Ensembles

All Music majors must be enrolled in a large ensemble for eight (8) semesters as part of their degree program. The following university ensembles fulfill the large ensemble requirement. Consult with your music faculty advisor and the degree plan in order to insure the proper course enrollment.

  • University Choir – (all voice and piano majors)
    • (MUSC 1121, 2121, 3121, 4121)
  • University Band – (all wind, brass, and percussion majors) **
    • (MUSC  1111, 2111, 3111, 4111)
  • University Wind Ensemble (all wind, brass, and percussion majors) **
    • (MUSC 1171, 1181, 2171, 2181, 3171, 3181, 4171, 4181)
  • University Orchestra (Mandatory for String Majors)
    • (1161, 2161, 3161, 4161)

** In order to properly complete the large ensemble requirements, winds, brass, and percussionists must complete four (4) semesters of University Band and four semesters of University Wind Ensemble

** Instrumental students receiving scholarships from the band department may have additional requirements in order to remain on scholarship. Please consult the band student handbook for those details

Students should not enroll in smaller ensembles to fulfill degree requirements. However, the department encourages students to enroll in other ensembles for elective credit.

Below are brief descriptions of all ensembles:

University Choir (Concert Chorale) – The Concert Chorale is the official performing choral ensemble of the University’s Department of Music and Theatre and is open for membership through audition. The organization includes music majors and minors, as well as students who are enrolled in academic disciplines throughout the university. The Chorale’s repertoire spans several centuries of choral art music, including works by African-American composers, with a noted emphasis on the performance and presentation of the African-American spiritual.

Chamber Vocal Ensemble (PV Singers) MUSC 1131 – The PV Singers is a small vocal ensemble that specializes in the choral repertory from all historical periods of music. The group is made up of members from the University Concert Chorale who are selected by audition. Students who are selected for the ensemble must be co-enrolled in a University Choir course and sing in that ensemble as well.

University Band (The Marching Storm) – The Marching Storm Band is open to all qualified musicians who pass the audition requirements. The 300-member band has earned national and international acclaim. It is also the University’s largest public relations organization, representing the University in many prestigious events on the campus and throughout the State of Texas.

University Wind Ensemble and Concert Band – The University Wind Ensemble and the University Concert band perform original music and transcriptions written by the world’s greatest composers with a special emphasis on the long and unique legacy of original music for the wind band.

University Orchestra – The University Orchestra is open by audition to music majors, music minors, and non-majors.  String, wind, and percussion players are encouraged to apply. The orchestra has performed with the Concert Chorale and the Classic Dance Ensemble and accompanied faculty and student soloists. There are two 90-minute rehearsals per week and two concerts each semester.  Scholarships are available for qualified students. The University Orchestra is the large ensemble for string majors.

Jazz Band I & II (MUSC 1141) – The jazz band affords students the opportunity to play standard literature from all style periods of jazz, ranging from early jazz, swing, big band, bebop, and modern repertoire. In addition, the band serves as a performance laboratory for students to actively develop proficient skills for improvisation. Membership may be obtained by audition.

Percussion Ensemble (MUSC 1171) – The University Percussion Ensemble affords percussion students the opportunity to study and perform the standard literature for percussion ensemble. Interested students should play an audition before enrolling in the course.

Brass Ensemble (MUSC 1151) – The University Brass Ensemble is a course offering that consists of the study and performance of music specifically written for chamber brass in varying configurations. Interested students should audition before registering for the course.

Flute Ensemble – All flute majors enrolled in applied flute courses are required to participate in Flute Ensemble.  Qualified non-majors are admitted by audition. Flute Ensemble rehearses two hours per week: one hour under the Director’s supervision and one hour independently.

Clarinet Choir – The Clarinet Choir affords woodwind students the opportunity to play standard chamber music written for clarinetists. Students interested in performing with a chamber clarinet choir may obtain membership by audition. The choir’s repertoire spans a few decades of European-classical music and American Jazz literature. The Clarinet Choir is a small ensemble performance group provided by the PVAMU University Band Program.

Saxophone Choir – The Saxophone Choir affords woodwind students the opportunity to play standard chamber music written for saxophonists. Students interested in performing with a chamber saxophone choir may obtain membership by audition. The choir’s repertoire spans a few decades of European-classical music and American Jazz literature. The Saxophone Choir is a small ensemble performance group provided by the PVAMU University Band Program.

Trombone/ Low Brass Choir – All low brass majors enrolled in applied lesson courses are expected to participate in either Trombone or Low Brass Choir. Qualified non-majors are admitted by audition. Rehearsal schedule is set at the beginning of each semester.