No matter what you're majoring in—whether it's music, biochemistry, or anything else—you'll find plenty of opportunities to sing, play, practice, and perform with other musicians. ÃÛÌÒapp’s music program sponsors eleven large ensembles, each comprised of majors, minors, and non-majors. Our ensembles encompass a wide range of musical styles, experience levels, and time commitments. At ÃÛÌÒapp, you'll develop your musicianship through performance of interesting and diverse repertoire and foster life-long friendships as an integral member of a supportive Christian community.
Basic Ensemble Information
- Department ensembles are open to all ÃÛÌÒapp students, with placement auditions typically held at the beginning of each academic year.
- Students may earn 1 credit for each ensemble per semester. Students already at the maximum credit load (18) can enroll for 0 credits without an additional tuition charge.
- Students may use up to 4 credits of an ensemble (except those in Oratorio Chorus, Marching Band, Pep Band, and Collaborative Musicianship) to help fulfill the Arts Core requirement.
- There is a $100 course fee per semester for each department ensemble.
Explore Ensembles
- Campus Choir - A mixed choir (SATB) that focuses on sacred music and regularly helps lead and supplement music in Chapel services.
- Capella - A mixed concert choir (SATB) that performs diverse choral literature from all historical eras on campus and on frequent tours.
- Gospel Choir - An ensemble that offers the opportunity to sing in a variety of styles, including spirituals, African music, anthems, jazz, as well as traditional and contemporary gospel music.
- Oratorio Chorus - A large community chorus that presents Handel's Messiah each December.
- Women's Chorale - A treble concert choir (SSAA) that presents a wide range of repertoire on campus, in the community, and on performance tours.
- Jazz Band - An ensemble that performs a variety of jazz literature in both big band and combo settings.
- Orchestra - A full symphony orchestra that performs major concerts each semester, including the annual presentation of Handel's Messiah, while also engaging in regular performance tours.
- Symphonic Band - A concert band comprised of students, faculty, and alumni that performs traditional literature in multiple concerts each semester, both on campus and in the surrounding community.
- Wind Ensemble - A smaller, versatile concert band (typically one player per part) that relies on flexible instrumentation to perform diverse repertoire in multiple performances on and off campus.
- Marching Band - An ensemble that performs at ÃÛÌÒapp football games. This ensemble is open to all interested students, instruments, and levels of experience.
- Pep Band - An ensemble comprised of traditional band instruments, drum set, and electric bass that entertains fans and supports the men's and women's basketball teams at home games.
Collaborative Musicianship
This course fosters the study and performance of music designed for small ensembles. As such, participating students are encouraged and expected to assume leadership in repertoire selection and rehearsal organization. Faculty members offer support and guidance through regular "coachings" that supplement students' independent work in their assigned ensembles. The course culminates with a chamber recital slated at the end of each semester.
Collaborative Musicianship is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists who meet the demands of musicianship.
Rehearsal Information: Mondays, 5:30 - 6:30pm, with students arranging their own additional rehearsal times.
Director
Dr. Tiffany Engle
Associate Professor; Director of Bands
(Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble)
Full profile
- (616) 526-6304
- tiffany.engle@calvin.edu
- Music
How to Join
Those interested should contact Dr. Tiffany Engle (tiffany.engle@calvin.edu) for more information. Upon professor consultation, students will be assigned to small groups (3-5 members) for the semester.
Interested in Joining an Ensemble?
There is a place for you in our program, no matter your major or discipline! Those interested in joining should schedule an audition to help determine placement.