Ensembles
Valpo has an ensemble to suit every student musician.
Valparaiso University’s many musical ensembles cover numerous instruments, styles of music, and levels of musicianship. Every Valpo ensemble, whether high-profile or recreational, emphasizes the development of skills and musicality.
All students at Valparaiso University are encouraged to participate in the performing organizations of the music department. If you are interested in auditioning for an ensemble during Welcome Week, please let us know so we can schedule your audition.
Major ensembles
These ensembles require an audition, and rehearsals are three to six hours each week. Participation in each of these ensembles earns students one credit per semester.
A select concert and touring choir of 48 voices, seeking to uphold the highest standard of the choral art through performance of the greatest choral literature of all eras. Conducted by Marin Jacobson.
A select religious choir of 30 voices, which serves as a choir of the Chapel of the Resurrection, specializes in festive liturgies, and sings a diverse repertoire of sacred music from chant to Bach to music in folk and jazz idioms. Conducted by Sunghee Kim.
The auditioned student symphonic orchestra, which performs major orchestral repertoire, music theatre, oratorio, and concerti. Conducted by Dr. Diego Piedra.
The premier auditioned symphonic band at Valparaiso University, which plays the finest in band music on and off campus with special focus on original band compositions. Conducted by Jeffrey Scott Doebler, Ph.D.
An auditioned “big band” which performs both traditional and contemporary jazz, with performance opportunities on and off campus and clinic experiences annually with top jazz legends. Conducted by Robert Lark.
An auditioned symphonic band focusing on the development of skills. This ensemble forms the core of the University Community Band and also rehearses as a separate ensemble. Conducted by Jeffrey Scott Doebler, Ph.D.
Minor ensembles
These ensembles grant .5 credits per semester and meet with their coaches/directors one or two hours each week. They include:
- University Community Band
- Percussion Ensemble
- String Quartets
- Brass Quintet
- Woodwind Quintet
Degree Requirements
Students who are music majors are encouraged to perform in at least one department ensemble each semester they are in residence at Valparaiso University. At minimum, students must participate in a major (one credit) ensemble for at least:
- 8 semesters — Bachelor of music
- 6 semesters — Bachelor of music education
- 4 semesters — Bachelor of arts, music major