Sonus Chamber Choir
Sonus Chamber Choir is a professional chamber ensemble dedicated to advancing the art of choral music through high-quality recordings and innovative projects that inspire and enrich the cultural landscape.
Harmonizing Excellence
The Sonus Chamber Choir operates as a premier recording ensemble, bringing the finest choral music to life through professional recordings and selective live performances. With a mission to innovate and elevate the art form, the choir fosters a deep appreciation for choral music by blending exceptional artistry with thoughtful programming and exciting new music.
2026 Voices of the Prairie: Inaugural Call for Scores
The Sonus Chamber Choir is thrilled to announce its first ever call for scores! We are seeking original compositions from composers to showcase innovative, dynamic choral works that highlight the beauty and versatility of the human voice, and that celebrate the rich history, culture, and landscape of the state of Kansas.
Where it all began
Sonus Chamber Choir debuted in July 2023 with Eric Whitacre and Charles Anthony Silvestri's The Sacred Veil at St. Peter’s Church in Kansas City. This emotionally profound work, exploring the thin boundary between life and death, was chosen by Artistic Director Kolby Van Camp for its personal resonance and universal themes of loss and hope. The performance set the foundation for Sonus’ mission to deliver transformative choral experiences that challenge and inspire.
Rooted in Kansas
Based in Topeka, Kansas, Sonus Chamber Choir blends the talent of professional singers from the Midwest and across the nation. This unique ensemble brings together local artistry and national expertise to create an unparalleled musical experience. Singers range from local Kansas natives to out-of-state artists traveling from as far away as South Carolina to enhance the choral scene in the Capital City and beyond.
Mission Statement
Sonus Chamber Choir strives to elevate and inspire through the art of choral music, creating exceptional recordings and performances that connect audiences to the beauty and innovation of the vocal ensemble tradition. Committed to artistic excellence, the ensemble routinely commissions and performs new works, championing the voices of today’s composers. By blending timeless repertoire with bold, contemporary creations, Sonus seeks to enrich the cultural landscape and foster a deeper appreciation for choral music.
Our vision for growth
Sonus Chamber Choir is dedicated to establishing itself as a cornerstone of choral excellence, and we are actively working toward achieving non-profit status. This milestone will enable the ensemble to expand its impact, foster new collaborations, and bring even more transformative music to our audiences. As a non-profit organization, Sonus will continue to focus on artistic innovation and accessibility, ensuring our mission resonates for years to come.
Meet the Director
Kolby Van Camp, the founder, conductor, and artistic director of Sonus Chamber Choir, is a multifaceted artist and voice in the choral world. A graduate of Kansas State University, Kolby holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Music Composition and Music Education, as well as a Master of Science in Mass Communications. His diverse career spans sports broadcasting, content creation, and professional musicianship, reflecting his dedication to artistic excellence across disciplines.As a classical baritone and chorister, Kolby has performed at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Mormon Tabernacle, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, toured Italy in the summer of 2016 with Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, and has performed, recorded, and written music with and for acclaimed ensembles like the Tallgrass Chamber Choir, KC VITAS, Blue Earth Camerata, The Jesse Kaiser Ensemble, The Minnesota Symphony, The Susanville Symphony, Kansas State University Choirs, Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, The Lawrence Children's Choir, The Flint Hills Children's Choir, and others.His experience as a composer and conductor informs his visionary leadership of Sonus, where he is dedicated to advancing the ensemble’s mission of producing high-quality recordings and innovative performances. Passionate about fostering the next generation of choral artistry, Kolby leads Sonus with a commitment to creating impactful, inspiring musical experiences.
