James Jordan, conductor
Marilyn Shenenberger, accompanist

The Westminster Williamson Voices is a highly select ensemble that emphasizes world music and the music of our time.  It is named for Westminster’s founder, John Finley Williamson, who believed that choral music performed at the highest level should be accessible to all.  One of America’s most respected choral conductors and educators, James Jordan is internationally recognized for his theories of rhythm pedagogy and movement, which are widely applied in teaching rhythm to children and adults.

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The repertoire and performances of the Westminster Williamson Voices cover a broad spectrum, with special emphasis upon music commissioned for the choir. Artistic collaborations with other art forms-- dance, theater, and the visual arts--are at the core of the performances of this ensemble.  The ensemble presents artistic repertoire of both traditional and non-traditional genres, tailored to establishing high standards of performance in choirs in churches, schools and universities. 

The Westminster Williamson Voices serves as a living choral laboratory.  Its primary musical mission is to explore new methods of teaching and rehearsing and to be at the forefront of choral education pedagogy.  The teaching and learning of literature for performance utilize contemporary ensemble methods involving groundbreaking Aural Immersion Solfege™ and movement pedagogy emphasizing both the philosophies of Dalcroze and Laban. The ensemble also explores new avenues for the art of choral accompanying.  The accompanist for the Westminster Williamson Voices assumes a new role, becoming the keystone for aural training for the choir.   Consequently, its members gain valuable pedagogical tools to use in their life’s work as teachers and professional choral singers. The choir, in addition to being an artistic performing ensemble, is available to serve as an ensemble-in-residence in schools, churches, universities and professional conferences throughout the United States.