Sherman, Texas -- The Austin College A Cappella Choir and Descant will perform their annual fall concert on Saturday, November 15 at 7 p.m. in Wynne Chapel, Clifford J. Grum Sanctuary.

The A Cappella Choir will be performing the works of Rosephanye Powell, Houston composer Philip Moody, Andre Thomas, and Moses Hogan. They will also perform a Celtic dance piece called “Mouth Music” and a piece by Mongolian composer Yongrub called “Dorven Dalai.” The centerpiece of the concert will be a performance of “Only in Sleep” by Eriks Esenvalds featuring a soprano solo by senior Bonnie Dong ’26. The Descant, a small treble pop ensemble, will sing three pieces at the concert. The concert will feature 15 new members who have recently joined the A Cappella Choir: Danika Ellis ’29, Brooklyn Perrine ’29, Angel Asafor ’29, Carissa Kintner ’29, Kristina Penski ’29, Simón Ceja ’28, Asher Mauriello ’29, Zack Zhao ’29, Sarah Chang ’29, Jenessa Cordero ’29, Xaria Lee ’29, Addysen Norbeck ’28, Mauricio Canas ’29, Dylan Turner ’29, and Noah Varnon ’29. 

The first record of a choir at Austin College comes from 1901, with a men’s choir called the Austin College Choir, led by Sherman music teacher George F. Root. The Austin College Choir was later joined by the A Cappella Choir (formed in 1946 when it got its first dedicated director R. Wayne Bedford), The Quartette, Descant, Austin College Chorale, The Consort, and The Camerata. Dr. Wayne Crannell, who joined Austin College in 1995, is the current Director of Choral & Vocal Music and helped lead the celebration of the choir’s 125th anniversary and the A Cappella Choir’s 80th season.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.