Leadership
Sonus Chamber Choir thrives under the leadership of a dedicated team committed to artistic excellence and organizational growth. The ensemble is directed by Kolby Van Camp, Founder and Artistic Director, alongside Executive Director Oliver Hutchison and Logistics Director Ryan Hernandez.Supporting the ensemble is a talented and experienced board of directors, with individuals who bring expertise in non-profits, arts organizations, and innovative ventures, ensuring that Sonus remains a dynamic and impactful force in the choral world.President: Tracy Van Camp
Vice President: Benjamin Rauth
Secretary: Erin Larsen
Treasurer: Matthew Hochuli
Singer Representative: Issac Florez
Members: Linda Uthoff, Nick Homburg, Dawson Wagner, John Larsen, Paola Zamora, and Jeremy Gigot
Composer in Residence
The Sonus Chamber Choir is passionate about the commissioning, recording, and performing of new music, collaborating with living composers to bring innovative works to life. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to champion contemporary voices and expand the choral repertoire for future generations.We are thrilled to introduce our Composer in Residence, Jesse Kaiser, a South Carolina-based composer, conductor, violinist, and vocalist. Born in 2000, Jesse has established a diverse body of work that spans styles and techniques, creating music for a wide variety of performing forces. He is the founder and artistic director of the Jesse Kaiser Ensemble and a regular performer with the South Carolina Philharmonic. Jesse’s compositions include recent works such as Angelus ad pastores ait and "Hope" is the thing with feathers, which highlight his versatility and creative vision.Through Jesse’s residency, Sonus is proud to create and share compelling new works that reflect the vibrant artistry of today’s composers. Together, we are dedicated to shaping the future of choral music with innovation and excellence.
K-State alumnus and musician Kolby Van Camp redefines choral music with Sonus Chamber Choir
Wildcat 91.9 | KSDB, Manhattan
"While many choral conductors follow an academic trajectory toward faculty positions, [Van Camp] has prioritized artistry over credentials. 'You don’t have to be the most academically decorated person in the room to make exquisite music,' he said, encouraging young musicians to pursue their visions with confidence and creativity."
- Dawson Wagner
Western Kansas musician to lead a recording of new choral music
Western Kansas News
"Sonus, which means “sound” in Latin, is a professional recording ensemble based in Topeka. Their mission? The commissioning, performance, and recording of new music – that is, music that has never been recorded or performed before – and the elevation of the choral artform in Kansas and the Midwest."
- Western Kansas News Staff
'The Sacred Veil:' An intimate choral journey of hope and healing makes its Kansas City debut
91.9 Classical KC | KCUR, Kansas City
"The Sonus Chamber Choir, under the inspired direction of Kolby Van Camp, delivers sensitive and moving performances of the highest quality. Their ethereal Kansas City premiere of Eric Whitacre and Charles Anthony Silvestri's The Sacred Veil brought the audience on a journey through deeply personal human suffering to connection and peace."
- Christy L'Esperance
In Focus: Sonus Chamber Choir and Kolby Van Camp
News Radio KMAN | KMAN, Manhattan
Radio interview with major regional talk-radio station, News Radio KMAN, on their morning show, In Focus. Brandon Peoples hosting.
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We thank you for your patronage of the Sonus Chamber Choir!
Founding Sponsors
Without the Founding Sponsors, the Sonus Chamber Choir would not be able to exist. We are deeply indebted to their contributions and for their support of the arts!
Founding Sponsors:
Ideal Health and Regenerative Medicine (Shawnee, KS)
Want to become a sponsor through a tax-deductible gift to the Sonus Chamber Choir? Reach out for more information about our corporate donation packages.
Branding and Media
Sonus Chamber Choir and our media team invite you to use our publicly available assets for press related and promotional uses. By accessing this page, you are granted the use of these materials through United States copyright and fair-use laws.
Acceptable Use: The Sonus Chamber Choir logo should always be used in its original proportions and colors. The ensemble may only be referred to as “Sonus Chamber Choir” or “Sonus.”Do Not: Modify the logo’s colors, stretch/distort, or place on low-contrast backgrounds, or refer to the ensemble outside of acceptable titling and branding guidelines.Credits: All images must be credited appropriately to “Sonus Chamber Choir” and our official photographer, “Fotopro Media.” You may use these copyrighted images for press/promotional purposes through fair-use laws.Media Availability: Members of the ensemble, the composer-in-residence, conductor, and other support staff may be made available with members of the media upon request.
2026 Voices of the Prairie: Inaugural Call for Scores
The Sonus Chamber Choir, a Kansas-based professional ensemble, is thrilled to announce its first ever call for scores! We are seeking original compositions from composers to showcase innovative, dynamic choral works that highlight the beauty and versatility of the human voice, and that celebrate the rich history, culture, and landscape of the state of Kansas. Selected works will be performed by the Sonus Chamber Choir during the 2026 concert and recording season, with the possibility of future collaborations.
