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SLU Musical Ensembles

Music ensembles at Saint Louis University are open to all students.  You do not have to be a major or minor to be involved. In keeping with our liberal arts tradition, we want all SLU students to explore and continue their musical learning, whether or not they aim for professional music careers. 

Male singer performing at a concert
Choir performs in St. Francis Xavier College Church, December 2022.

For more information, contact music program coordinator Aaron Johnson, Ph.D., at aaron.johnson@slu.edu or 314-977-5158.

Vocal Ensembles at SLU

MUSC 3440: University Singers

A non-auditioned choral performance ensemble that is open to all students with some choral experience and/or vocal aptitude. The choir prepares a wide variety of repertoire in English and other languages and performs a concert at the end of the semester. Limited section-leader scholarships may be available to advanced singers by audition. Select students may be invited to sing at special events such as commencement ceremonies. Taking this course for one credit concurrently with MUSC 3400 Reflection Seminar: Ensembles fulfills the EP3 Creative Expression Core requirement.

Instrumental Ensembles at SLU

MUSC 3450: Jazz Ensemble

Directed by Travis Lewis, D.M.A., the Saint Louis University Jazz Ensemble provides students with an opportunity for serious jazz performance. Typically, there is a standard big band and one or more smaller combos, depending on the musicians.

MUSC 3460: String Ensemble

Two sections of string ensembles are offered, the Saint Louis University String Orchestra and a smaller section called Chamber Groups, directed by James Nacy. These groups present at least one concert each semester. An audition is required for Chamber Groups only.

MUSC 3490: Concert Band

The Saint Louis University Concert Band, directed by Chris Sakowski, Ph.D., concentrates on the rich American wind band tradition and offers one concert per semester.

MUSC 3500: Piano Ensemble

Ruth Stith leads this piano ensemble featuring student pianists in duets, trios and larger piano groups. The ensemble presents a concert at the end of each semester.