Music - Instrumental Opportunities

Gold and Black Attack
The Gold and Black Attack is MU'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 Term. Go Spartans!

Jazz Ensemble
The Manchester University Jazz Ensemble performs in the big band tradition, but embraces any style that expands its horizons from Dixieland to funk. The band 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 and rehearses twice a week: Monday and Wednesday from 5-5:50 p.m.

Manchester Symphony Orchestra

The Manchester Symphony Orchestra 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. 

Oak Leaf Brass
Named after the numerous oak trees towering over North Manchester's beautiful campus, the sound of MU's Oak Leaf Brass is often found throughout annual programming including commencement processionals and concerts.

Percussion Ensemble
Get on the beat with the Percussion Ensemble! Our classically trained percussionists at MU strive to master their craft in rhythm and unify timeless musical melodies.

Spartan Marching Pride Band

Take the field with the Spartan Pride! Learn More >

String Ensemble
Nestled within the vibrant musical cultural at Manchester, our ensemble is an integral part of the university's rich musical tradition. We form a close-knit musical family that embraces creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence within the classical stringed instruments.

Symphonic Band
Manchester University Symphonic Band is an all-campus band for music majors and non-music majors.MUSBperforms a varied repertoire of wind ensemble music and standard band works. They perform four times a year on campus and have recently toured in Pennsylvania, Chicago, Florida, and Puerto Rico. In addition, MUSB occasionally performs at local high schools, churches, and nursing homes. Rehearsals are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4 p.m. Anyone who has participated in his/her high school band for at least two years is eligible.

Lessons and Small Ensembles

Private lessons are available for all students, regardless of major. The music department provides instruction on all standard band and orchestral instruments, piano, organ and voice. Students may elect to study for credit or non-credit. Small ensembles may be chosen according to ability and interest.

For more information, contact Professor Scott Humphries at 260-982-5331, or call the Manchester University Office of Admissions at 800-852-3648

You could be a member of the Spartan Pride!