Music
Ensembles and Performance Opportunities
Expand the lists below to see the variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles that allow you to keep music in your life, express yourself creatively and earn arts credits that count toward your degree. Ensembles perform regularly on and off campus and are open to students from all academic majors. Ensembles are featured in the annual Celebration of the Arts performances at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton's premier performance venue.
We also offer private lessons open to students of all majors: half-hour (one-credit), 45-minute (two credits) or full hour lessons (four credits).
Group instruction in piano, voice and guitar is also available, including for beginners.
Interested in joining an Ensemble?
Complete this form to tell us about your music performance interests.
Bella Voce
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:35-4:50 p.m., FH 163
The University of Dayton Bella Voce is a talented and inclusive group of women of all backgrounds and skill levels who strive to grow as performers by practicing a variety of music and techniques, expressing themselves through their voices, and impacting audiences by spreading their joy of music. No audition required.
Listen to Cradle Hymn by Kim André Arnesen performed by Bella Voce
Ebony Heritage Singers
Tuesdays, 6–8 p.m., FH 163
The Ebony Heritage Singers, the University Gospel Choir, has wowed audiences throughout the mid-west and various parts of the world for over 30 years. With performances characterized as ‘spirited’ and ‘inspiring,’ singers explore the rich legacy of African American sacred music. You are invited to join this dynamic community. Get ready to clap your hands, move to the music and sing. No audition required; all are welcomed.
For more information, contact Dr. Donna Cox, conductor, at dcox01@udayton.edu.
Hands in Harmony
Thursdays, 6:35-7:50 p.m.
Hands in Harmony performs sign language interpretations of songs to recorded music. With a Christmas performance first semester and a spring performance second semester, members are given the opportunity to learn a variety of signs in the unique and enjoyable context of song! No prior experience is necessary.
For more information, contact Heidi Reynolds, director, at heidireynoldsmusic@hotmail.com.
Opera Workshop
The Opera Workshop encourages development of the solo voice and staging concepts through the medium of opera. Performances range from revues and opera scenes to full operas. Permission is required.
For more information, contact Dr. Minnita Daniel-Cox, director, at mdanielcox1@udayton.edu.
University Chorale
Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30-3:20 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:25-3:15 p.m.
The University of Dayton Chorale is a highly motivated group of students who strive for excellence through the art of choral music. Chorale has a rich tradition in choral singing, which has given them the opportunity to perform throughout the US and Europe. If you want to grow as a musician, learn new and challenging music, and travel within the US and abroad, audition for this phenomenal group.
Listen to Great Day by Stacey Gibbs performed by University Chorale
2023-24 University Chorale Audition Information >
World Music Choir
Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m., Fitz Hall 445
Ready for a new choral and personal challenge? Eager to explore music, languages, and movement from many world cultures? World Music Choir is the place for you - a non-auditioned mixed ensemble.All interested singers are welcome.
Listen to Himene Tatarahapa performed by World Music Choir
For more information, contact Dr. Sharon Gratto, conductor, at sgratto1@udayton.edu.
Chamber Ensembles
You can get involved with a variety of chamber ensembles, including flute ensemble; clarinet ensemble; horn choir; trumpet ensemble; cello choir; string saxophone and horn quartets; and woodwind and brass quintets. Each group is coached by a music faculty member. Chamber ensembles perform often on campus and at regional and national conferences, and have competed in prestigious international music competitions.
Dayton Jazz Ensemble (MUS 494-01, 1 sem. hr.)
The Dayton Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned big band that offers a traditional and contemporary experience combining the skill of interpreting challenging written music with the art of improvisation. The ensemble performs at local and regional concerts, at high school and college jazz festivals, and other invited musical events, including the Ohio Music Education Association conference. DJE also performs frequently with local, regional, and internationally known jazz artists.
Contact: Willie L. Morris, III
Early Music Ensemble (MUS 390-31, 0.5 sem. hr.)
