Ensemble participation

Students extend their knowledge of music repertoire, style, rehearsal, and performance techniques through continuous ensemble participation. All music majors are required to register for a major ensemble each semester they are enrolled for applied lessons. Ensemble choices should be appropriate to the student's major and principal performance medium. All ensembles require a placement audition; contact the appropriate ensemble office for further information. All music majors are required to audition for and enroll in a major ensemble each semester they are enrolled for applied lessons. Students should consult their department chair with questions.

The College of Musical Arts offers a variety of ensemble opportunities. These include major (large) ensembles and elective (small) ensembles.

Major ensembles
The following ensembles have correlates in the professional/educational world following graduation and utilize the student's principal performance medium and fulfill degree requirements for ensemble participation:

• Wind Symphony
• Concert Band
• University Band
• Philharmonia
• Jazz Lab Band I and II
• A Cappella Choir
• Collegiate Chorale
• University Choral Society
• Women’s Chorus
• Opera Theater*

* Opera Theatre will count as a major ensemble only for vocal performance majors with 60 completed credit hours

The following exceptions for major ensemble credit will be made.

• One semester of Marching Band and one semester of Jazz Lab Band may count as a major ensemble for instrumental music education majors.
• Theory/Composition, guitar and piano majors will be assigned to large ensembles or an equivalent substitution based on consultation with the applied instructor, ensemble directors and the appropriate department chair.

Elective ensembles
Elective ensembles exist for pedagogical, cultural, or enrichment opportunities and may include the student's principal or secondary performance medium. They are designed to foster independent listening and performance skills and the investigations of appropriate literature. All other College of Musical Arts ensembles are considered elective ensembles.