Concert Choir
The 90-member Concert Choir was organized in the fall of 1988 and has a long tradition of great trips, close friendships and musical excellence. Members are chosen by audition. The majority of members major in areas other than music; approximately 30 majors within the university are represented. The group maintains an active schedule singing on campus, touring regionally, and singing with the HU Orchestra. In the last few years the group has sung for Harding's presidential inauguration as a part of the combined 250-voice choir, and performed for President George Bush, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Why you should join the Harding University Concert Choir
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, members of the Harding University Concert Choir seek to praise God by singing fantastic pieces in an atmosphere filled with friends, fun, and laughter. As musicians, we strive to develop constant attention to musical excellence, a tradition that dates back to 1988, and one we hope to continue for many years to come. By joining Concert Choir, you get the opportunity to nurture lasting friendships with other Christians, and you become a member of a giant, boisterous family – one that will laugh, cry, and pray with you. You will get to know people from every academic major-- from art to engineering, from music to nursing-- and will develop relationships that may last for decades.
Questions You Might Have
Will Concert Choir be a massive time-drain?
Not at all! With rehearsals only three times a week and little assigned homework, Choir is a very fun and memorable way to integrate into campus life. We have about 8-10 events per semester outside of class—fewer than one per week.
Do you go on choir trips often?
We usually go on three or four trips a year. In recent years we have traveled to Texas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma as well as trips in Arkansas. A highlight of the year is the first trip--to Greer's Ferry Lake, where we sing a casual concert and have a choir retreat in a beautiful location.
Is memorization of music required?
It depends on the concert. Early in the year we often sing with music. As the year progresses, we move toward singing from memory, but most of the memorization happens in class. Some pieces require it due to strategic hand-clappery.
How much does it cost?
Choir dues are only $20 to $30 for the entire year. The course can be taken for one hour of credit (you pay for one tuition hour), or can be taken for zero credit (and thus no fee).
Do I have to be a music major?
No, there are majors from all disciplines, from French to Graphic Design to Business.
How do I get into Concert Choir?
Our main audition date is March 15-16, 2024. There are also open auditions the weekend before the fall semester starts (during Impact). Announcements are posted in the Reynolds Center with information and times for auditions.
Students who audition for a music major scholarship are not required to do a separate choral ensemble audition.
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About our Director
Jay Walls, Associate Professor and Chair of Harding University’s Department of Music, has broad experience as a composer, teacher and choral conductor. His varied career includes over ten years of service in Florence, Italy, as director of the Florence Bible School and as Assistant Director of Harding’s campus in the hills of Tuscany.
Walls received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Harding and a Master’s and PhD in Music Composition with related studies in voice from the University of North Texas. In addition to teaching private lessons and courses in music composition, Italian and many other subjects, Walls directed choirs at South Houston High School, and he later directed Harding’s University Singers.
Walls’ primary mentors in composition were Martin Mailman, Joseph Klein and Cindy McTee. In addition to writing vocal and instrumental solos and composing pieces for orchestra, chamber ensembles and electronics, Walls has created and arranged a number of works for choir. His love for choral music began in childhood and was nurtured through high school and college. He sang under the directorship of Kenneth Davis Jr. (“Uncle Bud”) at Harding, where he was named an Outstanding Music Student and received awards for lead roles in musicals. At the University of North Texas he sang with the graduate choir, Canticum Novum, under the direction of Henry Gibbons. He was also recognized as the Outstanding Music Composition Studies Graduate Student, and he received the Dean’s Camerata Scholarship, the Richard and Candace Faulk Scholarship, the David M. Schimmel Memorial Scholarship and the Lewisville Lake Symphony's Love and Immortality Project Competition award.
Walls’ compositions have been selected for performance by the SMU String Quartet and have been presented in master classes with David Del Tredici and the New York-based string quartet ETHEL. They have also been performed at the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, the North American Saxophone Alliance, the University of North Texas, Harding University, among other venues.
Walls is highly invested in missions with his church, and he continues to work closely with the Avanti Italia missionary internship program. He loves spending time with family and friends, cooking (as well as eating) Italian food, tending to his garden and traveling. He also enjoys working with the world-class performers he meets as director of the Arts and Life Performance Series at Harding.
Choir Life
The Harding University Concert Choir provides many great opportunities to make friends, improve your musical talents, and expand your musical repertoire. With a fun and engaging atmosphere during rehearsal, members share a sense of belonging to both a family and to an integral part of campus life.
