we’ll have to pay for,” Bell said. “They’re usually good about not making us pay for more than we have to because we already have to pay for a $250 to $300 tux.”