Kansas Inspired Themes
We request that composers submit works inspired by Kansas—its landscapes, history, people, and spirit. While you are free to select your own texts, we invite you to consider themes rooted in the unique identity of Kansas. Composers may wish to explore the following ideas when submitting but may not be limited to:Prairie Landscapes: Evoking the beauty and vastness of Kansas plains, sunsets, and seasonal changes.
Historical Connections: Reflecting on Kansas’ role in abolitionism, early settlement, or other historical events that have taken place in the Sunflower State.
Small-Town Life: Exploring themes of community, resilience, and connection.
Nature and Weather: Kansas’ iconic skies, thunderstorms, or harvest seasons.
Personal Journeys: A focus on introspection and discovery tied to the experience of living in or being shaped by Kansas.
Eligibility
1. Open to all composers who are current or former residents of Kansas and/or are current or former students enrolled at a Kansas university, college, junior college, or high school.
2. Composers of all experience levels are encouraged to apply. Submitted compositions should be well written, appropriately and effectively set text, artistically dynamic and diverse, accurately convey the composer's desired message, and should be of a suitable skill level for a professional ensemble.
3. Submitted compositions must be new works, meaning they have never before been publicly performed, recorded, and or published (self-published pieces will be considered unless the composition has already been performed/recorded).
4. Submissions must include: composer’s name, email, phone number, and mailing address; a brief statement describing your connection to Kansas (e.g., "I am a current/former resident of [city, KS] during [time period]" or "I am a student/graduate of [institution]"). This information will be used solely for eligibility verification and will not be shared with the adjudication panel.
5. Composers may submit up to two separate, original compositions. Multi-movement works will be considered as an individual composition if they fit all other call for scores submission parameters.
Submission Guidelines
Score Requirements:
1. SATB voicing (SSAATTBB divisi is acceptable in reasonable moderation).
2. A cappella only. The score must include a piano reduction of the vocal score for rehearsal purposes. Scores that do not include a piano reduction will be rejected.
3. Duration: 3–6 minutes.
4. Legible PDF format and appropriately engraved in standard notation software (e.g., Musescore, Dorico, Sibelius, Finale, etc.). Preference will be given to scores that are well-engraved and easily readable.
5. Scores must not contain any identifying information (e.g., composer name, contact information). Scores with identifying materials will be immediately rejected and will not be reconsidered. Anonymity of composer identities until after the selection process is a serious priority of the selection committee.
6. A MIDI recording of each composition must be included in MP3 format. Submissions without an appropriate audio mockup will not be considered.How to Submit
Complete the Google Form at the bottom of this page. The form will ask for the following information:
1. Anonymous PDF of the score.
2. MIDI recording of the composition in MP3 format.
3. Your name, email, phone number, mailing address, statement of your relationship to Kansas, and a brief composer bio (100–150 words).
4. Program note(s) about the composition(s) submitted.Deadline
Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM Central Daylight Time (CDT) on August 1, 2025.Rights and Permissions:
Composers retain copyright of their works. By submitting for this call for scores, you grant Sonus Chamber Choir the exclusive right to perform and or record pieces as part of this project, if selected, until December 31, 2026. Sonus Chamber Choir forfeits the exclusive right to perform and record the selected work(s) after the December 31, 2026 rights expiration date is met.
Selection Process
Submissions will be reviewed anonymously by a panel of choral and compositional experts including but not limited to the artistic director of the ensemble, Kolby Van Camp, and the Sonus composer-in-residence, Jesse Kaiser.The panel will evaluate submissions based on artistic quality, originality, feasibility, and alignment with the ensemble’s mission. Selected composers and compositions will be notified by October 1, 2025.
Benefits for Selected Composers
1. Premiere performance by the Sonus Chamber Choir during the 2026 season.
2. High-quality live or studio recording for your portfolio.
3. Public recognition in concert programs, press releases, and social media.
4. The opportunity to engage with a professional ensemble dedicated to advancing choral music and enriching the cultural landscape of Kansas.
Questions?
For questions and clarification on call for scores guidelines, please visit our contact page.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to connect with Sonus Chamber Choir? Fill out our contact form, and we’ll be in touch soon!