Mastersingers USA (MUSA) is a group of men who have sung with Prof. Bruce McInnes, who retired in 2001 after leading singing groups at Yale University, Amherst College, and the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, among other institutions. Bruce McInnes is on an indefinite leave of absence from Mastersingers USA.

Since 1996, MUSA has given concert tours in Europe every 2 or 3 years, and in off-years, the group has met for a weekend of rehearsals and performances in some city in the U.S. Though their rehearsal time together is brief and infrequent, members study their music intensively on their own prior to each meeting. When it’s all put together in a concert, the effect can be magical, and audiences typically marvel at how a geographically diverse group like this can produce such excellent results with just a few days of intensive rehearsal. The MUSA repertoire consists of sacred music (masses, motets, anthems, etc.), folk music from many countries, and the American folk songs and spirituals which have proven to be so popular all over the world.

Mastersingers USA has no formal “mission.” But any member would probably say that they participate for the sheer joy of singing in a top-notch men’s chorus. And if there is, indeed, any mission, it is to share the energy, beauty, and joy of the group’s stunning repertoire with as many people as possible. There have been wonderful singing experiences at various venues throughout the United States, but members especially enjoy introducing their music to audiences in other countries.

How did this all start? Throughout his 40+ year career, Prof. McInnes has conducted tours of his singing groups to various parts of the world. In 1995, a group of alumni decided to organize a “reunion” tour, which took place in 1996 and took 60 men to Austria, Germany, and France. With its success, MastersingersUSA was born. MUSA toured again in 2000 (to Austria, Italy, and France), and then again in 2003 to Dublin, Edinburgh, York, London – and Llangollen where they were winners in the International Musical Eisteddfod. In 2005 MUSA participated in the First International Symposium for Men’s Choirs in Barcelona. And in 2007, they toured Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Details of these tours are in the “Past Tours” pages.

With members of all ages, a steady input of newcomers, and a solid organizational structure, MUSA looks forward to many reunions and tours in the years to come.

Artistic Direction

Kerry P. Brennan – Director
Peter Stoltzfus-Berton – Organist
Steven Greene – Pianist

Board of Directors

Tom Sullivan – President
Dave Schepp – Vice President
Matthew H. Burnell – Treasurer
Morrie Bailey – Secretary
Tim Armour
Kerry Brennan
Hugh Gaston
Michael Jarrard
John Williams