Students Invited to Join A Musical Ensemble

08/15/2023

All SLU students are invited to participate in a musical ensemble offered by the Fine & Performing Arts Department. Students do not have to be a music major or minor to sign up.

The University Mastersingers (MUSC 3440) are a select, auditioned choir that sings challenging music in a variety of styles. This group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Xavier Hall.  

The Mastersingers perform in College Church each semester and perform at various events across campus.  Students who are interested in auditioning for Mastersingers should email a video of a solo performance (Art Song, Aria, Folk Song, Broadway, etc.) to director David Kowalczyk by Monday, Aug. 21.

University Chorale (MUSC 3420) is a non-auditioned choral ensemble that is open to all students with some choral experience and/or vocal aptitude. The Chorale prepares a wide variety of repertoire and performs a concert at the end of the semester.

This group meets on Wednesdays from 6:15 p.m. to 8:05 p.m. in Xavier Hall and is directed by Jon Garrett.

Jazz Ensemble (MUSC 3450) focuses on rehearsal of music from the jazz repertoire with the goal of a public performance at the end of the semester. The primary focus of the band is a traditional big-band (five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, rhythm). Smaller improvisation oriented combos will be drawn from the larger group. Jazz Ensemble is directed by Travis Lewis, DMA, and no audition is required to join.

Rehearsals are Mondays from 7:10 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

String Orchestra (MUSC 3460) is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all students with previous experience playing violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The String Orchestra prepares a wide variety of repertoire and performs a concert at the end of the semester.  

Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Xavier Hall. This group is directed by James Nacy.

Chamber Groups (MUSC 3460) consists of selective auditioned musicians. Students prepare a wide variety of repertoire for small string chamber groups and present a concert at the end of the semester.  Students who are interested in Chamber Groups should contact Director James Nacy for audition details.  

This group meets on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

The Concert Band (MUSC 3490) consists of experienced musicians (flutes, clarinets, French horns, saxophones, oboes, bassoons, percussion) who perform traditional concert band literature including marches, concert works, and popular selections. There is a final concert at semester's end. Previous concert band experience is recommended, but no audition is required.  

Concert Bands meets on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.  This group is directed by Christopher Sakowski.

Piano Ensemble is an ensemble of advanced pianists who work on collaborative techniques. The group focuses on the musicianship skills need to accompany vocal-instrumental solos and ensembles, and to play duet and chamber repertoire. Students rehearse and perform with other musicians in lessons and rehearsals, and for departmental juries, auditions, and concerts.  

Piano Ensemble meets on Wednesdays from 5:10 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is directed by Ruth Stith.

These courses can be taken for credit and apply to the Creative Expression Core Requirement of Eloquentia Perfecta, or they can be taken for zero credit hours.

For more information, contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department at arts@slu.edu.