Music Ensembles

Webster University offers two curricular choirs: Chorale and Chamber Singers. Through our rehearsals and performances, we strive to honor and understand the rich diversity of musical voices and cultures found across our global choral community. Students from across the campus are welcome and invited to join us!

Chorale and Chamber Singers perform 2–3 concerts each semester. Repertoire selected for each performance is based on the skill level of the students enrolled and often includes significant Western and non-Western choral music spanning the sixteenth to twenty-first centuries. Works by established and emerging living composers as well as student composers are frequently featured on choral programs. Our concerts are sometimes performed in collaboration with the Webster University Orchestra and other choruses or orchestras from across the St. Louis region.

Chorale
MUSC 4900 meets MWF from 11–11:50 a.m.
Most students new to Webster begin their musical journey here. Chorale includes students majoring in music and other majors from across the Webster Groves campus. Prior experience in a music ensemble is beneficial but not necessary. No audition is required.

Chamber Singers
MUSC 4910 meets MWF from 2–2:50 p.m.
This choir consists primarily of students who have previously sung in Chorale or have completed musical studies at another university and have transferred to Webster. Students who are interested in Chamber Singers should consider enrolling in Chorale or may contact Dr. Trent Patterson.

For more information, contact Dr. Trent Patterson, Director of Choral Studies.

Photo credit: Alex Brooke

The Webster University Orchestra and Webster University Wind Ensemble each perform significant orchestral and wind band repertoire throughout the semester. Performances include collaborations with professional guest artists from St. Louis and beyond, as well as frequent premier performances of new important works. There is an annual Concerto and Aria Competition Concert featuring the finest solo performers from the University. Under the direction of Dr. Paul G. Davis, the Webster University Orchestra and Webster University Wind Ensemble present concerts each semester.

Instrumental ensembles are open by audition to all students at Webster University, regardless of major.

Webster University Wind Ensemble meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12–12:50 p.m.
Webster University Orchestra meets Tuesday from 7:15–9 p.m. and Thursday from 5:15–7:15 p.m.

For more information, contact Dr. Paul G. Davis, Director of Instrumental Studies, or call 314-968-7040.

The Department of Music also offers classical chamber music ensembles: Guitar Ensemble, String Quartet, Woodwind Ensemble and Piano Ensemble. Enrollment in these ensembles is by permission of the appropriate instructor.

For more information, contact the Music Office or call 314-968-7032.

Jazz Ensembles are combos of three to eight members, directed by a faculty member. Each combo rehearses once weekly for two hours. The combos perform a wide range of music from early jazz to contemporary styles. Students work on improvisation, ensemble balance and interaction and stylistic awareness. Combos perform for the Monday afternoon jazz seminar class and at least once per semester for the Jazz@Webster concert series.

For more information, contact Dr. Bennett Wood, Director of Jazz Studies, or call 314-968-7032.

Jazz Collective is a variable-membership group that recreates and reinterprets literature from all style periods of jazz. Focus is placed on developing individual skills of improvisation, reading, stylistic awareness and ensemble interaction. Rehearsals are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Dr. Bennett Wood, Director of Jazz Studies, or call 314-968-7032.

The Jazz Singers program currently has two sections, directed by Michael Engelhardt and Keegan Eich. Both sections are fed by the same audition process which happens in late spring and early fall. The Gold Standard (section 1) and The Midnight Blues (section 2) delight audiences with their attention to fine detail and musicianship while performing a variety of styles that all fit under the umbrella of jazz. From the classic sounds of Gene Puerling and Paris Rutherford to the more contemporary sounds of groups like Take 6, säje and Kirk Franklin (and everything in between), the members of each ensemble pride themselves on their ability to adapt tonally and stylistically to the repertoire at hand. 

For more information, contact Professor Michael Engelhardt or call 314-968-7032.

Webster University Opera Studio provides vital performance training and opportunity for the next generation of singer-actors. This highly select ensemble of singers is open to all Webster University students by audition, culminating in two productions every year.

Led by Dr. Jacob Lassetter, Webster University Opera Studio presents complete works and scenes from all periods of lyric theatre. Students receive training in singing-acting, role preparation and character development. The skills and experience gained from Opera Studio give alumni the tools to succeed in top graduate programs, young artist programs and international performing careers.

For more information, contact Dr. Jacob Lassetter, Director of Vocal Studies and Opera Studio.

Photo credit: Chloe Sapp