Singers Links:

Home

The Philosophy of the Furman Singers

Founded in 1946 by DuPre Rhame, the Furman Singers continues to be one of Furman University's finest traditions of excellence. Conducted since 1970by Bingham Vick, Jr., the Singers have established a national reputation as one of America's finest collegiate choirs. As a member of Furman Singers, you become a part of this tradition and you assume responsibility for continuing to work toward improvement. As a member of Singers, you benefit from the efforts of those who were a part of Singers in the past. Now, you are expected to give your best to strengthen Singers for the future.

The purpose of the Furman Singers is to perform gret music to the best of our ability. We strive to accomplish this goal through a DISCIPLINED approach to rehearsals. Our intent is to achieve EXCELLENCE in recreating the composer's expression, uniting sound with words to produce BEAUTY. DISCIPLINE, EXCELLENCE, and BEAUTY are import parts of the Furman Singers' experience.

Furman Singers is more than just a performing choir. Those who have been a part of Singers for several years and the many Singers Alumni will attest to the personal enjoyment and pride that comes with dedicated involvement. You have been selected because of your ability, your talent, and the potential you possess for making Singers better. In all that we do, excellence is our goal. The demands of our repertoire and our performing schedule require each Furman Singer to invest fully as we strive to reaching our potential. Welcome to the Furman Singers Family.

Guidelines for Making Music

Rule #1: NEVER SUSTAIN THE SAME VOLUME. Music is sound in motion.
Rule #2: NO TWO ADJACENT NOTES GET THE SAME STRESS. Music is shaped sound. All consonants have an exactly correct place in time. All vowels must be uniform in color.
Rule #3: ALWAYS MAKE MUSIC. Music is more than just pitches and words.
Remember: Sing the Phrases, Not the Notes! Sing with Energy and Emotion! And Always Be Expressive!

Responsibilities of Membership

Responsibility #1: Furman Singers are expected to show a commitment for the full academic year.
Responsibility #2: Furman Singers are expected to show a commitment to attend all rehearsals and performances, unless there is an excused personal illness or predetermined class conflict.
Responsibility #3: Furman Singers are expected to show a commitment to all performance dates.
Responsibility #4: Furman Singers are expected to show a commitment to bring best efforts to all rehearsals and performances.
Responsibility #5: Furman Singers are expected to show a commitment to audition for and be available for tour if selected.

"God loves right notes! You can have all the goodwill in the world, but sing wrong notes, and God is not amused."
-Robert Shaw

Music Links:

Music Department

Alumni

Music Disciplines

Auditions

Degrees

Events

Facilities

Faculty

Music Library

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Gamma Eta Chapter

Furman Home

"Any great work of art is great because it creates a special world of its own." - Leonard Bernstein
"Music is the voice of the spirit." - Robert Shaw
"Compelling performances result when each member of an ensemble feels responsible for learning his or her part and communicating it to the listener." - Nina Gilbert