The Monmouth College Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Sarah J. Graham, is a highly selective, auditioned, mixed choral ensemble that performs regularly on and off campus. The Monmouth College Chorale serves as the centerpiece for the annual “Christmas at Monmouth” concerts and maintains an active and demanding rehearsal and performance schedule. The Chorale serves as an ambassador to alumni, prospective students and to the general public.

The Monmouth College Chorale engages students of nearly every major offered at Monmouth College. It serves to offer students well-rounded musical experiences at with high expectations for performance and competency.  Over the last three years, the Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Sarah J. Graham, and in conjunction with Monmouth’s instrumental ensembles, has begun a major works series each spring. Recently performed works include the Levin completion of Mozart’s Requiem in 2006 and Orff’s Carmina Burana in 2007.  J.S. Bach’s Cantata No. 4 “Christ lag in Todesbanden,” will be featured this coming spring.  These major works are interspersed with traditional unaccompanied sacred and secular choral works as well as some accompanied works.

 In the fall of 2007, the Chorale, with the help of the Monmouth Public Affairs Committee and the Music Department, commissioned a brand new choral piece by composer, Donna Gartman Schultz, “Sit Lux.”  The Chorale performed the world premiere of the work in December as a part of the “Christmas at Monmouth” festival concerts.  Dr. Schultz was on campus twice to work with the choir on the piece and to attend the premiere.

Since 2006 the Chorale has participated in the Illinois ACDA Collegiate invitational and the ensemble toured Scotland in the summer of 2005, under the direction of Mr. Shane Lynch.  The Chorale has performed for the North Central Music Educator’s Association and the Presidents’ Conference of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. The Chorale sings at Commencement, Convocations, and special campus events.