The William and Mary Women’s Chorus

Williamsburg, Virginia

An Introduction

The William and Mary Women’s Chorus is an undergraduate, female ensemble comprised of fifty-one members from all different concentrations and interests.  Formed in 1923, this audition-only group took on the name “Women’s Glee Club” in 1928.  Since then, there have been two very influential conductors, William “Pappy” Fehr and Frank T. Lendrim, who turned the Women’s Glee Club into a full-fledged departmental activity recognized by the College.  Though the William and Mary Choir and the Women’s Chorus traditionally had the same director, Dr. Jamie Bartlett took over the Chorus in 1999 while her husband, Dr. James Armstrong, continued to direct the Choir.

          Under the direction of Dr. Bartlett, the Women’s Chorus expanded its horizons making its William and Theatre debut in the fall of 2000 as the Singing Chorus in the main stage production of “The Bakkhai.”  The group goes on a Spring Tour every year, traveling to nearby states and sharing their talents with diverse audiences.  Fifteen elected officers provide leadership for the group, organizing fundraising, keeping in touch with alumnae, and planning appearances and social events.  In the Williamsburg community, the music of the Women’s Chorus is well-known and enjoyed by students, local residents, and tourists alike.    

Appearances

The William and Mary Women’s Chorus performs at several locations throughout the year within the College and community realm.  These appearances range from giving concerts to participating in benefits and faith services.

          Every semester the Women’s Chorus headlines a Candlelight Concert at the historic Bruton Parish Episcopal Church on Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg; this is one of our most popular appearances, attracting tourists and members of the College and local community.  We also traditionally open a series of winter and spring concerts at the end of every semester sponsored by the Choral Division of the College’s Music Department. 

          In the past, the Chorus has appeared at student-sponsored benefit concerts as well as many different faith services around the Williamsburg community, including services for the Temple Beth-El, Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist Church, and the College’s InterFaith Council.  Around Christmastime we can also be found in Merchant’s Square in Colonial Williamsburg, caroling with shoppers. 

          Our Spring Tour is the highlight of our annual season.  In past years we have traveled to the Washington, D.C. area, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.  Our performances in these states have been in government buildings, the Annapolis Naval Academy, churches, high schools and museums.  This year we are embarking on our tenth annual tour bound for Mendham, New Jersey, Huntington, New York, and Severna Park and Annapolis, Maryland.

Conductor's History

          Dr. Jamie Bartlett is the Associate Director of Choirs at the College of William and Mary where she directs the Women’s Chorus and the Botetourt Chamber Singers.  Dr. Bartlett received an AB in music from Mount Holyoke College, an MM in Choral Conducting from the Eastman School of Music and a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Her teachers have included Robert Fountain, Donald Neuen and Catharine Melhorn.

          Dr. Bartlett has held positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Iowa State University where she was the Acting Director of Choral Activities.  She also taught high school at Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, MA.  Her research about the British composer Elizabeth Poston has produced several articles including the Poston entry in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.  She has served as a guest conductor and clinician in Wisconsin, Iowa and Virginia.  Also active a church musician, she is currently the Director of Music at the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists where she conducts the Adult Choir and the Youth Choir.

Dr. Bartlett’s “other” life focuses on her two children, Robert and Caecilia, and her husband, James Armstrong (Director of Choirs at William & Mary).