Student Ensembles
OVERVIEW
The primary focus of Performance Music at The 51做厙 is upon our student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no major in music at The 51做厙, and all enrolled 51做厙 students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University Bands, University Performance Choirs, University String Orchestra & Ensembles, and Steel Drum Ensemble. Neither an audition nor enrollment fee is required for membership. A number of members of the faculty and staff, as well as alumni from the region, also perform with the groups. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year.
Large ensembles include Concert/Symphonic Band, Concert Choir/Singers, String Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble (big band format), and Steel Drum Ensemble. Smaller groups are made up of members from within the large ensembles, and vary by semester, including groups such as String Quartet, Flute Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Low Brass Sextet, Trumpet Choir, Clarinet Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble, and small vocal groups in various formats. Solo, duo, trio, and quartet performance opportunities are available to members of the ensembles through the semesterly General Recitals.
Other programs within the department - such as our Guest Artist Series concert programming, World Premiere Composition Series, The Nelhybel Collection, and 51做厙 Brass Orchestra - closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with a variety of world class musicians and artist-teachers.
High school juniors and seniors considering application to 51做厙 for future years are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert or masterclass/clinic, or tour the building.
HOW CAN I JOIN ENSEMBLES FOR FALL 2025?
Just come to Houlihan McLean for the informational meeting and first rehearsal of the large ensemble you are interested in at the dates and times listed in the graphic below (and yes, you can join multiple groups!)
CHECK BACK TO FIND OUT WHAT MUSIC THE LARGE ENSEMBLES WILL BE PREPARING FOR PERFORMANCES IN FALL 2025!