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Concert Choir

Under the direction of Dr. Bruce Mayhall, the Western Oregon University Concert Choir studies and performs a wide variety of music for large ensembles, often in divided parts. In addition to works from all historic style periods and regions of the world, the Concert Choir regularly presents extended choral masterworks with orchestra, often featuring student soloists. The Concert Choir performs a major concert at the end of each term and participates in the Oregon Intercollegiate Choral Festival. For more information please contact Dr. Bruce Mayhall

Chamber Singers

The Chamber Singers, a highly select ensemble of 24 to 32 students, performs challenging repertoire for the smaller choir, ranging from Renaissance madrigals and Bach motets to newly composed works. In demand throughout the region, the Chamber Singers maintain a rigorous performing and touring schedule. Among their recent credits are performances for the Oregon Music Educators Association, three performances at Carnegie Hall, and recording credit for a CD by Boosey & Hawkes. For more information please contact Dr. Bruce Mayhall

Western Hemisphere Voices

Soulstice is the Western Oregon University vocal jazz ensemble led by Dr. Kevin Helppie. Soulstice features 14 singers and a rhythm section. Every other year the group records a CD of selections by nationally-recognized arrangers and WOU students. Soulstice also concertizes with at least one acclaimed solo artist or group each year. In addition, Soulstice performs at schools, community functions and various jazz venues. Soulstice was recently selected as 1 of only 2 jazz ensembles (school category) from the United States to serve as alternates to the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland! It is one of the world's largest festivals with an audience of over 100,000. Performers selected to participate are renowned jazz legends with 12 instrumental and vocal groups chosen from schools around the world. Congratulations Soulstice!! For more information please contact Sherry Alves

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES

Western Oregon Symphony

Under the baton of Dr. Ike Nail, the Western Oregon Symphony is open by audition to all interested students, faculty and members of the community. There are generally 3 concerts each year featuring repertoire from the Baroque through the 20th century. Students and guests are frequently invited to play solo works. The Orchestra also participates in the performance of large-scale choral/orchestral works as well as opera and musicals.

naili@wou.edu

Instrumental Chamber Ensembles

The Western Oregon University Department of Music offers a variety of opportunities for students to participate in several chamber ensembles each term. Standing ensembles include Brass Quintet, Early Music Consort, Chamber String Ensemble, Piano Chamber Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Trumpet Choir, and Pep Band.

WOU offers many vernacular and jazz chamber ensembles and combos as well, including the Jazz Repertoire Combo, Hemisphere Combo, Singer/Songwriter Combo, and Brazilian Combo. Other ensembles are assembled as personnel and interest dictate.

Are you a composition or recording engineer major? No problem! At WOU composition majors can obtain ensemble credit by serving as a staff composer/arranger. Recording engineers receive ensemble credit by serving as a recording engineer for select ensembles. It's all a part of the Contemporary Music Degree design at WOU.

Contact Dr. Ike Nail, coordinator, Instrumental Studies.
naili@wou.edu

Wind Ensemble

The wind ensemble is a large, auditioned ensemble that performs contemporary and standard literature for symphonic band, wind ensemble and wind symphony. Featuring woodwind, brass, and percussion performers, the wind ensemble is directed by Dr. Ike Nail.

naili@wou.edu

Western Hemisphere Orchestra

The Western Hemisphere Orchestra Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Keller Coker, has played for guest artists such as Curtis Salgado, and the Inkspots. In addition to standard repertoire, the band often plays works by Oregon arrangers and composers. Other jazz-related course offerings include improvisation, jazz arranging, and jazz history.

cokerk@wou.edu

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Contact

The Music Department (503) 838-8275 | or e-mail: lcaligu@wou.edu
Location: Smith Hall