Directed by Andrew Last, (Dr. Peter A. Eklund, faculty advisor), and choreographed by nationally acclaimed choreographers April James and Jarad Voss, Big Red Singers is comprised of thirty-eight singer-dancers and ten instrumentalists. The ensemble is one of the most recent additions to the choral area at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and features some of the university’s finest musicians. Outstanding performers from all over the university that represent a variety of different majors from Music Education to Engineering to Psychology as well as students involved in the Greek system, work together in the development of entertaining, high-energy, fully choreographed shows. The ensemble’s repertoire is chosen from a wide variety of popular music as well as music from Broadway.

Although some performances occur in the fall semester, most performances are scheduled during the spring semester. The first semester is utilized to develop ideal performance habits. One of the ensemble’s main objectives is to build advanced stage presence, and professionalism while continuing to foster healthy singing. Big Red Singers seeks to represent the very best in show choir while providing numerous cross-curriculum benefits. While maintaining their show choir status, Big Red Singers is also active in the world of classical music performing as opera chorus and recital choir for several conductors. Within the ensemble is an atmosphere of collegiality among its musicians, and it provides the young professional with useful tools for future careers on stage. Big Red Singers functions as an ambassador of the School of Music, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the choral area. It is designed to provide the university singer with guidance in performing, performance opportunities, experiences, and leadership skills.

In 2004, Big Red Singers performed at the National MTNA Conference in Kansas City, MO, hosted and performed in exhibition at FAME’s World Show Choir Championships & Expo in April, 2005 in Branson, MO.  They have also been the opera chorus for UN-L’s fall production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, performed and hosted FAME’s 2009 Branson Show Choir competition, and have performed at the prestigious Chancellor’s prestigious Nebraska football pre-game party.

The Big Red Singers host their own summer show choir camp, their annual MIDWEST CUP in Lincoln’s Pershing Center and also in UNL’s magnificent Lied Center and perform regionally.  In addition, Big Red Singers have performed at Nebraska’s NMEA fall conference of music educators numerous times.

photo by Wyn Wiley: