Music Ensembles for Class Credit
See the M&W student handbook (SCORE) for specific ensemble requirements for each degree.
PMW 101 Celebration Singers (1 hour)
An open mixed choir, performing a variety of Christian music styles regularly in chapel and in various special programs on and off campus and on a weekend spring tour. It is directed by Elliott Smith. Rehearsals for this choir are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00 -12:50 p.m.
PMW 203 Concert Choir (1 hour)
A mixed choir with membership open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students by audition. Literature and performances vary from year to year to include the following types of experiences: seasonal concerts, conferences, major choral works, musicals, and pageants. It is directed by Brenda Lang. Rehearsals for this choir are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00-12:50 p.m.
PMW 204 Winds of Praise (Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble) (1 hour)
An instrumental ensemble selected by audition with programming including concert, jazz, and worship literature, seasonal programs, chapel, and musicals. It is directed by Gary Gregory. The band rehearses on Monday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2:45-3:35 p.m. It is possible to be in both choir and band, but when these groups perform combined numbers, these people will be expected to play in the band. Prerequisite: previous band experience.
Non-Credit Music Ensembles
PMW 045g Guitar Ensemble
Required of guitar majors, and open to all students by audition. Matt Coffey directs. Repertoire is a mix of classical ensemble pieces and acoustic/electric guitar ensemble playing.
PMW 045h University Handbell Choir
The choir is open to all students on an audition basis and is a non-credit organization directed by Gary Gregory. Performances include chapel, school functions and area churches.
PMW 045i Pep Band
Open to all students by audition, the pep band is designated as the ensemble for home basketball games and other school functions. Under the supervision of Ken Read.
PMW 045k Keyboard Ensemble
A select ensemble made up of mostly-electronic music in multiple genres, including recording, looping, and orchestral realizations. On-campus concerts, plus a weekend tour of churches each semester.
PMW 045v Vocal Ensemble
A select ensemble of vocalists, singing music a cappella, of a variety of styles and genres. Open to all students by audition. Gary Gregory directs.
PMW 045w World Music Worship Ensemble is a select ensemble of instrumentalists and vocalists, open to all students by audition. Repertoire consists mostly of ethnic worship music. The group performs in chapels, school functions and churches. Ken Read directs.
PMW 045x Percussion Ensemble
Required of percussion majors, and open to all students by audition. Chris Barrick directs this group in performing a mix of mallet classical music, stomp music, and world music. This ensemble plays in department-sponsored concerts and special functions as they arise.
Other Ensembles and Performance Opportunities
Command Brass is a brass ensemble directed by Gary Gregory. Although the ensemble is an auditioned group, it is non-credit. Rehearsals are once a week. Command Brass performs in Chapel as well as at the Christmas production, Winds of Praise Concert and occasional off-campus functions.
The Outreach Program has four teams, chosen in September, that travel to churches, schools and conventions throughout the school year and eight teams, chosen in November, that travel to camps and Christ In Youth Conferences throughout the summer. Team members lead worship, small groups and teach classes etc. All members receive stipends and/or scholarships.
On-Campus Performance Opportunities
Chapel Services are held on Tuesday and some Thursday mornings. The worship studio practicum serve as worship teams on a rotation basis. Any student is eligible to register for a worship studio without cost.
We also have a Chapel House Band that leads in chapel about 10 times each semester. Generally reserved for upperclassmen, this band is by invitation only. Ken Read and Lindsay McKenzie are the directors.
The Family Reunion program is on Wednesday nights. Both are organized by our VP for Leadership Training, Larry Travis. Anyone interested in participating should contact him.
Off-Campus Performance and Service Opportunities
The Music & Worship department receives many calls from churches in need of musicians. If you have any service to offer on a one-time basis or on a regular basis, you should let Ken Read and Jeannine Geans know of your availability. Requests include soloists, pianists, organists, instrumentalists, worship leaders, and choir directors. Full-time and part-time ministry opportunities are posted on the bulletin board in the Music & Worship Wing and listed on the CCU website at http://www.ccuniversity.edu/alumni/career-services/