Performance Ensembles

The School of Fine Arts provides a wide variety of performing ensembles for student participation. Students are encouraged to take advantage of every opportunity to perform in these ensembles and to develop their performance skills by participating in a variety of ensembles. However, students should be careful not to allow the responsibilities of ensemble participation to hinder their progress in their academic and applied music areas. If a student shows signs of being over-committed in the performance area, his or her academic advisor may encourage him or her to reconsider participation in the performance ensembles. Performance ensembles are listed below.

CHORAL ENSEMBLES

Concert Choir (MUSI 2150)
The Concert Choir is a select mixed choir which performs music from various historical periods and styles. This choir serves as a public relations arm of the Music Department and tours in the spring of each year. Two on-campus concerts and additional concerts as indicated on the course syllabus are performed each semester. The Concert Choir rehearses at 2:00 each Monday through Thursday. Membership is by audition, and formal attire is required. Music laboratory credit may be earned in this course.

Chapel Choir (MUSI 1150)
Chapel Choir is a choral organization open to all ETBU students without audition. Various styles of choral repertoire are rehearsed and performed in regular concert performances as well as University chapel services.  The choir rehearses Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00.  

University Singers (MUSI 1158)
This chamber ensemble is a small, select group selected by audition from the Concert Choir membership. "Singers" study and perform choral literature from various historical periods and styles.  University Singers rehearse Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 1:50. In addition to regular performances each semester, University Singers often perform for community, church, University, and other public relations activities.

Opera Workshop (MUSI 1157)
Opera Workshop at ETBU is open to all students regardless of major. The course is a requirement of the Vocal Performance major and is an option toward fulfillment of both the Music & Worship in Ministry major and the various Bachelor of Arts degrees. Auditions are not required for participation in Opera Workshop although they may be used for casting of particular roles. Through the performance of fully-staged operas and scenes, students will learn the various aspects of opera performance and production including, but not necessarily limited to, text analysis, stage movement, staging and technical demands. The repertoire performed is varied and carefully designed to allow students to discover their full potential as a singing actor.

Musical Theatre (MUSI 1159)
Musical Theatre performances are a cooperative effort of both the Departments of Music and Theatre Arts. The course is a requirement of the Vocal Performance major and is an option toward fulfillment of both the Music & Worship in Ministry major and the various Bachelor of Arts degrees. It is highly recommended for Music Education majors as well since many will be required to present musicals during their professional teaching careers. These performance opportunities are presented to provide additional stage experience to students. Auditions are required for participation in these productions. Through these experiences, students will learn the various aspects of musical theatre performance and production including, but not limited to, text analysis, stage movement, stage movement, staging and technical demands. The repertoire performed is varied and carefully selected to allow the students to discover their full potential as a singing actor.

Opera Theatre (MUSI 3157)
Opera Theatre is a requirement of the Vocal Performance major and is an option toward fulfillment of both the Music & Worship in Ministry major and various Bachelor of Arts degrees. Opera Theatre presents a fully-staged opera, rather than opera scenes. It is designed to give students opportunities to assume major roles in an opera production. Students are required to have participated in both Opera Workshop and Musical Theatre productions before they are considered for participation in Opera Theatre. It is open to all students regardless of major, but auditions are required for participation. The repertoire performed is varied and carefully selected to allow advanced vocal students to discover their full potential as a singing actor.

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES

Symphonic Band (MUSI 1130)
The Symphonic Band is the primary performance ensemble of the instrumental program. It performs a wide variety of wind band literature and serves as a public relations arm for the School of Fine Arts. The Band performs periodically during the academic year and tours in the spring of each year. While the director's consent is required for all band members, participation is open to all students with previous band experience. Formal attire is required. Music laboratory credits may be earned in this course.

Marching Band (MUSI 1133)
The ETBU Marching Band is an organization open to all students who have band experience prior to coming to ETBU. The Band performs at ETBU football games and other related athletic events provides a variety of opportunities for students to accept roles of leadership and responsibility. The Band is designed to provide an enjoyable performance experience and a musically educational experience for all participants. In addition, the Band serves as a working lab for music education students preparing for vocations in public school band programs. Music laboratory credits may be earned in this course.

Handbell Choir (MUSI 1120)
Handbell Choir is open to anyone in the University community, including students, faculty and staff. Members should be able to read music. The ensemble serves as a lab for music majors, especially those interested in church music as a primary or secondary vocation. The Handbell Choir performs on-campus concerts and for church and community events throughout the East Texas area. The course may be repeated for credit.

Jazz Ensemble
Performing the standards of "Swing" from "the Big Band Era" and a wide variety of more contemporary jazz styles, the ETBU Jazz Ensemble is an exciting and entertaining group to hear and see. Auditions for the group are open to all students regardless of major. This ensemble performs for a wide variety of events in and around Marshall.

Chamber Ensembles
Each semester the ETBU Instrumental Program offers students the opportunity to participate in any number of chamber ensembles. Flute Choir, Woodwind Choir, Saxophone Quartet, Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble, and Piano Ensemble are open to students of all majors and areas of interest. These groups are invited to perform throughout the semester in on-campus concerts and for various university and community events.