Choir at Alma College is more than just a class. Those who participate find that the opportunities it brings are like sweet, sweet music no matter what their major is. In fact, only about 20 percent of those in choir at Alma are music majors. This distinction alone clearly expresses the excitement the program ignites. Whether their primary studies are in biology, sport
leadership, or education, students from diverse career paths want to be part of it.
It’s no surprise to those close to the choir program. The high-quality, attentive instruction, and strong leadership from distinguished faculty plus the passionate commitment of choir members (who meet for daily rehearsals) produce professional results. It requires hard work and dedication, but there’s a fun side, too, for members and audiences alike. Sometimes it shows up in the form of a spontaneous group performance like the one that occurred in Scotland last May, when Alma Choir members captivated MacGregor’s pub goers by singing Loch Lomond—the song that is traditionally featured at many Alma College events. Formally, the Alma Choir tours every year, with an international tour every other year. They have traveled across the U.S. and to countries such as Germany, Italy, Scotland, and Ireland, to showcase their talents.
Soon they’ll be adding another significant achievement to their long list of distinctive performances.
In March 2027, Dr. Nicole Mattfeld, accomplished director of choral activities and an assistant professor of music at Alma College, will be conducting the Alma Choirs, Alma alumni singers, and a professional orchestra on the legendary stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
It is an extreme honor as a conductor to be asked to be on the podium on such an iconic stage; I am looking forward to leading the choir in this once-in-a-lifetime performance, said Mattfeld.
The Alma College Choir may be considered the most advanced touring ensemble at Alma, but the Acapella and Chorale groups also allow students with varying musical interests and skills to be part of real-world vocal performances. For example, the Acapella group, which tends to focus on contemporary music, performs at Acapalooza each spring.
The benefits of being in Alma choir go far beyond touring. Academically, close to 75% of choir students are on the Dean’s List every semester. Socially, the cross-pollination of ideas and cultures that occurs when people from different backgrounds come together and are vulnerable with one another means world views are broadened and friendships develop that may have otherwise never happened. But best of all, singing in a group has been proven to have health benefits. Feel-good endorphins are released. Blood pressure and stress levels are lowered. The immune system is boosted. Memory and concentration levels are improved. That’s something to sing about!
Alumni who are interested in participating in the Carnegie Hall concert can register through October by contacting Dr. Mattfeld at mattfeldnm@alma.edu. Financial support can be offered at alma.edu/nyc-tour. For information on future choir events, visit
Tickets may be purchased up to 90 days in advance through Carnegie Hall. No livestream will be available. You can find more information at alma.edu, listen to Alma’s singers in person or on various social media sites and even Spotify. Check them out this holiday season!