Early in September, we have a choir retreat at Greer’s Ferry Lake, where we sing an outdoor concert, swim, play volleyball and have a special choir devotional.
Concert Choir traditionally sings our first major performance of the year at Harding's Lectureship in September.
The remainder of the fall semester consists of concerts, on and close to campus, and an occasional full-day or overnight tour.
In the spring semester the Choir might participate in festivals and workshops, short overnight trips, and other special activities such as the winter banquet.
Recordings
The Concert Choir has a long history of recording sacred music. In addition to the recordings being sold at our concerts, they also may be purchased through the Harding Bookstore, (800-477-4351). Some recordings are also available at Amazon.com
The two most recent recordings are a collection of spirituals (Walk Together, Children) and a CD of sacred classical choral pieces (Hosanna in Excelsis). There are several CD's of hymns as well.
Neither Angels, Nor Demons, Nor Powers
- Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal
- Neither Angels, Nor Demons, Nor Powers
- Saints Bound for Heaven
- Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
- Shall We Gather at the River
- Do Not Abandon Me
- For All the Saints
- Haec Dies Quam Fecit Dominus
- Lux Aurumque
- Master the Tempest is Raging
- Ride the Chariot
- Rock My Soul
- Salmo 150
- The New Song
- High Flight
- This is My Father's World
- The Lord Bless You and Keep You
Sing to the Lord
- Welcome Home
- Muusika
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- Cry Out and Shout
- Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord
- Cantate Domino
- Holy Lord, Most Holy Lord (Great Are You Lord)
- 10,000 Reasons
- A Sign of Day to Come
- Sicut Cervus
- As the Deer Thirsts for the Water
- Christ, We Do All Adore Thee
- On Zion's Glorious Summit
- Our God, He is Alive
- A Choral Fanfare
- Holy, Holy
- Sanctus
- Sit Down, Servant
1. Witness
2. Ain-A That Good News
3. Soon-Ah Will Be Done
4. Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit
5. Jabula Jesus
6. Signs of the Judgment
7. O Lord, Our Lord
8. Isaiah 43 (Do Not Fear)
9. There's a Stirring
10. Magnificat
11. Amarte Solo a ti, Senor
12. Come, Ye That Love the Lord
13. Walk Together, Children
1. Hosanna in Excelsis
2. Musicks Empire
3. Daemon Irrepit Callidus
4. Heilig
5. The Conversion of Saul
6. Os Justi
7. At the Round Earth's Imagined Corners
8. O Magnum Mysterium
9. All That Hath Life and Breath
10. Open Thou Mine Eyes
11. Cantate Domino Canticum Novum
12. O Vos Omnes
13. Non Nobis, Domine

- Praise Him! Praise Him!
- A Wonderful Savior
- To The Work
- Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet
- The Half I Cannot Tell
- The Lord In Zion Reigneth
- Unsearchable Riches
- Blessed Assurance
- Nearer The Cross
- Rescue The Perishing
- Tell Me The Story of Jesus
- Thou My Everlasting Portion
- Will You Come?
