MUSIC ENSEMBLES FOR CLASS CREDIT
(Required: 8 semesters for music majors, 4 semesters for worship ministry majors) Credit is granted for participation in music ensembles. No audit status is permitted. No more than 8 hours of credit in music ensembles may be used as general electives in any degree program. Students earning music and worship degrees may not use ensemble credits as music and worship electives. Bachelor of Music students are required to participate in Credit Ensemble groups a minimum of eight semesters. Students in the Worship Ministry degrees must participate for four semesters. In addition, BM students are required to participate in four semesters of Non-Credit Ensembles. WM students are required to participate in two semesters of Non-Credit Ensembles. All students enrolled in ensembles are required to purchase an outfit as specified in the course plan.
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 Wes Lawrence. Rehearsals for this choir are on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 – 2:45 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.
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.
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 045v Vocal Ensemble
A select ensemble of vocalists, singing music a cappella, of a variety of styles and genres. Open to all students.
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.
PMW 045x Percussion Ensemble
Percussion majors are required to be in this non-credit ensemble, and other students are invited to join by audition. Performing a mix of mallet classical music, stomp music, and world music, this ensemble goes on a small tour each semester in churches and plays for 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 Dinner Theater, Winds of Praise Concert and occasional off-campus functions.
The Outreach Ministry 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 Thursday mornings. The various worship studios serve as worship teams most Thursdays. Any CCU student is eligible to register for a worship studio without cost.
We also have a Chapel House Band that leads in chapel most Tuesdays in each semester. Generally reserved for upperclassmen, this band is by invitation only. Ken Read is the director.
The Family Reunion program is on Wednesday nights. Gatherings are overseen by our campus minister, Larry Travis, but are student-led. Anyone interested in participating should contact Dr. Travis.
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, 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 on the Alumni page. Online Ministry Openings