About Us
Some men sing in college and never find anything quite like it again. Mastersingers USA is an antidote to that craving. If you miss singing with men who take it seriously - this is where you come back to it.
Our Story
Mastersingers USA is a men's chorus unlike any other. We meet once a year for an intensive three-day retreat. We perform sophisticated repertoire from Renaissance Masses to contemporary works. And every few years, we tour Europe's great cathedrals.
Our members come from across the United States - different cities, different professions, different stages of life. What they share is a love of men's choral music and a willingness to put in the work to bring great choral literature alive. Under Music Director Kerry Brennan's leadership, we've built something rare: a musical organization with serious standards and genuine fellowship.
How We
Got Here
Mastersingers was founded in 1996 by Bruce McInnes (1936 - 2021) , a choral director who believed that singers shouldn't have to choose between demanding repertoire and sustainable commitment. His idea: bring together dedicated singers once a year for intensive music-making, with European tours woven in every few years.
The model worked. Shortly after, we were performing in major European cathedrals. In 2003, we won the National Eisteddfod of Wales Male Chorus competition - competing against choirs from around the world that rehearsed weekly year-round.
Thirty Years Later
Mastersingers continues under the leadership of Kerry Brennan, who has been part of MUSA’s leadership since its founding. The core principle remains: music of the highest caliber, made by men who love to sing together.
Our Music Director
Kerry Brennan
Kerry P. Brennan has served as Music Director of Mastersingers USA since 2020. A founder of MUSA, he has performed as Associate Conductor since its beginning in 1996.
Brennan has had a distinguished career as an educator and musician. In June 2024, he retired after a twenty-year tenure as Headmaster of The Roxbury Latin School in Boston. Founded in 1645, Roxbury Latin is widely recognized as one of the most distinctive and most distinguished independent schools in the Nation. Prior to that post, Brennan was Headmaster of New York City’s Collegiate School following a long term as principal of both campuses (K-8 and 9-12) of Cleveland’s University School. His 48-year career in education started during his days as an undergraduate at Amherst College when he directed the Amherst Freshman Glee Club and the Amherst Zumbyes and subsequently he was named Acting Director of the world-renowned Amherst College Glee Club and founder of the Amherst College Chorus. His secondary teaching career began at Roxbury Latin at which Brennan served as Director of Music, taught English, Chaired the Arts Department, coached, and advised. Throughout his 46 years as a teacher and leader in independent schools, Brennan has always taught music or directed musical ensembles.
Brennan has had a long, productive career as a choral conductor. He studied with Bruce McInnes, Iva Dee Hiatt, and Jameson Marvin. Early in his career, he was also a professional singer, pianist, musical theatre performer and director, and organist. In 2006, Brennan founded The Sly Voxes, a 14-man a cappella group he continues to direct. He is also a composer, and especially, an arranger having produced several works for men’s chorus. Brennan’s choirs have performed in cathedrals throughout Europe including at Notre Dame de Paris, Chartres, Rouen, Stefansdom in Vienna, St. Mark’s in Venice, and at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
A native of Schenectady, NY, Brennan graduated from its public schools. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Amherst College majoring in music and political science. Subsequently, he was a Klingenstein Fellow at Columbia University’s Teachers College at which he received a master’s in philosophy and education. He has served in a number of leadership capacities including as President of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (300 schools, 200,000 students worldwide) and as President of The Headmasters’ Association. Brennan lives in Boston.
What Makes Mastersingers Different?
The Once A Year Model
Most choirs rehearse weekly. We meet for one weekend retreat each year - Thursday evening through Saturday night. It's an intensive three days: rehearsals, meals together, and a final performance.
The Repertoire
Our library spans centuries: Renaissance Masses and motets, American spirituals, folk songs from around the world, and challenging works by contemporary composers.
The Lasting Brotherhood
Mastersingers USA is more than a choir; it's a lifelong brotherhood. Our members range from recent graduates to founding singers.
The music is why you join.
The friendships are why you stay.
Leadership
Mastersingers USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of active members.
Board
Board Cont.
accompanist
What’s Next
Our next retreat is Boston, June 18-20, 2026. We're planning our next tour for 2027 or 2028.
We're always looking for singers who love challenging repertoire and are willing to prepare. If that's you, we'd like to hear from you.