Ensembles

Lifelong Musicianship: A Music Program for the UCCS Community

Opportunities abound for students across UCCS to continue their music practices throughout their college career. These opportunities include many ensemble choices such as UCCS Orchestra 21, University Choir, Wind Ensemble, VAPA Vocal Ensemble, Music Theater, Chamber Music, Jazz Ensemble, Electro-Acoustic Ensemble, Creative Music Ensemble and the UCCS Athletics Band. While our large ensembles are quickly expanding, we emphasize small ensemble development and training whether student’s background are in classical music, jazz, rock, music-theatre, electronic music, or other traditions. Small Ensembles for students include the Honors Scholarship Ensemble, Brass Quintet, String Quartet, Jazz Combo, and more

UCCS Chamber Ensembles

New! Students may now audition to join the following chamber groups:

• UCCS String Quartet (MUS 3050)
• UCCS Brass Ensemble (MUS 3051)
• UCCS Guitar Quartet (MUS 3052)

In addition to earning 1 credit hour and ensemble credit, students may have opportunities to play for special events on and off campus. Offered every semester.

UCCS Symphony 21 (MUS 1100)
Open to UCCS students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader campus community.  In addition to repertoire for full orchestra, this ensemble also performs wind ensemble and string repertoire, commissioned pieces, improvisation, popular tunes, and student compositions. We highlight living composers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, including student composers.   
This ensemble investigates the role of the orchestra in the 21st century, directly addressing our cultures and times, probing the relationship between traditional and modern repertoire as well as the symphony orchestra as a contributor to knowledge and culture.  

University Choir (MUS 1310)
Sing traditional and adventurous choir music. Students also have opportunities to have featured solos and to choose the repertoire! Offered each semester.  

Jazz and Improvisation Ensemble (MUS 2250)
Working both as a big band and in small combos, students study the art of jazz improvisation and perform both standard tunes and works by contemporary jazz composers. Offered each semester.

Chamber Music Ensemble (MUS 2400)
Students play both old and contemporary repertoire and have the chance to play with different combinations of musicians and singers. No audition required. Offered each Fall semester.

World Music Ensemble (MUS 1200)
Learn musical traditions from all around the world. All musicians and singers are welcome. Offered every three semesters.

Electronic Acoustic Ensemble (MUS 2300)
Working collaborative, students explore innovative combinations of live acoustic music with electronic music using both audio hardware and software. Offered every three semesters.

Creative Music Ensemble (MUS 4300)
Explore unconventional scores, improvise together, and experiment in multiple genres as a collaborative ensemble. Offered every three semesters.