Singing has always been at the center of Abilene Christian University. From the world’s finest concert halls to campus chapel services, music has brought generations of Wildcats together, united in heart, mind, and voice.
The Abilene Christian University choral program includes multiple ensembles: the A Cappella Chorus, University Chorale, Gospel Choir, the Chamber Singers, and our student-led contemporary a cappella groups. Students from the ACU Department of Music and from many other academic disciplines gather to lead, serve, and inspire one another and the community through the art of choral music. More than half of the program is comprised of non-music majors.
ACU Choirs contribute to the cultural and spiritual life of the university community in Abilene and beyond. Regular concerts, tours, and outreach programs put choral music students on the frontlines of culture-making and the strengthening of community and the bonds of love.
The ACU Opera performs two full productions each academic year. Students learn the art of stagecraft through hands-on experiences and performances in Abilene and in regional and international venues. Each year, ACU Opera sings for hundreds of students in outreach concerts for local schools.
Faculty/Staff
Dr. Jeffery Goolsby, Director of Choral Studies
Samuel Cook, Voice-Artist in Residence, Director of Gospel Choir
Dr. Rick Piersall, Director of Opera, Professor of Voice
Laura Dickson, Administrative Coordinator
Resources
Scholarship Information (music majors and choral non-music majors)
Auditions for choral placement take place in the Spring semester and in August during Wildcat Week and the first week of classes.
For more information, contact us at choirs@acu.edu
Follow ACU Choirs on Social Media
Follow ACU Choirs on Social Media 
The Abilene Christian University A Cappella Chorus is dedicated to artistic excellence, transformational musical experiences, and high-impact community engagement. Established in 1932 by the late Dr. Leonard Burford, the choir serves as the university’s premier vocal ensemble. Led by conductor Dr. Jeffery Goolsby, the A Cappella Chorus engages students from diverse academic, social, racial, and economic backgrounds while striving to perform a wide array of musical styles with honesty and integrity.
The A Cappella Chorus has performed before the conventions of the Texas Music Educators Association and the National Association of Teachers of Singing andregularly collaborates with the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra on major choral-orchestral works. In addition to major performances throughout the academic year, the A Cappella Chorus performs for university and community events and travels on an extended tour each year, including regional, national, and international tours.
Membership is open to all students of the university through a competitive audition process. Auditions are held annually.
Rehearsal Schedule: MTWR 5:00-6:00 pm
Questions? Contact choirs@acu.edu
The University Chorale of Abilene Christian University explores choral music from a variety of styles, genres, and cultures. Singers from all academic disciplines find University Chorale to be a musical and spiritual home during their time at ACU. Conducted by Dr. Jeffery Goolsby, the choir regularly performs on campus and in the community as an act of service and love. University Chorale meets three days a week during each semester and gives several major concerts a year, including the annual Homecoming Concert, Christmas Vespers, and combined performances of major choral works with the A Cappella Chorus. Membership is open by audition to all students.
Rehearsal Schedule: MWF 2:00-2:50 pm
Questions? Contact choirs@acu.edu
The ACU Gospel Choir, directed by Mr. Samuel Cook, is an ensemble of 12-16 members and is open to all students. The choir performs a variety of Gospel music literature with a primary focus on contemporary African-American Gospel and traditional spirituals. Auditions are held annually.
Questions? Contact choirs@acu.edu
ACU has three student a cappella groups: Foundation, Hilltop, and Grace Note. These groups help serve as praise teams for chapel, sing at on-campus events like Summit, Freshman Follies, TEDxACU, and Sing Song, and perform several concerts throughout the year.
These groups exist to build community among students, to connect current and future students to ACU’s unique a cappella music heritage, and to provide an outlet for students to worship and perform.
Hilltop
Hilltop is a mixed vocals, a cappella ensemble made up of upperclassmen from ACU (sophomores and up). Hilltop performs a variety of contemporary Christian and pop music.
Foundation
Foundation is a mixed vocals, a cappella ensemble made up of ACU Freshmen. This group of singers performs primarily praise and worship music throughout the year.
Grace Note
Grace Note is an a cappella ensemble made up of upperclassmen women from ACU (sophomores and up). The women of Grace Note perform a variety of contemporary Christian and pop music.
Questions? Contact choirs@acu.edu
The ACU Opera is a training seminar for voice majors and non-majors designed to equip the student with the skills to become competent performers on the stage. Under the direction of Dr. Rick Piersall, ACU Opera produces at least two operas a year, one in the fall and a full production each spring semester. ACU Opera’s repertoire ranges from new works to the standard operatic repertory. Members of ACU Opera are exposed to world-class experiences such as the “World Premiere” performance of A New Nation in Fort Worth and a trip with Dr. Piersall to Avignon, France where they served as interns for his performance of The Secret Agent at Opera Avignon.
Questions? Contact choirs@acu.edu
Join us for Choir Camp 2025 – June 25-28
Early Registration Deadline | May 1
Registration deadline | June 5
ACU’s All-State Choir Camp offers high school students (incoming freshmen through seniors) the tools and experiences they need to be successful in the TMEA All-State Choir audition process. Our camp will focus on all aspects of choral musicianship, including leadership, service, community-building, and being a well-rounded singer. All students, including private school and homeschool students, are welcome!
Registration information for 2025 will be available in February 2025.