Chapel Singers
Founded in 1825 as the chapel choir, the Chapel Singers is the oldest student organization in continuous existence at Trinity College; during the College's early years, it was the only musical group on campus.
The choir's first public appearance was in 1860, when “they sang Gloria in Excelsis at the cornerstone laying of Trinity Church on Sigourney Street.” 1) The group sang at other church dedications as well as church services and the College's Centennial in 1923.
A mixed-voice choir of roughly twenty-four singers, membership consists of undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines. The Chapel Singers sing at special Chapel services such as Evensong and Lessons and Carols, and at major College events such as the Baccalaureate and Commencement. The group also performs concerts and programs both nationally and internationally and occasionally makes recordings and goes on tour. Repertoire includes challenging choral music ranging from plainchant to pieces from the 21st century.
Today, the Chapel Singers are paid student employees who are expected to attend rehearsals at least three times per week and to participate in Sunday Chapel services during the year. No religious affiliation is required.
Sources
Chapel Singers of Trinity College
Trinity College in the Twentieth Century (2000) by Peter and Anne Knapp, p. 16.
The History of Trinity College (1967) by Glenn Weaver, p. 109.