Wooster Chorus to begin annual tour with performance on March 8

The highly acclaimed Wooster Chorus, an ensemble comprised of students representing all academic areas from The College of Wooster, will perform at the First Presbyterian Church in Wooster (621 College Ave.) on Sunday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m., the first concert of the group’s 60th annual spring tour.

Other stops on the tour include a clinic and concert with Wooster alumna Chelsey Webb and the Benjamin Logan High School Chorale at Benjamin Logan High School (6609 State Rt. 47E) in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on March 16 at 7 p.m. and a joint concert with choirs at Columbus Alternative High School (2632 McGuffey Rd.) in Columbus, Ohio, conducted by Collin Richardson on March 17 at 7 p.m.

Directed by Christin Sears, assistant professor of choral music and director of choral activities, and accompanied by collaborative pianist Toni Arnold-Shreve, the Wooster Chorus will present ACTUS. The program draws inspiration from an ancient aphorism attributed to the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius: “That which blocks the way becomes the way.” The concert explores themes of adversity, hope, and responsibility, inviting listeners to consider how obstacles can become catalysts for growth, vision, and meaningful action.

In addition to leading Wooster’s choral ensembles, Sears teaches courses in conducting, choral methods, and music education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in choral conducting from Texas State University, as well as a doctoral degree in choral conducting from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music.

During the tour, the chorus will also engage in workshops and student exchanges at Worthington Kilbourne High School in Columbus, Ohio, and Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio; a workshop with Joe Miller, nationally recognized leader in choral music education, who currently serves both as the conductor the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and the director of choral activities at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music; and a private tour of the Cincinnati Music Hall and personal introduction with Matthew Swanson, director of the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus, the official chorus of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops.

Founded in 1964, the Wooster Chorus is comprised of students representing all academic areas within The College of Wooster’s liberal arts program. The award-winning ensemble has been repeatedly praised for its beautiful sound, high level of artistry, creative programming, and engaging performances. The Chorus collaborates annually with The Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and has premiered works by American composers including Eric Whitacre, Jocelyn Hagen, and Jake Runestad. The ensemble has performed at the Central Division conference of the American Choral Directors Association and several times at the state conference of the Ohio Music Education Association.

There is no admission fee for the performance, but donations will be accepted to help support the group’s touring costs. For more information, contact Christin Sears at csears@wooster.edu.

Posted in News on March 4, 2026.