- When Jesus Comes
- Pass Me Not
- Hide Me, O My Savior
- Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross
- Meet Me There (Interlude)
- To God Be The Glory
- Take The World, But Give Me Jesus
- I Shall Know Him
- Hold Thou My Hand
- Savior, More Than Life To Me
- All The Way My Savior Leads Me
- Give Me Jesus
- I Am Thine, O Lord
- Some Day The Silver Cord Will Break
- 'Tis The Blessed Hour Of Prayer
- Meet Me There
- Mighty Rock, Whose Towering Form
- Speed Away
- Safe In The Arms Of Jesus
- Jesus Is Tenderly Calling
- One Blessed Hour With Jesus
- Redeemed
- Welcome For Me

- Holy, Holy, Holy
- Precious Memories
- No Tears In Heaven
- Blessed Assurance
- Crossing The Bar
- O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- Rock Of Ages
- Beyond The Sunset
- Come Ye Disconsolate
- Old Rugged Cross
- Only In Thee
- Safe In The Arms Of Jesus
- The Garden Of Prayer
- Sweet By And By
- Never Grow Old
- An Empty Mansion
- Amazing Grace
- It Is Well With My Soul
- Fairest Lord Jesus
- Whispering Hope
- My God And I
- Savior Breathe An Evening Blessing
People Need the Lord
- We Have Come Into His House
- Come Into His Presence
- Give Thanks
- In Moments Like These
- God Bless You, Go With God
- A Wonderful Savior (Boyd)
- The Way That He Loves
- Bless God
- Mercy Lord
- The Lord Thy God
- Worthy The Lamb That Was Slain
- Adoration (Worship The Lord)
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness
- The Highest Place
- Hear, O Israel
- Paradise Valley
- Heaven's Really Going To Shine
- Beautiful (Cleveland)
- Heaven Came Down
- People Need The Lord (Interlude)
- We Shall Assemble
- My Eyes Are Dry
- His Name Is Life
- Spirit Of The Living God
- Victory Chant
- Emmanuel, Emmanuel
- Power In The Blood (Chapin)
- Holy Presence Medley:
- In His Presence
- Holy Ground (Beatty)
- Holy Ground (Davis)
- Poured Out Like Wine
- Come Share The Lord
- Holy, Holy , Holy Is The Lord Of Hosts
- I Am A Sheep
- Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
- I Stand In Awe
- O How He Loves You And Me
- People Need The Lord
Teach Me Lord to Wait
- Bind Us Together
- I Love You With The Love Of The Lord
- I Will Call Upon The Lord
- I Want To Know Christ
- God's Family
- A Common Love
- Morning Has Broken
- This Is The Day
- Humble Yourselves
- I am Crucified With Christ
- I Love You Lord
- If That Isn't Love
- There's Something About That Name
- God Is So Good
- We Are One In The Bond Of Love
- How Excellent Is Thy Name
- We Bow Down
- Unto Thee O Lord
- Glorify Thy Name
- His Name Is Wonderful
- Majesty
- Teach Me Lord To Wait
- As The Deer
- Sweet, Sweet Spirit
- Jesus Name Above All Names
- He
- Seek Ye First
- Holy Is The Lord
- Meekness And Majesty
- Pass It On
- Holy Ground
- We Will Glorify
- How Majestic Is Thy Name
- Jesus Is Lord
- Be Thou My Vision
- Because He Lives
- Take My Hand Precious Lord
The Greatest Commands
- My Eyes Are Dry
- Father And Friend
- He's My King
- Won't It Be Wonderful There
- Where No One Stands Alone
- Bless His Holy Name
- Grace Greater Than Our Sin
- Breathe On Me, Breath Of God
- Come, Christians, Join To Sing
- Great Is The Lord
- I Sing Praises To Your Name
- My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)
- We Shall Rise
- In Moments Like These
- The Greatest Commands
- Rejoice In The Lord Always
- Spirit Of The Living God
- How Majestic Is Your Name
- Jesus Is Lord (Interlude)
- He
- Come Into His Presence
- Highest Praise
- Yes, I'll Live In Glory
- Adoration (Worship The Lord)
- Lord, Be There
- We Shall Assemble
- His Name Is Life
- Poured Out Like Wine
- Come Share The Lord
- Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
- Holy, Holy, Holy, Is The Lord of Hosts
- If That Isn't Love
- Majesty
- Sweet, Sweet Spirit
- God's Family
- We Have Come Into His House
- Here, O Israel
- A Wonderful Savior (Boyd)
Eternal Hymns of Praise
- Oh, The Depth Of The Riches
- Lead Me To Calvary
- Each Step I Take
- Let us Break Bread Together
- His Grace Reaches Me
- The Love Of God (Highfield)
- The Love Of God (Lehman)
- Amazing Grace
- Only In Thee
- He's My King
- Where No One Stands Alone
- Won't It Be Wonderful There
- Grace Greater Than Our Sin
- Follow Me
- A Wonderful Savior/ Precious Lord, Take my Hand
- His Eye Is On The Sparrow
- He Lives
- Peace In The Valley
- Heaven Came Down/ Paradise Valley
- God's Family
- Crown Him With Many Crowns
- God Is The Fountain
- Because He lives
- The Steadfast Love Of The Lord
- We Shall Rise
- Yes, I'll Live In Glory
- Bless His Name
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness/ Heaven's Really Gonna Shine
- Teach Me Lord To Wait
Follow Me
- Boundless Love
- Follow Me
- The Love Of God
- Learning To Lean
- Praise God
- Thou Art Worthy, Great Jehovah
- His Grace Reaches Me
- He Is Exalted
- Blessed Be The Lord God Almighty
- He Has Made Me Glad
- Sing, Amen!
