Ensembles

More than 550 musicians participate in vocal and instrumental departmental performance ensembles each year. In all ensembles receiving academic credit, membership is open to qualified students through a personal audition.

Choral Ensembles

Our desire at North Carolina State University is to provide you with the opportunity to continue in this enriching experience that complements your education, no matter what your major area of study may be. All of our Ensembles are open to all academic majors. Typically, members of the groups make a year-long commitment, and many participate several years, often in multiple ensembles. Participation in a ensemble earns one academic credit each semester.

If you have a musical background, such as high school singing, or vocal or instrumental experience, we may have a place for you in one of our ensembles. You will have fun, meet people from many different major academic disciplines, continue your musical development and build lasting friendships and memories.

Chamber Singers and Concert Choir:

Advanced mixed ensembles that perform the finest choral literature from all eras. Strong choral experience and proficiency in music reading are recommended. The group will perform regularly throughout the semester, with occasional tours in the spring semester.
Contact Dr. Nathan Leaf (choral_music@ncsu.edu, 919.515.8280)

Women’s Choirs:

The NC State Women’s Chorus will be expanded this year to be a fully independent ensemble. Seeking to continue the cultivation of this exciting choral genre, the Women’s Chorus will perform a wide spectrum of music specially composed for women’s voices, with particular focus on modern compositions and compositions by women composers.
Contact Dr. Nathan Leaf (choral_music@ncsu.edu, 919.515.8280)


Men’s Choirs:

The NC State Men’s Chorus will be expanded this year to be a fully independent ensemble. Building on the long history and tradition of men’s chorus singing and four-part harmony from around the world, the Men’s Chorus will redevelop NC State’s own tradition of fine men’s chorus singing, in concert and in less formal settings.
Contact Dr. Nathan Leaf (choral_music@ncsu.edu, 919.515.8280)

Instrumental Ensembles

Marching Band

Active in the Fall Semester during football season. "The Power Sound of the South" performs at all home and selected away games.
Contact Dr. Paul Garcia (paul_garcia@ncsu.edu, 919.513.4489)

Pep Band

Active during the late Fall and Spring semesters during basketball season. Performs at all home games and accompanies the team to any post-season tournament games.
Contact Dr. Paul Garcia (paul_garcia@ncsu.edu, 919.513.4489)

British Brass Band

Select group with an instrumentation consisting of brass and percussion instruments. Complete instrumentation approximately 30 members. Spring Semester ensemble which rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:15 in Price Music Center Room 120.
Contact Dr. John Fuller (john_fuller@ncsu.edu, 919.515.8284)

Wind Ensemble

Select group performing challenging wind ensemble and traditional concert band repertoire. Tours each spring.
Contact Dr. Paul Garcia (paul_garcia@ncsu.edu, 919.513.4489)

Jazz Ensembles

Select group performing Swing, Be-bop, and contemporary jazz. Opportunity to develop improvisational skills. Combo jazz groups are available for those interested. Fall and Spring.
Contact Mr. Wes Parker (wes_parker@ncsu.edu, 919.515.8277)

NCSU Pipes and Drums
http://www.ncsu.edu/pipesanddrums

Students and community members perform traditional Scottish and Celtic repertoire approximately 40 times per year including trips to the highland games.
Contact Dr. John Sprague (sprague3@bellsouth.net, 919.515.2981)

Raleigh Civic Symphony
http://www.ncsu.edu/rcs

80-piece student and community group performing standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire.
Contact Dr. Randolph Foy (rfoy@ncsu.edu, 919.515.8279)

Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra
http://www.ncsu.edu/rcs

A 30-piece ensemble focusing on orchestral music from Baroque to Post-Modern.
Contact Dr. Randolph Foy (rfoy@ncsu.edu, 919.515.8279)