Performing Ensembles

More than 100 students and another 30 faculty, staff, and community members participate in one of the seven music ensembles offered through the Music Program at Regis. All music ensembles are two credits* (see below) and meet for two hours a week (either twice a week for one hour or once a week for two hours). Every music ensemble presents a concert each semester that showcases the group as well as the individual talents of its members.

Any student with an interest in taking part in a music ensemble may register for one of the following music ensembles. Some prior musical background is expected. Auditions are required for the 400-level ensembles. Students should contact the ensemble director expressing their particular interests and backgrounds.

Performing Ensembles:

FAM-202 University Choir
FAM-230/430 Collegium Musicum
FAM-259/459 Jazz Ensemble
FAM-269/469 Chamber Ensemble
FAM-402 Concert Choir
FAM-442 Piano Ensemble
FAM-448 Guitar Ensemble

The University Choir is a large a cappella group geared for singers with all levels of choir experience. The ensemble explores all styles and genres of vocal music. Any student may register for this group.

The Concert Choir is an advanced a cappella group (an audition is required) that works on more complex and challenging repertoire.

The Collegium Musicum is a large mixed ensemble of singers and instrumentalists that focuses on earlier music styles (madrigals, motets, renaissance dances etc…), and requires some previous choir or instrumental experience. The Collegium Musicum is open to a limited number and type of instruments since they concentrate on music before 1750. The common early instruments are recorders, viola da gambas, sackbuts (predecessor to the trombone), shawms (predecessor to the modern oboe), and other early instruments. Some modern instruments may be considered depending on the repertoire (especially violin, cello, bassoon, trombone and trumpet). Students interested in exploring this fascinating music may want to meet with the Music Director.

Chamber Ensembles are geared for various combinations of orchestral instrumentalists (mainly strings and woodwinds), and concentrate on music from 1725 to today. Chamber Ensembles consist of several small chamber groups each with an instructor who works directly with the ensemble. Students are generally placed into groups according to their level of proficiency. Class times are generally determined according to individual student and instructor schedules.

The Piano Ensemble is designed for advanced piano students who would like an ensemble experience. Participants in Piano Ensemble will often be grouped and coached with students from the Chamber Ensembles.

The Jazz Ensemble is open to all students. The Jazz Ensemble explores the American jazz repertoire, covering a wide variety of popular styles that developed from the early 20th century to today. They are especially looking for brass players (trumpet, sax and trombone). If you play flute, clarinet, drums/percussion, electric or standup bass, or electric guitar, you should also consider the Jazz Ensemble.

The Guitar Ensemble is a more advanced ensemble for guitarists. Generally, participants have already had at least one private applied guitar lesson. In special cases, freshman may audition for the Guitar Ensemble.

*A 0-2 credit option is currently available for music ensemble registration. Only fulltime Regis College students who are at or above their credit cap (18 credits or more) may register for 0 or 1 credit music ensembles.

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