Welcome to the vocal program at Washington and Lee University! Choral and vocal music continues to be a vibrant and vital part of the campus life at Washington and Lee, with W&L's dedicated faculty mentoring, challenging, and inspiring students to achieve their greatest potential. Opportunities exist for all students, regardless of major, to be a part of our exciting program.
Due to W&L's small size, there is a focus on the individual student, from preparing music majors to highest levels possible in performance or education, to nurturing non-majors who continue to have great passion for music along with their other studies. With opportunities from our renowned choirs such as the W&L University Singers, special events like the Lessons and Carols service and ChoralFest, and large-scale stage productions like the annual Bentley Musical/Opera, the W&L vocal program offers endless musical options.
Choral groups on campus include the University Singers, the Men's Glee Club and Cantatrici.
Shane M. Lynch, a noted conductor, composer, and music educator, assumed the position Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Washington and Lee University in the Fall of 2009. Dr. Lynch is a sought-after clinician, having worked with honor choirs in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
The Conductor Mentorship Program includes multiple years of conducting and pedagogical training done in close, purposely small groups. Students are placed in immediate leadership positions with the W&L choirs, including assistant conductor and section leader slots typically reserved for graduate students, and get podium time with the W&L ensembles. K-12 Choral and Instrumental Certification is also available.