Special Opportunities: Musical Ensembles

The following performing groups are open to all students by audition, regardless of major:

• Southwestern University Wind Ensemble
• Southwestern University Jazz Ensemble
• Southwestern University Orchestra
• Southwestern University Chorale
• Southwestern University Singers
• Southwestern University Opera Theatre

Participation in Southwestern's musical ensembles often includes performances off-campus. In addition to those groups listed above, students are encouraged to participate in smaller ensembles through the chamber music program. As part of Southwestern's General Education Requirements, each student must complete at least six credits of fine arts course work, at least three of which must be taken in an applied or performance-based area. Performing in an ensemble earns one credit per semester in the latter.

Entering students who desire to participate in an ensemble should plan to perform an audition during Student Orientation Week. Dates and times for these auditions are printed in the Orientation schedule, and students will have the opportunity to sign up for an appointment when they arrive on campus. Prospective vocal students who auditioned for a Music Scholarship or Performance Award prior to their arrival on campus should perform again for placement purposes only.

• Chorale
  Kenny Sheppard, conductor
  The SU Chorale performs the great choral literature from the Renaissance to the present and often combines forces with the SU Chamber Orchestra to present full productions of major complete works such as the Mozart Requiem, the Bach B Minor Mass, and Mendelssohn's Elijah. Recently, the Chorale has performed at the Texas Music Educators' Association state conference and at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
• Orchestra
  Lois Ferrari, conductor
  The SU Orchestra performs classic symphonic and chamber orchestra literature as well as new works written by student composers. Occasionally, the Orchestra will combine forces with the SU Chorale and Opera Theatre to present productions of major choral and operatic works, such as Mozart's Requiem and The Magic Flute.
• Southwestern Singers
  Kenny Sheppard, conductor
  SU Singers is comprised both of non-music majors and majors who learn basic vocal techniques and perform a wide variety of standard choral literature.
• Wind Ensemble
  Lois Ferrari, conductor
  The SU Wind Ensemble performs literature spanning the gamut of classic wind band music, from Gabrieli and Holst through pieces written yesterday. The Ensemble also collaborates with student composers through readings and occasional performances of their new works. In recent years, the Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the College Band Directors' National Association Southwest Regional Conference.
• Jazz Ensemble
  David Guidi, director
  The SU Jazz Ensemble performs a wide variety of jazz and popular styles in small combos and larger combinations.
• Opera Theatre
  Bruce Cain, director
  David Utterback, repetiteur
  SU Opera Theatre combines the arts of dance, music, and theatre into one exciting aesthetic experience. Recent productions have included a complete staging of Mozart's Cosi fan Tutte and Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors, as well as scene programs.