At Faulkner University, the chorus has been a part of campus life for nearly eight decades, blending musical excellence with a mission rooted in faith.
When Faulkner University was founded in 1942, it was known as Montgomery Bible School and had an organized chorus as early as 1946, confirming that choral singing has long been central to Faulkner’s identity. Over time, the school changed its name to Alabama Christian College and later Faulkner University, but the chorus remained a constant presence. Today, the Faulkner Chorus has 32 students, while the select ensemble, Faulkner Singers, is composed of 12 members.
The rise of collegiate a cappella ensembles in the early to mid-20th century helped shape that tradition. For institutions affiliated with the Churches of Christ, the format proved to be a natural fit. At Faulkner, the chorus became both a musical ensemble and an ambassadorial group, performing on campus, throughout the local community and across the country. Today, the Faulkner Chorus continues that legacy by visiting congregations and schools, encouraging audiences and sharing the university’s mission with prospective students.
Allen Clements, director of choral activities, has led the program since fall 2010. His passion for music began early, growing up in a family where singing together, often in four-part harmony, was a regular part of life. Those formative experiences, along with involvement in school choruses, led him to pursue a career in music.
Each year, Clements works with a new group of students, guiding them as they develop both musically and spiritually. While their backgrounds and levels of experience vary, they share a common commitment to singing and to their faith. For Clements, the process is both challenging and rewarding.
“Collaborating with each group is a little bit different; it’s almost like solving a new puzzle each year,” Clements said.
Faith is central to the chorus experience. More than 95 percent of the group’s repertoire is sacred, with texts drawn directly from scripture or inspired by biblical principles. Performances focus on technical excellence and spiritual purpose. Students are encouraged to view music as a gift from God, using their abilities to help audiences reflect on God’s word and will.
“God gives composers the ability and desire to compose,” Clements said. “He gives us the ability and desire to sing. The music serves a vessel for the lyrics. When we sing, we pray that God will use us to help people focus and meditate on his word and on his will for us.”
Clements said his time at Faulkner, which fosters an environment to discuss scripture, has strengthened his own faith.
“I especially enjoy the freedom we have to discuss the Bible and to encourage each other in our efforts to discern and do God’s will,” he said. “I have matured as a Christian while at Faulkner, partially because I’ve had to work to overcome my own weaknesses so that I can set a good example for my students but even more so because I’ve had so many students who have set a good example for me.”
Throughout the academic year, the chorus participates in a variety of performances and events, including the Benefit Dinner, The Faulkner Bible Lectureship, A Faulkner Christmas, the Sweetheart Concert, the Spring Tour and the Spring Concert. The group also performs regularly at local churches, schools and retirement communities. Beyond performances, students take part in community-building activities such as a fall cookout, Christmas party, spring banquet and the annual spring tour. The next chorus tour is scheduled for March 2027.
Faulkner University Chorus
From performing in front of leaders of state at the Annual Faulkner Benefit Dinner to bringing melodies of worship to the Faulkner Bible Lectureship and traveling on tour to churches and schools across the Southeast, the Faulkner University Chorus is the school’s largest, mixed choral ensemble.
The group performs a wide variety of sacred, a cappella literature. Membership is open to both music majors and non-music majors. Members are selected by audition and commit to a demanding performance schedule that includes many local and regional appearances as well as an annual, extended spring tour during which the group travels throughout the United States. Scholarships are available to qualified applicants.
Faulkner Singers
The Faulkner Singers is a select, ensemble whose members are chosen from the ranks of the Faulkner University Chorus. The group performs music which requires the finesse and vocal agility best achieved by a highly disciplined chamber ensemble. Repertoire is drawn from multiple eras, genres, and styles including everything from Renaissance motets to contemporary vocal jazz. Scholarships are available to qualified applicants.
