Members of the Webster University Chamber Orchestra in concert, December 2009.
(Photo by Timothy K. Hamilton)

Webster University offers you numerous top-quality jazz and classical, vocal, and instrumental ensembles.  Most ensembles are open to all university students. Regardless of your major field of study, you'll find your place in a Webster ensemble!

Prospective students are always welcomed to attend rehearsals and are admitted to all concerts at no charge.

Auditions for all ensembles take place during the first week of classes during the fall semester. Rehearsals begin as soon as the ensemble personnel is determined. Audition information is posted in the Thompson Music Building. You may also contact the Music Office (314-968-7032) or the individual ensemble directors for audition details. Each ensemble presents a variety of programs during the academic year, both on and off campus or on tour. Please see the Department of Music Performance Calendar for concert information.

Jump to Jazz Ensembles
Jump to Instrumental Ensembles


Choral and Vocal Ensembles    

Concert Choir performs choral repertoire of many styles and traditions and is open to all university students. Throughout each season, this choir joins the Chamber Singers to present major choral/orchestral works. Rehearsals are held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00-12:50 at the Community Music School (535 Garden Avenue) in Room 10. More information, contact Dr. Trent Patterson at trentpatterson77@webster.edu.

Webster University Chamber Singers

MUSC 4910/01, 1 hour

Webster University Chamber Singers, an auditioned ensemble of 20 singers, performs advanced choral literature from all historical periods, many world cultures, and styles. Throughout each season, this choir joins the Concert Choir to present major choral/orchestral works. Rehearsals are held on Monday and Wednesday from 3:00-4:20 and Friday from 3:00-3:50 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church..More information, contact Dr. Trent Patterson at trentpatterson77@webster.edu.  

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Webster University Opera Studio
MUSC 4990/01, 1 hour

The Opera Studio is a highly select ensemble of singers that presents complete works and scenes from the Baroque through contemporary periods twice annually. The ensemble rehearses on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00-5:50 pm in the Thompson Recital Hall and frequently works with renowned guest directors. The Opera Studio receives major assistance from The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and the Opera Theatre of St. Louis in each of its productions. Both of these distinguished professional companies are in housed at Webster University. For information, contact Professor Alice Nelson, Opera Studio director, 314-968-7032.
 

Webster University Jazz Singers
MUSC 4950/03, 1 hour

The Jazz Singers is a highly select group of 16 vocalists (SATB) and instrumentalists. Debby Lennon, one of St. Louis’s most distinguished singers and teachers, is the ensemble director. The Jazz Singers perform works from arrangers and composers such as Gene Puerling, Paris Rutherford, and Steve Zegree, as well as groups including Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, and Rare Silk. The ensemble recently performed works by Webster faculty composer Kim Portnoy on texts by e. e. cummings at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference in New Orleans. For more information, contact Professor Lennon, 314-968-7032.

Jazz Ensembles  

Webster University Jazz Ensembles
MUSC 4960/01, 1 hour

The Jazz Ensembles are combos of three to eight members, directed by a faculty member or graduate teaching assistant. Each combo rehearses once weekly for two hours from 3:00-5:00 pm. The combos perform a wide range of music from composers such as Coltrane, Corea, Davis, Ellington, Liebman, Mingus, Parker, Shorter and Silver. Students work on improvisation, ensemble balance and interaction, and stylistic awareness. Combo members are required to attend the Monday jazz master class from 3:00-4:15 pm in the Community Music School. Each combo performs on these programs regularly and on the Monday night jazz concert series.  For more information contact Professor Paul DeMarinis, director of jazz studies, 314-968-7032.
 

Webster University Jazz Collective
MUSC 4970/01, 1 hour

The Big Band is an 18-piece ensemble that performs literature from all style periods of jazz, including composers such as Corea, Davis, Ellington, Holman, Jones, Nelson, and Wheeler. Focus is placed on developing individual skills of improvisation, reading, stylistic awareness and ensemble interaction. Rehearsals are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00-1:50 pm in the Community Music School.  For more information, contact the ensemble director, Professor James Martin, 314-968-7032.

The Webster University Symphony Orchestra is recognized as one of the St. Louis region’s most respected music ensembles.  Under the direction of Dr. Paul G. Davis, the WUSO is comprised of students, community, and professional players, presenting five to six programs during the academic year. Students learn in an active professional atmosphere and schedule, gaining valuable experience alongside area professionals.  Members of the orchestra also have the occasion to perform for the winter Opera Studio production and various choral concerts. Rehearsals are held on select Tuesday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 pm on the stage of the Community Music School. Membership is by audition only.  For more information contact Dr. Paul Davis, ensemble conductor, 314-968-7040, or refer to the Instrumental Ensembles page.  To see the WUSO 2010-11 brochure, click here.

Webster University Chamber Orchestra
MUSC 4940/01, 1 hour

Membership in the Webster University Chamber Orchestra is available to all students of Webster University.  Comprised of both music majors and non-majors, this ensemble is dedicated to developing individual skill and artistic understanding through the performance of significant musical repertoire.  The WUCO performs two concerts each semester, plus other area-supportive performances, conducted by Dr. Davis and accomplished graduate students. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 12:00-1:20 PM and Thursdays from 5:15-6:45 PM in the Recital Hall of the Thompson Music Building. Membership is open to all students at Webster University.  For more information contact Dr. Paul Davis, ensemble conductor, 314-968-7040, or refer to the Instrumental Ensembles page.

Webster University Wind Ensemble
MUSC 4980/01, 1 hour

The Webster University Wind Ensemble (WWE) is open to all Webster University students with experience performing on woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.  All players are required to audition for participation in the WWE.  This ensemble is dedicated to developing individual and ensemble skills through the performance of standard Wind Ensemble repertoire, new music and transcriptions.  Rehearsals are held Rehearsals are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00-12:50 PM.  Under the direction of Mr. James A. Martin, the WWE presents two concerts each semester.  For more information, contact Professor James Martin, ensemble conductor at jamstl@webster.edu or call the Department of Music at 314-968-7032.
 

Webster University New Music Ensemble
MUSC 4950/06, 1 hour

The New Music Ensemble explores contemporary acoustic, electronic, MIDI and improvisational works by Webster students and faculty, as well as major composers from the 20th and 21st century. Membership is open to instrumentalists and singers from rock, classical and jazz backgrounds. The ensemble rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 5:00-6:00 pm. Auditions are held during the first Tuesday class meeting.

Webster University Chamber Music Ensembles

The Department of Music also offers classical chamber music ensembles: the Guitar Ensemble the String Quartet, the String Ensemble, a Woodwind Ensemble, and the String & Piano Ensemble. Enrollment in these ensembles is by permission of the appropriate instructor. Contact the music office at 314-968-7032 for more information.
 

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Webster University ensemble members are expected to attend each scheduled rehearsal and performance. A detailed syllabus, containing specific rehearsal guidelines and performance dates, is published at the beginning of each semester. . See the Department of Music Performance Calendar for concert schedules. Participation in a departmental ensemble is for credit, as ensembles are curricular.