Instrumental Ensembles | College of Arts

Instrumental Ensembles

Instrumental Ensemble Descriptions and Courses

Students may gain credit through participation in one of the instrumental ensembles. Students must supply their own instrument (piano excepted). 

  • Courses: MUSC*1710, 1720, 2720, 3710, 3720

  • Academic Calendar: 

Chamber Ensemble

If you play orchestral instruments or piano, you can participate in trios, quartets, and other combinations. The Director guides each group in the choice of repertoire and coaches the players in the attainment of musical and ensemble skills. Teamwork, dedication, and camaraderie are vital components of participation in this course.

  • Weekly Commitment:

    • Weekly rehearsals will be scheduled according to the availability of each participant in preparation for one or more concerts each semester
    • You'll be expected to practice on your own to contribute to the refinement of the ensemble you are part of and to be successful in the course. 

  • Ensemble Contact:

Jazz Ensemble

Through the study of selected jazz repertoire and practices, you will develop the knowledge and ability to engage with the creative, expressive, and technical requirements of jazz performance. This includes the structural, melodic, rhythmic, improvisational practices and concepts that will be applied to jazz standards, Bebop, Blues, Fusion, Modal, and Latin jazz. 

  • Weekly Commitment:

    • Weekly rehearsals will be scheduled for Thursday evenings. 

  • Ensemble Contact:

Music Industry Skills Ensemble

This course will provide important training if you wish to pursue careers in the music industry, including vocalists studying commercial singing.

You'll develop industry specific skills such as, the economics of booking performance or creative space, and the ability to adapt across a variety of genres essential for professional musicians. By working in small groups, you'll learn to interact in different ensemble settings, mediated by technology (live and recorded), as well as arrange, improvise, and create. Overall, this ensemble will better prepare you for your post-graduation career.

  • Weekly Commitment:

    • Weekly rehearsals will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings.

  • Ensemble Contact:

    • TBA