The Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir has established a long history of excellence through its on-campus performances, annual tours and recordings. The Choir maintains the IWU Choral Commission Series, the oldest collegiate commission series in the United States. In its 60-year history the Commission has added many significant works to the choral repertoire and resulted in a number of important world premieres.

The Choir began touring internationally in 2000 and has presented concerts in Italy, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Spain. The Choir has appeared frequently at Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) and American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conferences and festivals. Most recently, the Choir performed to critical acclaim at the 2008 ACDA Central Division Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Collegiate Choir is composed of student musicians representing the School of Music and other areas of the University, and is dedicated to the performance of the finest sacred and secular choral music of the past five centuries.  Students in the choir are selected by audition and maintain a rigorous rehearsal schedule in preparation for their concert tour and other engagements throughout the year.

The Choir is under the direction of Dr. J. Scott Ferguson, director of choral activities at Illinois Wesleyan University. Upon hearing a recent tour concert, a conductor from New York noted, "Full, clear voices full of joy in ensemble singing.  Go where they are and listen and revel in outstanding choral singing."  Another wrote, "The Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir, under the direction of Scott Ferguson, exemplifies what I feel is the best of the best in choral singing.  The Collegiate Choir sings with impeccable intonation, with precise articulation and superb musicianship."  Programs have been called "wonderfully well-selected, versatile, interesting and musical."

The Collegiate Choir has received acclaim for the "breath-taking beauty and skill of the voices, the superb repertoire, and the awesome musicality." Programs have been called "wonderfully well-selected, versatile, interesting, and musical." An Estonian conductor praised the choir’s "clear intonation, beautiful and sound harmony, multifarious

strokes, and broad dynamic scale." A renowned Czech conductor noted, "I was overwhelmed by the great intonation, precise rhythm, beautiful work with dynamics, and incredible stylistic interpretation of compositions from all style periods and genres." For further critical commentary, please see "about us."