Music

Music - Ensembles

Dr Humphries conducting the symphonic band

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Join our Instrumental Ensembles, Vocal Ensembles, and Theatrical Productions

At Manchester University, we welcome talent with open arms! You’re an aspiring musician or vocalist, maybe you’re actively involved in drama club at your high school, or maybe you dream of joining the marching band on the field for a performance in Spartan Stadium. Maybe you’re ready to expand into jazz or the orchestra pit! At Manchester, you can be a part of the Music Ensembles regardless of the degree you pursue. Whether your preference is band, choir, or orchestra, there are many opportunities for you to choose.

Earn a Scholarship

You can earn a scholarship for up to $3,000/year to play or sing in your favorite ensemble. That's up to $12,000 over four years! Just imagine what that can do for you to reduce your debts before you ever leave Manchester.

Scholarships that directly benefit Music Ensemble students include:

Music Scholarship – Up to $3000 annually*
Visit Incentive – Up to $500 annually when you visit during your spring semester of your junior year or anytime throughout your senior year.
Matching Grant Programs – Up to $500 in matching contributions for students receiving money from their church or Dollars for Scholars.

Learn more about Scholarships at MU

*Scholarships are awarded for music ensemble participants, but not for those involved in theatrical productions.

Instrumental Ensembles

Whether your niche is symphonic band, symphony orchestra, jazz, or marching band, Manchester University has a musical opportunity for you. You can find a place in one of the many instrumental music ensembles with plenty of rehearsal space, including practice rooms and a full sized auditorium. Hone your musical skills and take your talents to the next level.

Spartan Pride Marching Band

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.

Gold and Black Attack Pep Band

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!

Learn how to audition for the GBA here!

Symphonic Band

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!

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 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!

Manchester Symphony Orchestra

Manchester University's Symphony Orchestra

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!

Small Ensembles

The Oak Leaf Brass performing outside the Otho Winger Memorial Hall

The Jazz Combo performing at an alumni event in the Jo Young Switzer Center

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!

Vocal Ensembles

The Department of Music at Manchester University enriches the cultural climate on campus and in surrounding communities by providing numerous opportunities for students to participate in choirs and ensembles, and by fostering within students a lifelong desire to perform and listen to music.

A Capella Choir

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

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!

Theatrical Productions

Whether your passion lies in acting, directing, singing, or working behind the scenes, Manchester University offers exciting theatrical opportunities for all students. With multiple productions each year and a strong sense of community, you'll find a spotlight that fits you.*
*Theatrical opportunities do not count toward the music scholarship participation requirements

Manchester Theatre Society

A photo from the Theatre Society's production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Manchester Theatre Society (MTS) is the student organized theater group on campus. Every fall, MTS directs a full-length student-written play. Additionally, each spring, the MTS directs a full-length musical, with either live pit orchestra or prerecorded backing tracks. Auditions for both productions are open to everyone, regardless of prior experience!

Opera Workshop

Opera Workshop is offered during January session or the spring semester each year. Operas are performed in English with supertitles accompanying the performances. Depending on student participation, two opera productions can happen during the same session or semester. Additionally, Opera Workshop can be taken for elective credit.