ASU Choirs 2025–26 season celebrates the human spirit

Arizona State University Choirs in the School of Music Dance and Theatre is excited to welcome a new director of choral activities and a 2025–26 season centered around celebration of the human spirit.

“Each concert explores the profound themes of home, beauty, creativity and excellence through a tapestry of diverse musical works,” said Frank Watkins, who joined the School of Music, Dance and Theatre this fall as associate professor of choral conducting and director of choral activities. “We invite our listeners on a journey to discover the solace of belonging, the wonder of art, the joy of innovation and the pursuit of excellence in all things.”

ASU Choirs is composed of six choral ensembles — Concert Choir, Barrett Symphonic Choir, Canticum Bassum, Sol Singers, Gospel Choir and Choral Union.

Watkins will also conduct the ASU Concert Choir. Kathleen “Katie” Gerrich, newly appointed clinical assistant professor of music learning and teaching, will conduct the ASU Barrett Symphonic Choir and Canticum Bassum. Nathan De'Shon Myers, associate professor of voice, will conduct the ASU Gospel Choir. The Sol Singers are conducted by Master of Music in conducting student Carlos Rojos, and the ASU Choral Union is conducted by PhD in music (music learning and teaching) student Brett Taylor.

This year’s season features collaborations with the Chandler Children’s Choir and the Gateway Polytechnic Academy Choral Program and culminates in a performance of “Requiem Op. 9” with guest organist Valerie Harris ('22 DMA).

Works that will be performed include “Caged Bird” by Jake Runestad (Concert Choir), “Toward the Unknown Region” by Ralph Vaughan Williams (Choral Union), “Fern Hill” by John Corigliano (Concert Choir) and “Requiem Op. 9” by Maurice Duruflé (Choral Union and Concert Choir).

All ASU students and community members are welcome to join any of the choirs.

Information about each concert can be found on the Choirs season website.

Canticum Bassum, Sol Singers and Choral Union  
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. — Dayspring United Methodist Church, Tempe
Tickets 

Concert Choir, Barrett Symphonic and Gospel Choir
Friday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. — Katzin Concert Hall 
Tickets

Concert Choir and Mill Ave. Jazz, featuring the Chandler Children's Choir
Friday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. — Katzin Concert Hall
Tickets  

All Choirs Concert
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. — First United Methodist Church of Mesa
Tickets

Canticum Bassum, Sol Singers and Barrett Symphonic
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, 7:30 p.m. — Dayspring United Methodist Church, Tempe
Tickets

Concert Choir and Gospel Choir, featuring Gateway Polytechnic
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 7:30 p.m. — Katzin Concert Hall  
Tickets

Barrett Pops Concert
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m. — Katzin Concert Hall   
Tickets

Concert Choir and Choral Union Spring Concert
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:30 p.m. — Katzin Concert Hall
Tickets

Fifth annual Gospel Choir Workshop
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 5 p.m. — First Institutional Baptist Church, Phoenix
Tickets

All Choirs Concert
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 7:30 p.m. — First United Methodist Church of Mesa
Tickets