In the NMSU Choirs, everyone belongs. Each unique singer is valued and celebrated. NMSU singers have the opportunity to grow as musicians and members of a larger choral community. Our choirs vary in time commitment and are open to students from all academic majors.
All NMSU choirs perform a diverse range of music, representing a variety of styles, cultures, and traditions — from historically canonic works to underrepresented and contemporary repertoire. Each singer is expected to be prepared to make a positive contribution in their ensemble - this regularly includes practice of choral music outside rehearsal. Rehearsals are not just for learning pitches and rhythms, but also for listening, interpreting, and understanding the music as a collective group.
There’s a place for you in the choir at New Mexico State University! If you have any questions about how to join, please contact Dr. Alex Gerleman, Director of Choral Studies, at agerlema@nmsu.edu
Choir Placements - Fall 2025
University Singers (SATB; Select NMSU students)
Admission Required
MUSC 368: M/T/W/Th, 12:00 - 1:15 PM Music Center (MC) 103
Dr. Alex Gerleman, conductor
A small, select mixed-voice ensemble open to both music and non-music majors. University Singers represents the highest level of vocalism and musicianship within the NMSU Choirs. Members are treated as pre-professional musicians and are expected to:
- Hold their own as individual voices within the ensemble.
- Learn music efficiently, both through notation and by ear.
- Demonstrate artistry, musical excellence, and expressive interpretation.
This choir frequently performs unaccompanied choral works and participates in two concerts each semester, along with additional special performances on and off campus.
Concert Choir (SATB; NMSU students)
MUSC 361: Fall: M/W, 1:30 - 2:20 PM | Spring: T/Th, 1:30 - 2:20 PM | Music Center 103
Dr. Alex Gerleman, conductor
A large, mixed-voice ensemble open to both music and non-music majors — no prior choral experience required. Concert Choir offers singers an opportunity to:
- Explore and cultivate choral skills in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Build social, cultural, and musical connections through communal song.
This ensemble primarily performs accompanied repertoire and presents two concerts each semester, with occasional additional performance opportunities.
Masterworks Chorus (SATB; NMSU Students & Community)
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Music Center 103
Dr. Alex Gerleman, conductor
Open to NMSU students, faculty, staff, and members of the greater Las Cruces community. Masterworks Chorus is a large, mixed-voice ensemble where prior choral experience is helpful but not required. Singers in this group are encouraged to:
- Foster an inclusive, multigenerational community of singers from both campus and community.
- Engage in meaningful, large-scale musical collaborations.
The ensemble primarily performs accompanied works and presents one concert at the end of each semester.
