Manchester University’s Spartan Pride Marching Band (MUSP) is an exciting and rapidly growing group that brings high-energy performances to home football games and campus events. The band plays a mix of athletic band music and marching field shows that get the crowd cheering.

Rehearsals take place during the fall semester on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and all instrumentalists who meet the audition standard are welcome to join. All members are required to attend band camp before the start of the fall semester.

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The Gold and Black Attack (GBA) is Manchester University's own basketball pep band. The GBA vigorously supports our men's and women's basketball teams at all home games, including tournament play. The GBA also promotes school pride, and fosters a relationship with our community. The course is for credit and begins during Manchester University's January Session. Go Spartans!

The Manchester University Symphonic Band (MUSB) is an all-campus band. The MUSB performs a varied repertoire of wind ensemble music and standard band works. They perform once a year on campus and have toured in Pennsylvania, Chicago, Florida, and Puerto Rico. In addition, MUSB occasionally performs at local high schools, churches, and nursing homes. Rehearsals are during the spring semester on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Anyone who has participated in his/her high school band for at least two years is eligible.

Learn how to audition for the MUSB here!

The Manchester University Jazz Ensemble performs in the big band tradition, but embraces any style that expands its horizons from Dixieland to funk. The ensemble is often invited to provide entertainment at functions throughout the county and performs two shows a year on campus. The Jazz Ensemble tours with the Symphonic Band. They meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 5:50 p.m. in the spring and on Fridays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the fall.

Learn how to audition for the Jazz Ensemble here!

The Manchester Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is made up of student, community, and professional musicians. It has been in continuous existence since 1939 and boasts a contributing membership of over 250 run by a board of directors. The MSO performs four concerts a year with a repertoire ranging from Beethoven's Sixth Symphony to the Sound of Music. They host a concerto competition each year, with a first prize of performing with the symphony. The orchestra meets every Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. Auditions are required, and scholarships are available for those students who qualify.

Learn how to audition for the MSO here!

From String Ensemble and Oak Leaf Brass to Jazz Combo and Percussion Ensemble, the sound of Manchester University’s small ensembles can be heard all across campus. Whether it’s Oak Leaf Brass performing at commencement or the Jazz Combo setting the tone at alumni events, these groups are the heartbeat of the music department. Organized based on student interest, these ensembles give students the opportunity to take the lead, explore a variety of musical styles, and refine their interpretation skills. With performances happening all over campus, small ensembles are a dynamic and essential part of the musical experience at Manchester.

Find out more information about our small ensembles below and learn how to audition for small ensembles here!

The A Cappella Choir is an auditioned ensemble that maintains 20-30 members and is open to all Manchester students. Standard choral repertoire is performed during tours and on campus concert programs. The choir performs 2 concerts each year and performs at campus events. The ensemble rehearses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30 to 4:20 p.m. in the Wine Recital Hall. Visit the Manchester University A Cappella Choir Facebook group.

Learn how to audition for the A Capella Choir here!

Chamber Singers is an ensemble that specializes in music of all styles, composed especially for small groups. This ensemble is auditioned from within the A Cappella Choir. They perform throughout the academic year at area high schools, residential communities and various civic functions. Rehearsals are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:20 p.m. in the Wine Recital Hall.

Learn how to audition for the Chamber Singers here!