Ensembles

The Denison University American Roots Music Ensemble is dedicated to the multi-genre and multicultural music developed in the US during the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. This broad term represents “folk” or “traditional” music such as Bluegrass, Appalachian, and African-American string band/fiddle music, Gospel music, and the blues, as well as contemporary music derived from these traditions. Each semester, students in the ensemble explore a different area of this music, learning about the fundamentals of American Roots Music while working on original arrangements.

Pre-approved instruments include guitar, mandolin, violin/fiddle, bass, slide guitar/”dobro,” cello, and banjo. Additional instruments will be accepted with the approval of the Director.

Denison University Chamber Singers is a select mixed choral ensemble that performs an array of musical styles, including Renaissance polyphony, contemporary works, vocal jazz arrangements, folk songs, and spirituals.

The required audition consists of vocal exercises, sight-singing, and a pitch retention/general musical knowledge assessment. A prepared solo is optional.

Composition Seminar serves as the ensemble for composers who are creating music in all styles, from classical to pop, from soundtracks to video game music. In a group setting, composers workshop and create music to be performed each semester. Often guest artists are featured in the final concerts.

The Denison University Concert Choir is a long-established community/university choir that includes singers from the Granville area, as well as Denison faculty, staff, and students who are interested in performing major choral works and other works of interest. A placement audition is required, but no prior choral experience is necessary.

The Denison University Gospel Choir carries the tradition of sharing love and hope through song to our community. We learn and perform songs in the true African American gospel tradition, as well as some that are contemporary and inspiring.

The Denison University Jazz Ensemble performs music ranging from the traditional big band era to contemporary jazz. Audition required.

The Denison University Orchestra welcomes players with diverse musical interests and from a wide array of majors. Drawing from a broad range of canonical string orchestra and symphonic repertoire, as well as newly composed works, the orchestra offers students a top-level orchestral experience and serves an important role in representing Denison University in the community. Frequent off-campus tours, along with regular collaborations with guest artists, faculty, and other Denison ensembles, continue to enrich and expand the legacy of the ensemble.

The Denison Singer’s Theatre Workshop is for students who sing and enjoy performing on stage. Once a semester, the students in the class will present a fully-staged opera, operetta, or musical theatre production. Class literature ranges from Broadway musicals to light opera. All students are welcome, but solos are chosen by audition.

The Denison University Wind Ensemble is for winds, brass, and percussionists. This large ensemble of approximately 55 musicians explores both cutting-edge contemporary literature and traditional staples of the wind band medium. This ensemble presents one concert each semester. Membership is open to all university students (and faculty). Audition required.