Music Ensembles
MUSIC ENSEMBLES
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Choral Ensembles: Symphonic Choir
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Gryphon Singers (auditioned chamber choir)
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Music Industry Skills Ensemble (*NEW* for instrumentalists AND vocalists)
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Chamber Ensembles
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Jazz Ensemble
Why should I participate in an ensemble?
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Improve your musical performance skills as an individual musician and as a member of a group.
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Connect regularly with your peers.
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Learn and perform more repertoire for your instrument/voice
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Network with Guelph musicians in and beyond the University
What courses can I take?
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MUSC*1910 (Choral) OR 1710 (Instrumental) in the Fall
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MUSC*1920 (Choral) OR 1720 (Instrumental) in the Winter
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All ensemble courses are offered every Fall and Winter semester, so there is no required start time.
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MUSC*1410: Music and Creative Practice (applied music or individual lessons) and start taking ensemble courses in first year
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Ensemble courses: students entering the program starting in Fall 2022 will take 6 ensemble courses. When choosing courses, students should pay attention to the prerequisites for upper-level courses.
How do I join an ensemble?
Instrumental Ensemble Descriptions and Courses
Students may gain credit through participation in one of the instrumental ensembles. Students must supply their own instrument (piano excepted).
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Courses: MUSC*1710, 1720, 2720, 3710, 3720
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Academic Calendar:
Chamber Ensemble
If you play orchestral instruments or piano, you can participate in trios, quartets, and other combinations. The Director guides each group in the choice of repertoire and coaches the players in the attainment of musical and ensemble skills. Teamwork, dedication, and camaraderie are vital components of participation in this course.
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Weekly Commitment:
- Weekly rehearsals will be scheduled according to the availability of each participant in preparation for one or more concerts each semester
- You'll be expected to practice on your own to contribute to the refinement of the ensemble you are part of and to be successful in the course.
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Ensemble Contact:
- Henry Janzen, Chamber Ensemble Director - hjanzen@uoguelph.ca
Jazz Ensemble
Through the study of selected jazz repertoire and practices, you will develop the knowledge and ability to engage with the creative, expressive, and technical requirements of jazz performance. This includes the structural, melodic, rhythmic, improvisational practices and concepts that will be applied to jazz standards, Bebop, Blues, Fusion, Modal, and Latin jazz.
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Weekly Commitment:
- Weekly rehearsals will be scheduled for Thursday evenings.
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Ensemble Contact:
- Dr. Howard Spring, Jazz Ensemble Director - hspring@uoguelph.ca
Music Industry Skills Ensemble
This course will provide important training if you wish to pursue careers in the music industry, including vocalists studying commercial singing.
You'll develop industry specific skills such as, the economics of booking performance or creative space, and the ability to adapt across a variety of genres essential for professional musicians. By working in small groups, you'll learn to interact in different ensemble settings, mediated by technology (live and recorded), as well as arrange, improvise, and create. Overall, this ensemble will better prepare you for your post-graduation career.
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Weekly Commitment:
- Weekly rehearsals will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings.
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Ensemble Contact:
- TBA
Choral Ensemble Descriptions and Courses
As a vocalist, you can get credit for rehearsing and performing with one of the University of Guelph Choirs. As a member of a choir, you'll become a valued member of the community, thriving on mutual respect, dedication, and a constructive atmosphere. You'll develop professionalism, healthy use of the voice, musicality, artistry, and ensemble skills.
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Courses: MUSC*1910, 1920, 2910, 2920, 3910, 3920
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Academic Calendar:
Symphonic Choir
As a member of this choir, you'll focus mostly on choral-orchestral masterworks, including some world music, spiritual, and songs from folk traditions. The ensemble includes students, staff, community members and faculty from all disciplines.
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Weekly Commitment:
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Weekly rehearsals will be scheduled for Tuesday evenings
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Ensemble Contact:
- Dr. Marta McCarthy, Conductor - mmccarth@uoguelph.ca
The Gryphon Singers: Chamber Choir
As a member of this choir, you'll focus on a cappella music from Renaissance polyphony to avant-garde, vocal jazz and world music. This ensemble includes students and alumni who specialize in fields as diverse as veterinary medician, international development, languages, applied sciences, and music.
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Weekly Commitment:
- Twice-weekly rehearsals will be scheduled for Monday AND Wednesdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm
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Ensemble Contact:
- Dr. Marta McCarthy, Conductor - mmccarth@uoguelph.ca