performance courses

ENSEMBLES

The University Symphony Orchestra is a full symphonic ensemble composed of music majors, minors and dedicated non-majors. The USO presents 4-5 major concerts each academic year in repertoire ranging from the Baroque to world premieres. The past season included a multimedia Halloween children's concert; a program of 'Orchestral Orientalia'; a Christmas/Hanukah Gala; and a finale concert of Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique and Stravinsky's Firebird Suite. The 2009-10 season features the orchestra in performance with the world-famous Paul Taylor Dance Company; a December concert gala with BU faculty soloists; student winners of the Orchestra's Concerto & Aria Competition; and a Spring Finale concert. Auditions for all seats are held during the first week of classes; sign up sheets and information are posted by the rehearsal room, Fine Arts 111. Students performing two consecutive semesters fulfill the "A" General Education requirement. Click here to view the Syllabus for this ensemble.

Click here to listen to the University Symphony Orchestra perform Bach.

WEEKLY REHEARSALS IN FA 111
MON: 7:00-8:00 pm String Sectional
MON: 8:15-9:15 pm Winds-Brass-Percussion Sectional
WED: 7:00-9:30 pm - Full orchestra rehearsal
(0-2 credits)

The 50+ members of the University Wind Ensemble perform historically significant, standard and important new works for Wind Band in a season of four major concerts. The 2008-2009 Fall concerts included the Family Weekend Concert, "A Little Travelin' Music," and "Colors" which included Michael Daughtery's "Red Cape Tango." The Spring concerts featured a variety of old and new music including Gustav Holst's "First Suite in E-flat" and Alfred Reed's "Three Revelations from the Lotus Sutra." Auditions for all majors are weclome to audition. Information and sign-ups are posted outside Fine Arts 111 and by the Music Office, FA 165. Students performing two consecutive semesters fulfill the "A" General Education requirement.

WEEKLY REHEARSALS IN FA 111
TUE & THR: 4:25-5:50 pm
(0-2 credits)

The Harpur Jazz Ensemble studies and performs big-band repertoire and appears frequently on and off campus. Guests who have appeared in concert with this popular ensemble include, among others, Clark Terry, "Slam" Stewart, Manny Albam, Urbie Green, Frank Wess, Phil Woods, Jimmy Owens, Marian McPartland, Steve Brown, Mel Lewis, Slide Hampton, Peter Appleyard, John Faddis, Rufus Reid, Danny D'Imperio, Houston Person, Rob McConnell, Dave Stryker, Chris Washburne, Ron Vincent, Eddie Allen, Bruce Johnstone, Cynthia Scott, Bill Easley, Tia Fuller, Steve Davis, Harry Allen, Walter White, John McNeil, Sherrie Maricle, and Jennifer Leitham.

WEEKLY REHEARSALS IN FA 24
TUE: 7:00-10:00 pm
THR: 6:00-7:30 pm
(0-2 credits)

CHORAL GROUPS

The University Chorus provides students, faculty and community members the opportunity to join forces in performing the great masterworks of choral music. It is a large chorus of 125 to 150 singers who perform annually with a full orchestra. Over its 30-plus year historical period, the chorus has performed more than 50 major works from every historical period. In November, the Univeristy Chorus will perform Brahm's Song of Destiny (Shicksalslied), and Beethoven's Symphony #9 with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra. They will also be performing Honegger's King David in the Spring semester. 

WEEKLY REHEARSALS IN FA 27
MON: 7:30-9:30 pm
(0-1 credits)

The Harpur Chorale is a select chamber choir whose members are chosen on the basis of voice quality and sight-reading ability. The Chorale performs frequently throughout the year, singing outstanding choral works of every historical period and style in several languages. The group has toured throughout the United States and Canada. This Fall, the Chorale performs in the Family Weekend Concert in October and the Madrigal Dinner in December. Two concerts are planned for the Spring semester.

WEEKLY REHEARSALS IN FA 27
TUE & THR: 6:30-8:30 pm
(0-2 credits)

The Women's Chorus is an ensemble of 30-35 women devoted to the exploration and performance of all periods and styles for treble voices. The group performs four concerts per year including a Family Weekend concert in October and the Madrigal Dinner in December, as well as two more concerts in the spring semester.

WEEKLY REHEARSALS IN FA 27
MON & WED: 4:40 - 6:10 pm
(0-1credits)

SMALL ENSEMBLES

The department offers a variety of small ensembles (Percussion, Trumpet, Low Brass, etc.) with faculty directors when students, admitted to the major ensemble program have sufficient numbers and interest. The groups rehearse weekly and present a concert each term. Times are arranged to meet students schedules and credit is available.

STUDIO LESSONS

Private studio instruction is available to students in voice and for the following instruments: piano, organ, harpischord, violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, baritone, tuba and percussion (1-2 credits). Lessons are offered free of charge (as part of tuition), but all students receiving lessons must maintain membership in a major ensemble.

CHAMBER MUSIC

Qualified students may be placed in a variety of chamber music ensembles (trios, quartets, quintets, etc.) and feceive faculty coaching and University credit. Rehearsals are arranged with a faculty coach.