Performing during the pandemic has been a challenge for most musicians, but with the decreasing trend in positive Covid cases on campus, it looks like live performances are finally able to make the comeback they deserve. The singing groups on campus, such as the Singing Saints, the Upbeats, and the Laurentian Singers, were able to perform on the Kirk Douglas Quad for Laurentian Weekend. If you weren’t there, or want more information on the groups, you’ve come to the right place.  

The Saints, Sinners, and Upbeats are audition-based, student-run a capella groups (male, female, and gender-inclusive respectively). Most of the process of learning music and singing with these groups is by ear, rather than using traditional sheet music, but it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. The a capella groups tend to sing at events put on by the school, a cappella concerts, and sometimes even parties. 

The Laurentian Singers and SLU Funk are music department ensembles that are also audition-based, and SLU music faculty are in charge of the group. The departmental ensembles receive .25 credit a semester, and the Laurentian Singers go on tour for Spring Break every year (this year’s intended trip is to San Francisco). As you might have seen already, SLU Funk commonly rocks out at Java as well. You don’t have to be a music major to be in the departmental groups either!  

The Gospel Choir and University Chorus are open to anyone, and they’re actively looking for people who want to learn more about music and have a good time. The Gospel Choir sings at Gospel Service on Sundays at 4 pm, along with other events on campus. University Chorus sings choral music and other theme-oriented music for their concerts. Both of these groups are open to the entire community, not just college students, and University Chorus offers the .25 credit like some of the other ensembles mentioned above.  

When I was a first-year, I joined Laurentian Singers within the first few weeks on campus because I knew that making music is one of my favorite outlets, and I wanted to make friends outside of my dorm. I’m glad I joined because I met some of my closest friends, and I got to know SLU much better. I also joined the Upbeats in the spring of my first-year, and we’re back on our feet this semester after being negatively impacted by Covid. We did have the opportunity to sing at outdoor gatherings during the end of the Spring 2021 semester, and we’re planning on singing more soon!  

All of these groups are great, and I encourage you to check them out even if you don’t join them.  

Follow @laurentiansingersslu and @stlawrenceupbeats on Instagram, and feel free to reach out to me at mmwell19@stlawu.edu for more information, or if you just want to talk.