This site houses the archives of the University of Arizona Choral Studies Distinguished Speakers Series, begun in the fall of 2020. The series has two tiers – the first features lectures commissioned from content-area specialists, each of which presents a thirty- to fifty-minute lecture on historical or contemporary repertoire composed by historically excluded populations, or relevant movements and traditions not typically included in the choral curriculum. The purpose is to intentionally create a more inclusive and diverse course of study, with these composers and movements embedded in the primary curriculum of choral literature. When possible, content-area specialists are from the same populations as the topic on which they are presenting. The second tier features lectures presented by current students and alums of the University of Arizona Graduate Choral Program who have been invited based on exceptional scholarship on the topics presented.

The speakers also may recommend listening, scores and readings that students can examine. These lectures are free and available to everyone – they may be used in courses, for extra-curricular activities, for professional development or for personal edification. It is hoped that these lectures also will generate interest in more scholarship on and performance of these composers and topics. This project was started by Dr. Elizabeth Schauer, Director of Choral Activities.

The University of Arizona Choral Studies Distinguished Speakers Series has been made possible in part by support from the University of Arizona College of Fine Arts Committee for Diversity, the University of Arizona College of Fine Arts Dean’s Fund For Excellence and by donors to the School of Music at the University of Arizona.