Ensembles

A Cappella Choir is the premier mixed voice choral ensemble of the University music department and performs the highest caliber music from all traditional and contemporary styles. Membership for this 50 voice ensemble is open to all students of the University, regardless of major, and is highly competitive. The ensemble rehearses four days a week, Monday – Thursday, from 3:00 pm until 3:50 pm., and members receive Fine Arts credit for their participation. A Cappella Choir represents the University at important functions, chapels, graduation, and at yearly oratorio productions. The choir frequently performs with area fine arts organizations including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Choral Society. For over sixty years the choir has taken an extended tour during the Spring Semester. In addition to many tours throughout the Southern and Eastern United States, the choir has toured twice to Europe and has recently taken a mission tour to Brazil. Auditions are held each semester. For more information or questions about auditions including scholarship auditions for non-music majors, please contact Carson-Newman University Director of Choral Activities Dr. Brandon Hollihan.

Men’s Chorus, a 25 to 50 voice ensemble, is open to all male students without audition and focuses on the enjoyment of singing the traditional male chorus repertoire. While the emphasis is on fun and great music, this ensemble also performs regularly with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and has earned honor performances at music conventions in the South. The group is also regularly heard at university varsity sporting events and local and regional professional sports games singing the “National Anthem”. For more information or questions about choir scholarships for non-music majors, please contact Carson-Newman University Director of Choral Activities Dr. Brandon Hollihan, Men’s Chorus Conductor.

Redemption is an ensemble of singers and instrumentalists open to all students presently enrolled in another one-hour departmental ensemble by audition. Members perform concerts on-campus and take numerous off-campus trips to area high schools and churches. Repertoire is varied depending upon the membership each semester. Previous repertoire has included: Popular styles, Show tunes, Jazz, and Contemporary Christian selections. Members receive Fine Arts credit for participation. For more information, contact Dr. Chris Headley.

Lyric Theatre and Opera Scenes, whose enrollment depends on production requirements, meets on an arranged schedule during the Fall and Spring Terms. Opera Scenes encompass all stylistic periods and include modern opera by living American composers. When applicable, a full-opera may be performed. Students will experience musical, vocal, and dramatic intent for the stage.  Recent Musical Theatre has included Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, Into the Woods, Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, West Side Story, Annie Get Your Gun, The Sound of Music, Carousel, Hello Dolly, The Secret Garden, My Fair Lady, Suessical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Big River.  For more information, contact Cody Boling.

The Wind Ensemble, created in 2010, is comprised of select student musicians. The literature, arranged for mixed instrumentation, is derived from various masterworks of Western musical styles and periods. Students are regularly placed within chamber ensembles (brass, percussion, and/or woodwind) for the purpose of providing advanced musical experiences. The individual ensembles vary in the number of performers from as few as four or five to large multiple brass choirs. These ensembles perform at least one concert per semester. Membership in the Wind Ensemble is by audition or permission of the instructors. Students participating in chamber ensembles may earn one-half hour of General Education Fine Arts Credit. For more information or questions about instrumental ensemble scholarships for non-music majors, please contact Carson-Newman University Director of Bands Ashby Goldstein.

The Piano Ensemble, our newest ensemble, allows students the opportunity to learn standard literature for piano duet and for two pianos. Repertoire varies depending on the enrollment each semester, and students are paired together at the discretion of the instructor. Repertoire in recent semesters has included works by Arensky, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Saint-Saens, and Schubert. Performances occur both on and off campus for student recitals and for special events. Enrollment is limited to keyboard majors. Students earn one half hour of ensemble credit. For more information, contact Dr. Ryan Fogg

The Symphonic Winds ensemble (spring semester) studies, rehearses, and performs the finest band literature available. Students perform one concert in the spring and often perform at the spring commencement. Membership is open to all Carson-Newman students (regardless of major) without audition. A limited number of university-owned instruments (horn, tuba, bass clarinet, etc.) are available for use in the band free of charge. Symphonic Band meets on Monday and Thursday from 4-6 PM, and offers one hour of General Education Fine Arts Credit. For more information or questions about instrumental ensemble scholarships for non-music majors, please contact Carson-Newman University Director of Bands Ashby Goldstein.

The Jazz Ensemble is comprised of 5 saxophones, 8-10 brass and a rhythm section. Membership is open to all Carson-Newman students (regardless of major) through an audition or with permission of the instructor. This big band is devoted to teaching the skills of sight reading, stylistic interpretation, sectional playing and solo improvisation in a large jazz ensemble setting. Performance opportunities include public relations concerts, a spring concert, banquets, receptions, church worship services, and local schools. It offers one-half hour of General Education Fine Arts Credit.

The Carson-Newman Marching Eagles (fall semester) perform at all home football games and the Homecoming parade. The focus is on performing exciting and entertaining music at halftime and in the stands. Time commitment outside of class is kept to a minimum with class meetings held on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:15-6:15 PM. Winds, Color Guard and Majorettes meet on Mondays and Thursdays. Percussion meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same time. It offers one hour of General Education Fine Arts Credit. Marching band camp held one week before freshman move into the dorms in mid to late August. For more information or questions about instrumental ensemble scholarships for non-music majors, please contact Carson-Newman University Director of Bands Ashby Goldstein.