UK Women's Choir

The UK Women's Choir is an auditioned choir of approximately 100 students (freshman through graduate). Our conductor is Dr. Lori Hetzel, the Associate Director of Choral Ensembles at UK. Our accompanist is Mr. Ryan Shirar.

UK Women’s Choir Tours Internationally

In the summer of 2009, the UK Women’s Choir traveled to Italy. Read all about it!

From left to right: DeeAnn Gray, Dr. Hetzel, and Meg Stohlmann

If you are interested in joining Women's Choir, contact Dr. Hetzel via email - lhetzel@uky.edu or phone - (859) 257-8202.

Quotes from the Conductor:

"It is truly an honor to stand in front of such talented, young women.  We make glorious music together and share special friendships."
"My goal for each and every rehearsal is to have a 'goose bump' moment, almost to be able to freeze time to experience nothing but true beauty around us. These moments happen by creating sound ideals together, usually not by words spoken but by the beauty of the musical composition."

Officers for 2008-2009

From left to right: Lauren Collins, Jessica Lane, Caitlyn Ealey, Emily Conyea, Tembre Watkins, and Meredyth Cann.  Not pictured:  Tai-Kristin Smedley.

UKWC ALUMNI!

The Women's Choir is starting an Alumni Association. Please read this letter for more information.

Last year, the UK Women’s Choir was exclusively invited to perform at several prestigious events including the Music Educator's National Convention (MENC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (April 2008) and the American Choral Director's Association (ACDA) Southeastern Division Conference in Louisville (March 2008).

• Here is a sample song called "Sweepin' Through the City" from our ACDA National Convention Performance (Spring, 2000) and the Southern Division of the Music Educators National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky (Spring, 2001). We also perform in local events including our Fall Concert and the Christmas Collage with the entire UK Choral Department, Lexington Singers Children’s Choir and other outstanding UK and local music ensembles.

However, the most unique thing about the Women's Choir is not our accomplishments. Rather it is the atmosphere of sisterhood among its members.  Unlike many other collegiate choirs, the group is diverse with nearly equal numbers of music majors and non-majors as well as freshman through seniors.  Many students argue that the amount of work put into the program does not constitute the one credit point they receive.  With Dr. Hetzel’s encouragement, it is apparent that this fact does not matter.  Each individual of this outstanding group of women unite with the same purpose:  their passion for music.

Quotes from the Members:

"If music has this awesome power to unite a diverse group of girls across a campus of 30,000, who is to stop it from uniting a world that's torn apart by terrorism and ravaging wars?" – Raye Maggard, Music Education

"Women's choir is such a unique group! All of the members are so passionate about the music and so encouraging to each other. The class is an amazing opportunity to be a part of something special." – Valarie Long, Broadcast Journalism

"I was hesitant about joining Women's Choir because I am not a music major, but I am so happy to be a part of such an amazing group." – Crystal Ransom, Finance

"I love Dr. Hetzel's energy in rehearsal; it makes me love to sing even more than I already do." – Michelle Taylor, Music Education

"Women's Choir isn't a class. It's a group of friends who like to make music." – Kate Wadkins, Hospitality Management & Tourism

"Women's Choir is an opportunity for women from all across campus - any age and any major - to come together to celebrate their common gift of song." – Courtney Justice, Communication

"It's great being with a group of women singers because there is a different energy and power. Very rarely do you get that same feeling with mixed choirs. I wouldn't trade that feeling for the world." – Jennifer Nantz, Vocal Performance

"Women's Choir is the best part of my day! I get to see my friends and relax and sing." – Mel Estes, History & English

"I love the beauty of the music, the rapport of the girls, and the amazing educator and director in Dr. Hetzel!" – Stefanie Kersey, Music Education