August 13, 2025

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University choirs are launching a fundraising campaign to support recruitment and performance travels for the 2025-26 academic year.

“The NSU Choirs are incredible ambassadors for the university and continue to promote high quality artistry and exceptional musicianship. Students from across our region recognize the NSU Choirs as leaders in their field and promoters of the choral art,” said Dr. Shane Thomas, director of Choral Activities.

This year, the NSU Chamber Choir has been selected to perform at the Louisiana American Choral Directors Association state conference in New Orleans Oct. 17.

“This incredible honor comes with a lofty price tag once charter bus rentals and hotel rooms for 32 students and three faculty are factored in,” Thomas said.

Founded in 1987, the Chamber Choir is the flagship choral ensemble at NSU, made up of undergraduates from many different majors.  The choir often collaborates with composers and conductors for projects.  In 2021, the Chamber Choir placed in the top four of the Leonardo da Vinci Choral Competition in Florence, Italy. The Chamber Choir has also placed second in the Laurea Mundi Budapest in Budapest, Hungary, and second and Best Interpretation in the AVE VERUM ICC in Baden, Austria.  In 2024, The Chamber Choir was invited to perform for the ACDA Southern Region conference in Louisville, Kentucky, as the only choir to represent the state of Louisiana.

NSU’s comprehensive choral program includes five choral and vocal ensembles with over 150 participants.  The NSU Choirs provide opportunities for international travel, significant touring and performances and experiences with pedagogical leaders in the field through guest artists and world-class performers.

Following the successful 2025 recruitment tour across western and southwestern Louisiana where the Chamber Choir visited 14 school programs and over 1,000 students, in January 2026 the Chamber Choir will be touring northeast, central and southeast Louisiana while collaborating with area high schools and collegiate programs.

The NSU Choirs are seeking to raise $20,000 for these recruitment and performance travel costs. Monies donated will go directly to charter bus rentals, hotel and food costs for each of these events.

“Your donation will provide the choral program the ability to continue to share all the wonderful things happening at NSU with the students and communities in Louisiana,” Thomas said.

To make a contribution, visit https://northwesternstatealumni.com/nsu-choir/.  Information on NSU Choirs is available at https://www.nsula.edu/music/choirs/.  A QR Code is also available.