The enduring legacy of the Greystone Singers

For more than six decades, the Greystone Singers have filled the halls of the University of Saskatchewan with music, artistry and community spirit. 

Founded in 1958, the ensemble has become one of the university’s most cherished cultural institutions, uniting students from across disciplines through a shared love of choral music. Today, the Greystone Singers continue to bring together voices from across the campus, from engineering to education, in pursuit of musical excellence and community spirit.

Unlike many university choirs that draw primarily from music majors, the Greystone Singers are open to students from all colleges and disciplines, creating a space that allows for all kinds of students to join together to create a collective musical voice. 

Membership is determined through audition, ensuring a high musical standard and understanding of music theory while still maintaining an inclusive and diverse spirit. Rehearsing twice a week, the ensemble performs a wide range of repertoire, from classical to contemporary and multicultural pieces.

Participation in the choir can also be taken for academic credit, which is notable on a student’s academic record, especially for those who want to go into music professionally in the future. However, there is also an option to not take it for credit. This option provides an accommodating space for students where they can all come together to create beautiful music regardless of their prior experience and education plans.

From its earliest years to today, the Greystone Singers earned a reputation for precision and artistic ambition. Their performances have consistently drawn audiences from the university and the surrounding community. They have been featured on numerous radio broadcasts and recordings. While the songs that the students learn may be intense, it’s clear that their efforts pay off with the quality of their performances, as well as the emotions that their voices can invoke from their audiences.

They placed second in the CBC National Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs in 2006 and later won the Mixed-Voice Collegiate Choir category at the Association of Canadian Choral Communities National Competition in 2013. Even Bob Florence at the StarPhoenix has called the Greystone Singers one of “the Seven Wonders of Saskatoon.” In 2024 they even performed in Carnegie Hall all the way in New York City, making for an unforgettable experience for many of the members of the Greystone Singers.

The Greystone Singers have been around for a long time, persevering through the years and keeping the tradition alive. Even during the COVID pandemic they still found a way to share music with the community. While complying with social distancing restrictions, they still managed to create beautiful music together by recording videos of themselves singing songs individually and compiling them together to form a full choir, all from their homes. In a time when people were so isolated from each other, the Greystone Singers came together to show unity and strength not only to the University of Saskatchewan, but the entire world. 

Beyond competitions, the Greystone Singers have long been known for their collaborative spirit. The ensemble frequently joins forces with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, performing major choral-orchestral works. They also appear regularly at university ceremonies, public concerts and community events.

Each concert season typically includes a fall and spring performance. These events showcase the choir’s versatility, from complex classical repertoire to new and experimental works. If you are interested in attending any of these performances, there are a few coming up. 

The next show is on Nov. 23  at Knox United Church at 3: p.m. There will also be a choral concert on March 15, 2026 and a performance with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra at TCU Place on March 28, 2026. More information on these events can be found on the USask website. 

The choir’s continued success represents more than just musical achievement. It reflects the enduring values of the University of Saskatchewan: collaboration, curiosity and creativity. By drawing together students from across the disciplines to make something harmonious, the Greystone Singers embody the very spirit of higher education.

Being part of a choral ensemble can be a very beneficial experience. On top of being able to be in a space full of diverse people coming together to create music, you have the opportunity to make lifelong friendships. 

On top of this, by being part of a choir, you get to learn beautiful songs in a space that isn’t as high-pressure as if you were singing alone. By having this space and consistent rehearsal times, you can hone your skills and expand your musical knowledge in ways that you might not be able to by singing alone or only getting individual vocal training. 

Choral training also teaches physical wellbeing practices, especially in relation to singing or speaking. Singing without correct posture and vocal maintenance can damage you. By singing in a choir setting, you can get training on how to avoid hurting yourself while you sing, which is an important lesson in a singer’s life and a skill you can take into any future work you do with your voice. From acting to giving scientific talks, having correct posture while singing or projecting your voice is important. 

If you are interested in being a part of the Greystone Singers and continuing the legacy of the choir, auditions typically take place at the beginning of the fall semester in September. If you’re a singer who wants to hone their skills and be a part of a community full of talented singers, check the website before classes start in the fall for more information on how to audition. 

In every note they sing, the Greystone Singers carry forward a legacy built on passion and tradition. From their beginnings in 1958 to their digital performances in 2020, they have remained a vital part of the university’s cultural identity, regardless of whatever obstacles they have faced.