Members of this ensemble present performance of vocal works from the Middle Ages to the present day. No prior experience in early music is necessary, and you will have the opportunity to use the University of Dayton's collection of recorders, lutes, cornamuses, krumhorns, viola da gambas and keyboard instruments.
Contact: Samuel Dorf
Flyer Pep Band (MUS 390-28, 1 sem. hr.)
The Flyer Pep Band performs for the men’s and women’s teams during the Dayton
Flyer's regular basketball season and tournament home games, which are often covered on ESPN and other
national networks. Members are auditioned in October.
Contact: Willie L. Morris, III
Javanese Gamelan Ensemble (MUS 390-39, 0.5 sem. hr.)
The Gamelan Ensemble plays traditional music from Central Java, as well as contemporary compositions, on campus and around Dayton. Participants learn to play all of the instruments in the ensemble, which were custom made for the University of Dayton in Indonesia.
Contact: Heather MacLachlan
Percussion Ensemble (MUS 390-23, 0.5 sem. hr.) and Winter Drumline (MUS 390-22, 0.5 sem. hr.)
Meeting winter semester only, these two ensembles offer a variety of performance opportunities for student percussionists. The Percussion Ensemble plays both standard and contemporary literature. For those who love rudimental drumming, Winter Drumline is an exciting group that performs both on-campus and at community events.
Contact: James Leslie
Pride of Dayton Marching Band (MUS 390-03, 1 sem. hr.)
Generate Flyer spirit in performances at UD football games, on campus, throughout the community, and nationally as a member of the Pride of Dayton (POD). Enjoy high performance standards and get to know other students from various backgrounds and interests. POD consists of winds, percussion, colorguard, twirlers, and a dance team--the Flyerettes. POD is open to all UD students as well as students from Wright State University and Sinclair Community College.
Contact: Kenneth Will
Symphonic Wind Ensemble (MUS 492-01, 1 sem. hr.)
The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs the finest literature written for winds and percussion in four annual concerts, both on and off campus. As part of the Wind Ensemble program, works for various chamber ensembles drawn from the large group are also programmed throughout the year. The resulting musical experience provides members with the opportunity to perform quality literature selected from a wide repertoire. An audition is required.
Contact: Patrick Reynolds
University Concert Band (MUS 390-01, 1 sem. hr.)
In the University Concert Band, members perform varied repertoire, including marches, show tunes, concert band standards, and contemporary literature. This ensemble meets only during the spring semester and performs two on-campus concerts and occasionally an off-campus performance.
Contact: Kenneth Will
University Jazz Band (MUS 390-04, 1 sem. hr.)
The University Jazz Band is an auditioned ensemble that offers an opportunity for students who want to play jazz in a less formal way. The band focuses on traditional big band and swing era music, teaching students how to improvise and develop an understanding of various jazz performance styles. The University Jazz Band performs four concerts a year.
Contact: James Leslie
University Orchestra (MUS 491-01, 1 sem. hr.)
The University Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble that performs a broad repertoire for string orchestra in the fall semester and full symphony orchestra in the spring semester. In addition to four concerts presented each year, the orchestra regularly collaborates in choral and operatic performances with the University Chorale and Opera Workshop.
Contact: Patrick Reynolds
Lyric Theatre Productions
The Department of Music and the Theatre, Dance and Performance Technology Program present fully staged musical theatre, opera or operetta productions each fall semester that are open to all students. Auditions are held at the end of the spring semester and early in the fall. In addition to onstage roles, there are opportunities to play in the pit orchestra and to learn about the technical aspects of costuming, lighting, sound, and set design and construction.
Contact: Theatre Program
Student-Directed Ensembles
Multiple opportunities exist for student-directed, faculty advised a cappella vocal ensembles and small instrumental groups. These ensembles have performed in various venues, including conferences, competitions, and University and community functions and concert settings.
Contact: Robert Jones