- When He Comes In Glory By and By
- Each Step I Take
- The Battle Belongs To The Lord
- The Family Of God
- Let Us Break Bread Together
- I Keep Falling In Love With Him
- Great Is The Lord Almighty
- I Just Came To Praise The Lord
- Easter Song
- Peace In The Valley
- Shine, Jesus, Shine
- Above All Else
- You Are My All In All
- Lord, Let Us Now Depart In Peace
- He Touched Me
- Step By Step
- Holy God, We Praise Your Name
- He Lives
- Lead Me To Calvary
- Oh, The Depth Of The Riches
- Freely, Freely
- Awesome God
- Sanctuary
Cantos Espirituales
- Eres mi fuerza
- Gracias, Dios
- Quiero alabarte
- Seas exaltado
- En momentos asi
- Al Rey eterno
- Tierra santa
- Canta al Senor
- Hijo mio
- El ejercito de Dios
- Padre nuestro
- A ti, el Alfa y la Omega
- Dios reina
- Tu has venido a la orilla
- Pon tus ojos en Cristo
- Señor, tu me llamas
- Soplo del cielo
- Espiritu de Dios
- Unidos
- Acuerdate de tu Creador
- Alabare
- Alabemos al Senor
- Aleluya
- Amarte solo a ti, Senor
- Busca primero
- Cristo, nombre glorioso
- Cuan bueno es Dios
- Cuan grande es el
- De los cielos
- El es Senor
- En tu presencia
- Gloria a tu nombre
- Hay un solo Dios
- Maravillosa gracia
- O que inmenso amor
- Sal de la tierra
- Solo tu eres santo
- Te amo, Rey
- Yo soy la luz del mundo
- El Senor te bendiga
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Concert Choir Schedule
Fall 2019 Semester
Aug. 25 Sat. - Welcome/Ice Cream Social, Dr. Neill’s house, 6:00 p.m.
Aug. 26 Mon. - Sectional/Uniform Night 6:30-10, Chorus Room
Sept. 7 Sat. - Greer’s Ferry Concert/Retreat, all day
Oct. 2 Wed. - Lectureship concert, Benson, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 Tues - Sing during both chapels
Nov. 14 Thurs. - Concert, First United Methodist Church - Searcy, AR, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 17 Sun. - Trip to University Church of Christ in Conway, AR
Nov. 22 Fri. - Caroling during class
Dec. 4 Wed. - Caroling at local retirement homes
Dec. 5 Thur. - Caroling at HU Christmas event
Spring 2020
Jan. 18 Sat.: Welcome Back Party, 4-6 p.m.
Jan. 30 Thur.: Sectional Night, 7-10 p.m., Chorus Room
Feb. 8-9 Sat. Sun.: Tour to Nashville, TN
Mar. 27 Fri.: Sing at Harding Academy, 1 p.m.
Apr 19 Sun.: Concert with Belle Canto, 7 p.m., Recital Hall
May 2 Sat.: Cookout/Awards at Dr. Neill's, 12 p.m.
For more information, email kneill@harding.edu
What the students have to say
"Lots of people hear that I give up my lunchtime slot on MWF for choir, and they say, “But you don’t have a break!” But I really do. I love walking into that room a three times a week and sharing something so special with ninety other people. It’s so much fun, and I can only imagine how happy it makes God to hear us offer our talents back to Him, and LOVE doing it. It’s infinitely better than a lunch break, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything." - Erin Shadduck, Soprano
"Choir is happy! I love the carefree environment – everyone leaves their inhibitions at the door and has a good time. I always leave choir with a song in my head, and my spirits lifted. My dearest friends have come from choir, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences there for anything else." - Jeanie Cavender, Soprano
"For me choir was the beginning to a wonderful harmony-filled semester at Harding University. It added at least 100 different friends and people to my group of friends. Friends who I knew I would see on a regular basis and friends who are from some very different backgrounds. Choir has been a very enriching environment to me, teaching me discipline and fun throughout the years. Also, it’s always cool to have so many talented people around, knowing that they had to pass through the same audition you did at some point." - Stephan Raab, Bass
Contact Us
Music Department is part of the College of Arts & Sciences
501-279-4343
Fax: 501-279-4086
Mailing address:
Harding University
Music Department
HU 10767
Searcy, AR 72149-5615