From student exhibitions to film festivals, come see what people are doing in our other arts programs!

Lifelong Musicianship: A Music Program for the UCCS Community

Many of our ensembles are open to participation from the broader community as well as UCCS students. Please see below for more information.

MUS 1100 - UCCS Symphony Orchestra 
Dr. Glen Whitehead, Director 
Open to UCCS students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader campus community. This ensemble pursues a broad perspective on instrumentation and repertoire that will also include an expanded brass, woodwind and percussion section. In addition to full orchestra, we will address wind ensemble and string repertoire, commissioning pieces, improvisation, student compositions as well as iconic literature. Emphasis will be on highlighting composers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, works composed in the 21st century, a focus on the performer as artist, as well as contributing as a lab for student composers.  

MUS 1310 - University Choir 
Solveig Olsen, Director
Open to UCCS students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader campus community. The University Choir performs a wide range of choral music throughout the centuries, and from around the world. This includes everything from Renaissance chant, Bach and Mozart, to African-American spirituals, jazz, Brazilian music and experimental music. Vocal technique is taught through the rehearsal process. A simple audition to ensure the ability to math pitch and hear harmony is required at the first class meeting. Basic music reading skills are encouraged.  

MUS 2210 - Wind Ensemble 
Open to all wind, brass and percussion players; all UCCS students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader campus community 

MUS 2250 - Jazz and Improvisation Ensemble 
Dr. Colin McAllister, Director
Open to UCCS students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader campus community. The Jazz and Improvisation Ensemble is a rehearsal and performance ensemble course.  This class will focus on repertoire representing different styles and periods from the wide-ranging Jazz idiom with a priority on jazz in the 21st century.  Also, students will study and practice broader methods and pedagogical approaches to improvisation.

VAPA - Music Program frequently hosts events open to the public, from student performances to ensemble concerts to shows by visiting performers. Most are free of charge; some require audience members to reserve tickets if seating is limited (frequently at no cost). 

Peak FreQuency Creative Arts promote innovative and diverse pursuits in music and interdisciplinary arts projects. The program offers unique professional programming to UCCS and the Colorado Springs community. 

As a resident organization of the Music Program in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, PeakFreQuency organizes approximately twelve concerts and interactive residencies annually designed around specific themes.

As part of the TheatreWorks program, the Prologue: Forums on American Theatre series includes talks, performances, and hands-on workshops featuring prominent, active theatre-makers.

Check here for upcoming Prologue events.

From student shows to workshops with visiting theatre and dance professionals, our THTR/DNCE program host several events open to the community throughout the year.