We encourage all UW-W students to play and sing in the Music Department’s groups!
IMPORTANT! ALL UW-W ensembles listed here also earn General Education credit: in most cases, GA Arts, but MUSC 169 Marching Band earns GP Physical Education credit.
Yes! All musical groups are open to all UW-W students, regardless of major. Some groups are more selective than others, based on level of experience and musical skills, but generally there is a group for most students who have prior high school or other band, choir, or orchestra experience.
The same way you register for any class, by enrolling on WINS. All groups are 1 credit. But note that in all cases except Marching Band and Gospel Choir, simply signing up for the class does not mean that you are in the ensemble. You may add the class on WINS, but you need to sign up for an audition, which will occur during the first week of classes. It is your responsibility to contact the director regarding auditions-he/she will not necessarily contact you.
Yes. There are advantages to signing up for credit: for non-majors/minors, this will count in University Requirements towards graduation. But if you would like to be in an ensemble without registering, you should consult with the director.
Directors in most groups will expect that you are able to read music. Generally if you were involved with band, orchestra, or choir in high school, you will be in good shape.
In most cases, yes, particularly if you play high strings, or a band instrument. But the Music Department does own a limited number of instruments that can be used by students. The usual marching band instruments are owned by the University. Please contact the director if this is an issue.
No. You should contact the director for specifics regarding auditions, but generally, singers will be asked to sing something they have prepared, to match pitches, and to sightread. Instrumental auditions vary according to the nature of the group, but may include excerpts distributed in advance, a prepared piece and sightreading. In most cases, auditions are primarily for placement within sections.
Grading and expectations will vary from group to group, but generally attendance at rehearsals and concerts and your own musical preparation are the most important factors. Students should plan to work on their parts outside of rehearsal. Practice rooms are available to all students by checking in at the Arts Media Center (CA16)
Chamber Singers (#2523, MUSC 171, Section 2, 1 credit - meets in CA 1003, MW 3:20-4:10 pm & TR 3:45-4:35 pm). Small, select choir, open by audition. Generally, members are music majors, but it is open to all. Note: to be considered for Chamber Singers, you should sign up for Concert Choir (see below), and take the audition.Contact - Prof. Robert Gehrenbeck.
Concert Choir (#2520, MUSC 171, Section 1, 1 credit - meets in CA 1003, MW 4:25-5:15 pm & TR 4:45-5:35 pm). Large mixed choir, performing classical repertoire. Audition required. Registering for MUSC 171/1 means that you are also in Women's Chorale or Men's Chorus, and will meet 4 days per week. Students have the option of singing in Concert Choir alone (meeting on TR) by registering for MUSC 279, section 5. Students can also sing in Women's Chorale or Men's Chorus alone: see below. Contact - Prof. Robert Gehrenbeck.
Women's Chorale (#2618 MUSC 279, Section 2, 1 credit - meets in CA 11, MW 4:25-5:15 pm) Treble choir performing a wide variety of repertoire. Alternatively, you can register for MUSC 171 Section 1, and sing in both Concert Choir (see above) and Women's Chorale. Audition required. Contact - Prof. Sharri Van Alstine.
Meistersingers Men's Chorus (#2895, MUSC 279, Section 4, 1 credit, MW 4:25-5:15 pm) Male choir performing a wide variety of repertoire. Alternatively, you can register for MUSC 171 Section 1, and sing in both Concert Choir (see above) and Men's Chorus. Audition required. Contact - Brian Leeper.
Vocal Jazz(#2614, MUSC 279, Section 1, 1 credit - meets in CA1003, MW 5:30-6:20pm). Small, select group that performs swing, jazz, and musical theatre repertoire. Audition required. Contact - Prof. Sharri Van Alstine.
Gospel Choi (#2815, MUSC 279, Section 3, 1 credit - meets in CA1003, R 6:30-8:00 pm). Large mixed group that performs Gospel music Contact - Richard Mcgregory.
Warhawk Marching Band (#2508 MUSC 169, Section 1, 1 credit - meets in CA 1005 or the practice field, MW 3:30-5:15 pm; also on Fridays before Saturday performances). Students enrolled in Marching Band will check into Residence Halls early. Please go to http://www.warhawkmarchingband.com for more information. Contact - Prof. Glenn Hayes .
Symphonic Wind Ensemble. (#2496, MUSC 161, Section 1, 1 credit - meets TR 5:45-7:20 pm) Select Wind band, performing a variety of concert band repertoire. Audition required. Audition required. Contact - Prof. Glenn Hayes.
Symphony Band
(# 2496 MUSC 161, Section 2, 1 credit – meets TR 12:05) Wind band, performing a variety of concert band repertoire. Audition required. Contact - Prof. Glenn Hayes.
Whitewater Symphony Orchestra (#2499, MUSC 162, Section 1, 1 credit - meets in CA 1005 MW 5:45-7:20pm. Full symphony orchestra, open to string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players. Performs classical literature. Audition required.Contact - Prof. Glenn Hayes.
Chamber Orchestra(#2995, MUSC 162, Section 2, 1 credit - meets W 3:20-5:00 pm, CA 1001) Violins, violas, cellos, and basses: performs a variety of string orchestra repertoire. Audition required. Contact Prof. Benjamin Whitcomb.
Jazz Ensemble I / Jazz Ensemble II (#2502/2505, MUSC 164, Sections 1-2, 1 credit , meets in CA 1005 & CA 1001, MW 12:05-12:55 pm) Jazz big bands: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section. New students should sign up for Jazz II (#2505). Audition required Contact - Prof. Matt Sintchak.For additional information do to:Jazz Auditions.
Jazz Labs( #2998, MUSC 164, Section 3, 1 credit, meets in CA 1005 & CA 1001, TR 9:55-10:45 am) Jazz combos, with focus on improvisation. Audition required.Contact - Mr. Bradley Towsend. For additional information do to:Jazz Auditions.
There are several additional ensembles open to all students that meet during the Spring Semester.
Concert Band (MUSC 161, Section 2) Wind band, performing a variety of concert band repertoire. Audition required. Contact - Dr. John Tuinstra.
Instrumental Ensembles (MUSC 269) – Some of the following are available in the Fall as well: contact instructor before enrolling.