Ensembles
There's just something special about the experience of playing music with a group of people. USC Music offers you so many large and chamber ensemble options that you'll be sure to find a group (or two, or three...) that fits your talents and specific goals. You'll benefit from playing year-round with fantastic musicians that will not only challenge you musically, but in many cases become lifelong friends. Not to mention - it's loads of fun!
Major Ensembles
There's nothing like the thrill of playing or singing in a large ensemble. At USC Music, there are many options to choose from whatever your preference. Music majors, non-majors and community members alike are welcome to participate in these groups. Check them out!!
University Choir and Orchestra (MUPF230)
The University Choir and Orchestra is our department's premier ensemble, performing several concerts and tours throughout the school year. Open to all by audition.This ensemble of over 100 members provides an experience like no other - a mass choir performing with a full live orchestra at every gig. Repertoire tends to include modern arrangements of contemporary christian anthems and hymns as well as a few choral standards and spirituals. If you love to perform often and have fun while doing it, this is the ensemble for you. Members will acquire and improve skills which include choral discipline, vocal training, individual vocal development, sight singing and general musicianship. Uniform purchase required.
University Steel Orchestra (MUPF240)
The University Steel Orchestra is a steelpan ensemble open to all qualified students by audition. Repertoire is chosen from all musical periods with an emphasis on Caribbean musical forms written for steel orchestra. Studies will also include sight-reading, rehearsal and performance techniques, discipline, and general musicianship. Additional uniform fees may be required.
University Concert Band (MUPF225)
The University Concert Band is a large instrumental ensemble open to all qualified students by audition. The group utilizes woodwind, brass and percussion instruments and performs music from all periods and styles, with an emphasis on significant music for small and large wind band. Uniform purchase required.
University Jazz Band (MUPF 275) (New)*
University Jazz Band ensemble format utilizes (saxes, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm). All rehearsals and performances showcase historical and contemporary styles. Membership is open to any student via audition. Additional uniform fees may be required. Sem. 1/2 ODD/EVEN years.
University Singers (MUPF235)
University Women's Chorus (MUPF285)
The Women's Choir is open by audition to all interested students. The group will rehearse and perform a variety of music. Skills developed will include choral discipline, vocal training, individual vocal development, and general musicianship. Several performances throughout the school year will be required. May be repeated for credit. Additional uniform fee may be required.
Chamber Ensembles
USC Music offers our musicians the opportunuty to participate in a wide variety of chamber ensembles that not only provide them with valuable performing experience, but also the opportunity to improve their musicianship in ways that only participating in a small ensemble can give. Our chamber ensembles include:
Saxophone Ensemble (MUPF145)
Small saxophone ensemble that performs traditional and contemporary repertoire. Players will develop important musical skills, like sight-reading, listening, and the discipline required in ensemble playing. Membership through audition.
University Ringers (MUPF150)
Our hand chime ensemble performs regularly throughout the year at on and off-campus events. This is a small ensemble for the study and performance of Handbell/Choir Chime literature. Players will develop Handbell/Chime ringing techniques as well as important musical skills, like sight-reading, listening, and the discipline required in ensemble playing. Membership is open to any student upon instructor recommendation. Additional uniform fees may be required.String Ensemble (MUPF130)
An ensemble of string players performing classical to 20th century literature. Players will develop important musical skills, like sight-reading, listening, and the discipline required in ensemble playing. Membership through audition.Woodwind Ensemble (MUPF115)
Brass Ensemble (MUPF110)
Small ensemble open to all players with an interest in brass chamber music. The group plays a variety of styles ranging from the traditional classical repertoire to more contemporary compositions. Membership through audition.
