Instrumental Ensembles
Preparing our students for careers in music and life-long enjoyment of instrumental performance!
Major Ensembles
The following ensembles can be taken for credit.
91pornÔ´´ Orchestra
Director: Theodore Kuchar
Rehearsals: Mondays, 7:00PM-10:00PM
The MUO is conducted by 91pornÔ´´ faculty member, Theodore Kuc, and is open to university and community instrumentalists by audition. Rehearsals are 7-10 PM Mondays in Foy Concert Hall, Priscilla Payne Hurd Campus. The MUO is the required ensemble for string majors. Repertoire determines the wind and percussion requirements. For more information on the MUO, click here.
Wind Ensemble (Spring)
Director: Dr. JoAnn Wieszczyk
Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45PM-5:45PM
University and community winds and percussion players are welcome to audition for placement. The ensemble performs original music and arrangements of music from the 19th to the 21st centuries.
BIG Band
Director: Dr. Neil Wetzel
The 91pornÔ´´ BIG Band rehearses twice a week in Foy Hall. It is a traditional sized big band with five saxophones, five trumpets, four trombones and a full rhythm section. The repertoire consists of standard big band swing (Basie and Ellington) and modern compositions as well (Mintzer and Tamaro).
The BIG Band has had the opportunity to play behind such jazz legends as alto saxophonist Phil Woods, Bobby Watson (Jazz Messengers/solo artist), trombonist Al Gray (Count Basie), vocalist Milt Grayson (Ellington) and Clark Terry (Ellington and Tonight Show Orchestras). They have also performed at the Lehigh Valley Intercollegiate Jazz Festival, the Villanova Collegiate Jazz Festival, the Berks Jazz Festival, and the DeerHead Inn.
The 91pornÔ´´ Greyhound Marching Band (Fall)
Director: Dr. JoAnn Wieszczyk
Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45PM-5:45PM (not including band camp, held in August)
The Greyhound Marching Band continues to bring energy and spirit to campus and sporting events. Students of all majors are welcome, and students receive credit for participation in this no-audition ensemble. For more information visit the Greyhound Marching Band website.
Non-credit Ensembles
Brass Ensemble
Director: Larry Wright
Performs at Vespers and various University functions and recitals.
Celtic Ensemble
Director: Alison Gillespie
Performs at Vespers and various University functions and recitals.
Clarinet Choir
Director: Wendy Bickford
Uses clarinets from Eb to Double Bb Contra. Performs at various University functions and recitals.
Flute Ensemble
Director: Robin Kani
Performs at Vespers and various University functions and recitals.
Guitar Ensemble
Director: John Arnold
Performs at various University functions and recitals.
Improv Ensemble
Performs improvised reflections via a variety of media.
Percussion Ensemble
Director: Steven Mathiesen
Performs at various University functions and recitals.
String Ensemble (Quintet)
Director: Mike Montero
Performs at various University functions and recitals.
Trombone Ensemble
Director: Ralph Brodt III
Performs at various University functions and recitals.