Performing Ensembles

Student performing ensembles sponsored by the Department of Music provide unique musical experiences for university students who want to continue developing their performing skills. Numerous large and small choral and instrumental ensembles encompass a wide range of musical styles and repertoire. Throughout each year, the Department of Music presents a variety of concerts and music productions both on campus and as a part of national and international tours. Performing ensembles include the following:

 

 

 

 

 

The University Concert Choir is one of the largest and most active ensembles on the campus. The 50-voice mixed chorus is dedicated to performing the finest choral music of both classical & contemporary composers. It is the primary vocal ensemble of the Department and is comprised of both music majors and non-music students. The Concert Choir performs for various campus concerts and tours extensively throughout the year. Over the course of the last several years, the Concert Choir has performed across the United States and recently presented a concert in Carnegie Hall in November of 2004.

The Chamber Singers is a select ensemble dedicated to the study of advanced choral chamber literature ranging from madrigals and motets to the avant-garde. Members are selected from the University Concert Choir.

The University Wind Ensemble is the premier performing ensemble in the Claflin University band program. Comprised of the top wind and percussion students in the program, this ensemble performs both traditional and contemporary instrumental literature. Membership is by audition only and superior music reading skills are required.

The Chamber Winds is a select group of the strongest instrumentalists performing classical and contemporary chamber music for a variety of mixed instruments. Personnel are selected from the University Wind Ensemble and superior music reading skills are required.

The Jazz Ensemble performs throughout the year with a full catalog of various styles of jazz including swing, bebop, Latin, and fusion. Ensemble membership is open to all students and superior music reading skills are required.

Several Jazz Combos are formed each semester for the purpose of exploring traditional and contemporary jazz in a more intimate and challenging setting. Personnel are selected from the University Jazz Ensemble and both superior music reading skills and improvisational skills are required.

The Panther Pep Band performs at all home basketball games and is one of the most popular ensembles for the non-music student. The pep band is known for lively arrangements of the latest hits and for promoting school spirit at each game. Its members represent all departments and majors throughout the campus.