Ensembles

The MSU Symphony Band (sometimes called the Symphonic Winds) is Morehead State’s most select wind band. The group consists of 38-42 members and performs some of the finest (and most challenging) wind literature available for collegiate ensembles. This ensemble travels to perform periodically and has had past performances in Brazil, Spain, and The People’s Republic of China. Placement auditions occur in August each year and are open to any MSU student, regardless of major.

The MSU Concert Band is Morehead State’s largest concert wind band with a membership of between 60-80 members. The group routinely performs exceptional grade IV-V literature (advance high school-collegiate). Placement auditions occur in August each year and are open to any MSU student, regardless of major.

The MSU Marching Band is the backbone of school spirit at MSU. The ensemble prepares and performs spirited pep band tunes and an exceptional fall halftime show. Performances occur in the fall semester at local and campus events, home football games, and at the annual marching band competition we host—the Blue and Gold Championship of Marching Bands. There is no audition to join, and any MSU student can be a member. All members are expected to have prior experience in high school band or color guard prior to signing up for the class (MUSM 372 001 for music education majors, MUSM 372 002 for all other majors). 

Consisting of 20-24 singers, Chamber Singers is the most select choral ensemble. The group specializes in madrigals, challenging 20th century literature, and jazz. They tour in the Fall and Spring and present special concerts throughout the year. Chamber Singers members need to also be members of Concert Choir.

Specializing in the performance of a cappella choral works, Concert Choir seeks the finest in vocal and musical talent on campus and strives to present a varied program of choral music at the highest level of performance. Concert Choir hosts a Choral Festival in the Fall and tours every Spring. Spring tours have taken the choir to parts of Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and beyond.

Consisting of 20-24 singers, Chamber Singers is the most select choral ensemble. The group specializes in madrigals, challenging 20th century literature, and jazz. They tour in the Fall and Spring and present special concerts throughout the year. Chamber Singers members need to also be members of Concert Choir.

Operaworks provides vocal stage experience for students through recitals and performances. It also includes residency opportunities with regional schools that bring opera to underserved populations.

This ensemble consists of 8-12 singers. Concentrating on jazz vocal and commercial music stylings, the group performs for a variety of venues and participates in an assortment of recording projects.

The Black Gospel Ensemble is a non-auditioned chorus open to all MSU students. Specializing in the performance of gospel music, Negro Spirituals, and Contemporary Praise & Worship, this group frequently accepts performance requests from churches, public schools, campus events, and civic organizations. BGE tours annually every spring. Spring tours have taken the group to Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, Knoxville, and parts of Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana.

MSU Jazz Ensemble I is MSU’s premiere jazz ensemble and maintains an active performing schedule on campus, throughout Kentucky, and beyond. The jazz big band consists of students from all disciplines and membership is by audition. Regular appearances are made at the Marshall Jazz Festival, UK ‘Battle of the Bands,’ Morehead State Jazz Clinic, the Elmhurst Jazz Festival and more. MSU Jazz I frequently performs with internationally renowned jazz artists and has received outstanding recognition at past jazz festivals.

MSU’s Commercial Music Ensemble, a group of musicians that puts on several themed concerts throughout the year centered around iconic musical artists and memorable eras of popular music. This ensemble gives students performance and studio experience with a wide range of music including rock, pop, funk, R&B, and jazz fusion.

Within the Music Program at Morehead State, there are a number of additional small chamber and studio ensembles. To find out what opportunities may exist for your instrument or voice and how to get involved, contact the music faculty member in that area:

• Percussion Ensemble
• Steel Band
• Trumpet Choir
• Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble
• Trombone Choir
• Saxophone Choir
• Double Reed Ensemble
• Clarinet Choir
• Flute Choir
• Keyboard Ensemble

• The Baird Winds
• Horizon Brass Quintet
• Faculty Jazz Ensemble
• Keyboard Wizards