University of Memphis Choirs

08/04/2025

CHORAL AREA UPDATES: Congratulations to University Singers and to our Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Francis Cathlina on 2026 Southern ACDA and Brazil.

University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

Lots of good news to share from Dr. Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.

First, Dr. Cathlina just returned from Brazil, where he served as the conductor and choral conducting faculty for the 2025 Campina Grande International Music Festival (FIMUS). His week-long work in Campina Grande, Brazil, created meaningful international connections between the Brazilian music community and UofM.

He then shared that the UofM University Singers have been invited to perform at the 2026 Southern ACDA Conference for the first time in school history!

"I am deeply proud of students - past and present - whose hard work made this honor possible," he said.

Congratulations are in order for everyone!

05/21/2025

DMA STUDENT NAMED INTERIM DIRECTOR: Congratulations to Joseph Powell (2nd year DMA choral conducting student) on his appointment as the Interim Director of the Memphis Symphony Chorus.

University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
University of Memphis - College of Communication and Fine Arts
University of Memphis

05/10/2025

04/25/2025

GA RECITAL: Congratulations to Karen Zeferino (2nd year DMA choral conducting student) and Kane Bradley (3rd year DMA choral conducting student) on a beautiful recital today.

Vocal Arts - Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, University of Memphis
University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
University of Memphis - College of Communication and Fine Arts
University of Memphis

04/25/2025

COLLEGIATE CHOIR AND MAZI CONCERT: Congratulations to the singers in Collegiate Choir and Mazi for a beautiful concert.

Both choral ensembles are led by DMA Choral Conducting majors:
Collegiate Choir - Joseph Powell, conductor
Mazi - Terry Walker Jr., conductor

Vocal Arts - Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, University of Memphis
University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
University of Memphis - College of Communication and Fine Arts
University of Memphis

04/13/2025

INCOMING DMA CHORAL CONDUCTING STUDENT: The Choral Area is thrilled to welcome April Mendiola, an incoming DMA Choral Conducting student for Fall 2025.

BIOGRAPHY
April Mendiola is an educator, choral director, and soprano from Los Angeles, California. She earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University, Long Beach, where she studied with Dr. Katharin Rundus. She earned her Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Music and Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music Education from California State University, Fullerton. For 10 years, April has directed choirs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in public and private school settings, as well as adult and youth choirs in community and church settings. She is currently the Elementary Choral Director for Glendora Unified School District, where she directs 4th and 5th grade beginning and advanced ensembles. She has a special place in her heart for young voices.

An active church musician, April currently serves as Lead Cantor at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Arcadia, California. Some of her recent solos include Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate, Handel’s Rejoice, Greatly, O Daughter of Zion!, Faure’s Pie Jesu, and selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. She has a profound love for sacred repertoire.

April will be moving to Memphis with her two best friends and rescue dogs, Carl and Stella Maris.

University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
University of Memphis - College of Communication and Fine Arts

04/06/2025

TIGERCHOR CONCERT: Congratulations to Tigerchor on a great concert this afternoon, led by Dr. Emily Young Frizzell (assistant professor of choral music education) and Kane Bradley (3rd year DMA choral conducting student).

And congratulations to the student-led gospel choir for opening the concert!

Don’t miss University Singers concert on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 pm.

University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
Vocal Arts - Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, University of Memphis
University of Memphis - College of Communication and Fine Arts
University of Memphis

03/26/2025

FILIPINO RESIDENCY ENDS: Filipino conductor Rimher Manubay ends his 4-day residency with our UofM Choral Program. During his time, he worked with all of our choirs, our graduate conductors, and undergraduate singers.

Thank you, Rimher!

Vocal Arts - Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, University of Memphis
University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
University of Memphis - College of Communication and Fine Arts
University of Memphis

03/18/2025

US PERFORMS AT IDLEWILD: Don’t miss our UofM University Singers in their performance with the Idlewild Chancel Choir next Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 PM!

University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music
Vocal Arts - Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, University of Memphis
University of Memphis - College of Communication and Fine Arts

Idlewild is proud to welcome the University Singers from the University of Memphis, directed by Dr. Francis Cathlina. This dynamic ensemble will present an inspiring program of varied music, with a special collaboration featuring the Idlewild Chancel Choir. Join us for an evening of exceptional choral artistry on March 25 at 7 pm