UU Music Department Performing Ensembles

Ensembles

Vocal:

Choral Union
University Singers
Proclamation
Opera Workshop

Instrumental:

Symphonic Band
Jazz Band
Handbell Ensemble
Piano Ensemble

Choral Union

True to its name, Choral Union combines the voices of students, faculty, and area singers into a larger ensemble for performance of masterworks with orchestra. Recent performances of the Choral Union have included Handel’s Messiah, Honnegger’s King David, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, and settings of the Requiem by Mozart, Fauré, and Rutter.

Director: Dr. David Dennis

During Fall Convocation 2003, Choral Union performed In Christ Alone, a new anthem written by Professor of Music Dr. Ronald Boud.

The Union University Singers performed selections from Messiah during A Union Christmas, 2005.

University Singers

The Singers are Union’s touring choir. They perform in the annual Christmas concert with the Jackson Symphony, in area churches, and during University chapel services. They also tour both regionally and internationally. Recent overseas trips have taken them to England and Germany. Membership is by audition, and includes participation in the Choral Union.

Director: Dr. Christopher Mathews

Proclamation

This smaller public relations ensemble is selected by audition from the University Singers and performs for many churches, banquets, and alumni dinners. Proclamation’s repertoire represents a wide range of works, from 16th-century motets, to gospel, to current musical expressions from the finest contemporary composers.

Director: Dr. Christopher Mathews

In September 2005, Proclamation performed for the Scholarship Banquet audience shortly before Bob Dole spoke.

Scene from the Opera Workshop production of Gianni Schicchi, April 2004.

Opera Workshop

Opera Workshop gives vocal students experience in stagecraft and character portrayal by presenting public performances of chamber opera, an occasional full scale opera or musical, and opera scenes. In accord with the mission of a Christian university, the Workshop often explores the area of sacred opera. Some works are prepared for performance in public schools or for national competition. Most Opera Workshop performances are presented in English.

Director: Dr. Michael Penny

Conductor David McClune introduces a piece during a Symphonic Band performance, November 2005.

Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band is a university-wide ensemble, drawing a substantial portion of its players from outside the department. The Band rehearses three hours per week and plays music of the highest quality (grade four through grade six difficulty levels). Membership is open to all interested players, though auditions are used for section placement.

Director: Dr. David McClune

Jazz Band

The Jazz Band is a traditional big band ensemble composed of both music majors and non-majors. It performs literature from the entire history of jazz, including Dixieland, Swing, Cuban and Latin styles, and contemporary Jazz Rock. The Jazz Band rehearses two hours a week and plays one formal concert each semester.

Director: Dr. David McClune

The Jazz Band performed with Christmas spirit during their semester concert in Hartley Hall, November 2005.

Handbell Ensemble

Director: Dr. Joshua Veltman

The ensemble perform in the Heiliggeistkirche Musikverein in Frankfurt, Germany,
while on tour with the Singers in April, 2005.

Teamwork abounds during rehearsal as Dr. McRoberts looks on.

Piano Ensemble

This group meets every fall semester to explore the wonderful literature for piano duet, piano duo, and multiple pianists. Membership is open to all who possess sufficient keyboard skills.

Director: Dr. Terry McRoberts