Ensembles and Student Groups

Students wishing to participate in music ensembles will register during their registration time.

Ensemble Credit

Each ensemble is worth one or zero credits per semester of participation. If within any given semester you exceed 17 credits:

• 18+ credits – You will need to apply for special permission by filling out the Request to Exceed Maximum Registration Credits Form.
• 19+ credits – Including the above, be aware of financial charges that will be applied to your account based on the current per credit tuition rate.

Auditions

Audition requirements and information vary for each ensemble.

If after the audition you are not accepted into the ensemble, you must drop the course before the designated drop date (usually at the end of the first week of classes). Failure to do so will result in you receiving an F for the course.

MUS 101

Credits: 1

Brass Ensemble activities include a concert in the fall semester as well as an annual tour. The ensemble has performed at the New York Brass Conference, Lincoln Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, South Street Seaport in New York, the Washington National Cathedral, in Atlanta, Boston, and in Montreal and Toronto Canada.

Brass performance experience is preferred.

Auditions

• No audition required, pending experience.
• Returning students register at their designated time in the spring semester.
• Incoming/transfer students register during summer orientation.

For more information, contact Trever Famulare at 717-477-1238 or trfamu@ship.edu.

MUS 104

Credits: 1

Concert Band/Wind Ensemble is dedicated to expanding the musical horizons of its members through performance of exemplary traditional and contemporary wind band literature. The ensemble frequently represents the university with performances on campus and during the extensive concert tours each spring. The ensemble has performed at many destinations including Boston, St. Louis, Virginia Beach, Gettysburg, and Walt Disney World. Some concerts have also featured nationally known conductors and soloists such as Anthony Maiello and Anthony Calabrese.

Auditions

• Concert Band membership is open to all students with previous experience.
• Wind Ensemble membership is open by audition to students with previous wind band experience. All wind ensemble members are also members of the Concert Band.
• Placement auditions are held late in the fall semester and rehearsals are in the spring semester.
• Open to all university students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument.

For more information, contact Trever Famulare at 717-477-1238 or trfamu@ship.edu.

MUS 105

Credits: 1

Concert Choir is a mixed voice ensemble of 80-90 voices who perform a variety of literature from the different periods of music history. Activities include concerts on campus, an annual tour, and occasional performances at churches and civic functions.

Auditions

• Auditions are required within or prior to the first week of classes.
• Concert Choir is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Shoenfelt at 717-477-1638 or ejshoenfelt@ship.edu.

MUS 113

Credits: 1

Jazz Ensemble is for students interested in performing jazz literature representing styles from the Big Band era to the present. In addition to on-campus performances, the ensemble performs in places like Union Station in St. Louis, Mishler Theater in Altoona, and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh.

All woodwind, brass, percussion, guitar, bass, and piano players are encouraged to participate.

• Jazz Ensemble membership is open by audition to students with previous experience.
• Auditions are held late in the fall semester and rehearsals are in the spring semester.
• Open to all university students who play a woodwind, brass, percussion, piano, guitar, bass.

For more information, contact Trever Famulare at 717-477-1238 or trfamu@ship.edu.

MUS 117

Credits: 1

Madrigal Singers is an ensemble of about 20 voices that perform music of the Renaissance as well as works for chamber choir from various periods. Their activities include Christmas Madrigal Dinners, campus concerts, an annual spring tour, and occasional tours to Europe.

Auditions

• Auditions are required within or prior to the first week of classes.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Shoenfelt at 717-477-1638 or ejshoenfelt@ship.edu.

MUS 103

Credits: 1

The SU Marching Band (SUMB) is a corps-style marching band, which performs diverse styles of music while executing challenging, contemporary marching drill. Our repertoire includes symphonic, jazz, and pop as well as traditional marches. The band performs and supports the team at all Red Raider home football games and at several away games throughout the season. They also perform in exhibition at high school band festivals and competitions throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland as well as feature performances for the Cavalcade of Bands, Tournament of Bands, USSBA, and the annual Collegiate Marching Band Festival in Allentown.

• Membership is open to wind and percussion musicians, and front members including silks/rifles and majorettes.

Auditions

• Auditions are required for Drum Line, Color Guard, and Majorettes.
• Auditions are not required for wind players or front ensemble percussion personnel.

Visit our webpage: https://ship.campusgroups.com/sumb/home/

Fill out our recruitment form located here, or email our Director of Bands, Trever Famulare, at TRFamu@ship.edu for more information.

MUS 109

Credits: 1

String Ensemble is primarily made up of students who play instruments of the bowed string family. Students who play instruments other than bowed strings and who are able to collaborate with string instruments, primarily pianists, are also welcome to participate in the ensemble. Repertoire ranges from chamber orchestra pieces for the entire ensemble to chamber music, such as duets, trios, and quartets. Styles of music learned may range from classical repertoire to contemporary popular genres.

Auditions

• No audition required, pending experience.

For more information, contact Dallas Brown in the Music and Theatre Department Office at dmbrown2@ship.edu.

MUS 132

Credits: 1

The University-Community Orchestra comprises approximately 65 university students, faculty, and staff members, community members, advanced high school students, and professional musicians. It features carefully selected professional string players who mentor and instruct others within their sections. Each semester’s schedule includes weekly two-hour rehearsals that culminate in a full-length concert of symphonic masterpieces.

Auditions

• Admittance to the orchestra is through open auditions held at the beginning of each semester.

For more information, contact Dallas Brown in the Music and Theatre Department Office at dmbrown2@ship.edu.

MUS 158

Credits: 1

Woodwind Ensembles are open to any student. Each semester, chamber ensembles are formed to meet the interests of the program’s participants. They perform a wide variety of music styles. Large groups, such as the flute, clarinet and saxophone choirs, are rehearsed and conducted by the faculty director. Smaller ensembles rehearse on their own with occasional faculty coaching. The ensembles perform full-length recitals both on and off campus.

Auditions

• No audition required, pending experience.

For more information about Flute Choir, contact Suzanne Thierry at 717-477-1638 or sthierry@ship.edu.

For more information about Clarinet Choir and Saxophone Choir, contact Thomas Meyer at 717-477-1638 or tsmyer@ship.edu.

Kappa Kappa Psi is a national honorary band fraternity for both men and women. It is open to all students who perform in band ensembles and meet the academic requirements. Activities include service to the band program, the department of music and its organizations as well as social activities.

If you would like more information about Kappa Kappa Psi, visit its website at https://kkpsildpublication.wixsite.com/kkpsild or email kkpsildpres@gmail.com.