Department of Music

A full symphonic orchestra experience, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra (AS) is a civic orchestra made up of community members of the Anderson area, Anderson University students, and talented high school students. Founded in 1975 by the Greater Anderson Music Arts Consortium (GAMAC), this group has graciously collaborated with Anderson University in partnership with conductor, Dr. Andrew Pettus.

From standard orchestra repertoire to Christmas Music to pops music, this group performs a wide variety of literature in their 3-4 concerts each year. In their spring AU’s Got Talent Concert select Anderson University music students perform concertos and arias with the orchestra.

ASO meets Monday evenings. For students, the course is one credit hour. Auditions are required to join the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. Contact Dr. Andrew Pettus for auditions and ensemble information at apettus@andersonuniversity.edu

Brass Quintet
The brass quintet at Anderson University is comprised of the standard instrumentation: two trumpets, french horn, trombone, and tuba. Directed by Chris Imhoff, this group meets at least once a week to rehearse and performs at the chamber music concert, Anderson University graduation ceremonies, and occasionally other special events.

Horn Ensemble
The horn ensemble is a group of four or more students under the direction of Betsy Myers. This group rehearses at least once per week and performs at chamber music concerts on campus.

If you are interested in joining this ensemble, please contact Betsy Myers at bmyers@andersonuniversity.edu.

Trombone Ensemble
The trombone ensemble is a group is open to all Anderson University students, community members, and regional high school students. Ranging from four to sixteen or more players, this ensemble performs all styles of music – transcriptions from the Renaissance period to today’s music and some music composed specifically for trombone ensemble. Student arrangements or compositions are also performed by this group as well as arrangements by ensemble director Steve Wilson. This group meets once a week and performs primarily at the chamber music concerts on campus. Auditions are not required.

If you are interested in joining this ensemble, please contact Steve Wilson at skwilson@andersonuniversity.edu.

Trumpet Ensemble
The trumpet ensemble, directed by Chris Imhoff, is made up of Anderson University students as well as local high school and community trumpet players. This group ranges from four to thirteen or more performers. This group rehearses at least once a week and performs at the chamber music concerts on campus.

If you are interested in joining this ensemble, please contact Chris Imhoff at cimhoff@andersonuniversity.edu.

To learn more about our trumpet program, click here.

Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble
This low brass ensemble is made up of tuba and euphonium with four or more performers ranging from Anderson University students to high school and community members. Typically, this group meets once a week to rehearse. This group primarily performs at chamber music concerts on campus.

The Guitar Ensemble is a group of five to six students who play classical music and an occasional jazz arrangement. Its repertoire has included works from the early twentieth century Paraguayan classical guitarist and composer Agustín Barrios, transcriptions of piano pieces by Renaissance composer Michael Praetorius, transcriptions of J.S. Bach’s chorales, and Leo Brouwer’s Cuban Landscape with Rain. The ensemble performs for events on campus, such as the Chamber Ensemble Concert as well as off campus in churches and retirement centers.

To audition or join the Guitar Ensemble, contact Johnny Culwell at jculwell@andersonuniversity.edu or contact Dr. David Perry at dperry@andersonuniversity.edu.

The AU Jazz Ensembles perform all styles of jazz music from big band swing to modern styles including funk, rock, R/B, and hip hop. Our programs typically include a mix of music from many styles and eras. The ensembles are open to all AU students, community members, and regional high school students.

The Anderson University Jazz Band or “Day Band” meets twice a week and includes a trumpet section, saxophone section, and rhythm section.

The “Night Band” is a group focused for those with availability later in the day, meeting Wednesday evenings and includes similar instrumentation to the “Day Band.”

The Anderson University Jazz Combo is a small jazz group that shifts in instrumentation depending on participants but has included different variations of vocalists, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, with the standard rhythm section of piano, guitar, bass, and drums. This group performs at local events and various school functions.

These ensembles typically perform one concert per semester – sometimes more.

AU students may enroll in any ensemble. Auditions are typically required for the Day Band (MUP 1292.) Auditions are not required for the Night Band (MUP 1292.) Community members and high school students may contact Steve Wilson skwilson@andersonuniversity.edu to join either ensemble.

This chamber percussion ensemble that generally consists of four to six students focuses on a different genre each year, such as novelty music (rag times), new music, or contemporary world music. Past performances have included works by Bob Becker, Michael Burritt, Danny Clay, Eugene Novotney, Brian Nozny, David Skidmore, Steve Reich, Christopher Rouse, Nebojsa Zivkovic, and many more.

The group meets twice a week during the spring semester and has a diverse membership that ranges from percussion majors to students new to playing percussion. Usually in the first or second week of April, the AU Percussion Ensemble will play host to the annual “Night of Percussion” concert, featuring student performers and the West African Drum and Dance Ensemble.

Scholarships may be available based on the university’s needs and the student’s ability. For questions or information about joining this ensemble, contact Dr. David Perry dperry@andersonuniversity.edu.

The AU Piano Ensemble is a group ranging from three to twelve students and performs a wide variety of classical, contemporary, and popular music including music from film and video games, hymns and worship arrangements, and student compositions. Students are encouraged to select their own repertoire and compose arrangements with the insight of the ensemble director, Dr. Howard Kim.

This group performs on a variety of keyboard instruments including, but not limited to piano, harpsichord, synthesizers, organ, keytar, and keyboards. This instrumental flexibility adds diversity to the piano ensemble’s repertoire. The ensemble meets once a week on Monday evenings, but ensemble members also coordinate additional student-led rehearsals.

In addition to music, the ensemble’s performances include staging and other theatrical elements which both encourage the performer’s growth and engage and delight audiences. The Piano Ensemble often performs in the community at schools, churches, and retirement communities along with campus performances at the annual Festival of Keys concert and the chamber music concerts.

An audition is required to join the piano ensemble demonstrating the ability to play and read piano music. Scholarships are available, depending on the quality of the student’s audition and the needs of the ensemble. If you are interested in joining the piano ensemble, please contact Dr. Howard Kim at hkim@andersonuniversity.edu.

Anderson University’s String Ensemble offers students a chance to hone their musical skills while having fun as part of a group of new friends with similar interests. The String Ensemble is open to both music majors and non-music majors who can read music and have played their instrument for a few years.

About 20 students make up the String Ensemble, which includes violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. They perform several times each semester in Daniel Hall, the highlight a one-hour recital featuring an entire program of string music. At the end of each semester, they combine with the Wind Symphony to create a full orchestra. And it is a tradition for them to play at the First Night Celebration each December and at the university’s April Gala.

The benefits of being part of this group are many. First, students will improve their personal skill level on their instrument. Tips come not only from the director but also from each other in sectionals, which are student-led classes where each section of the Ensemble works on its part. Second, they will get to know a group of students who develop teamwork and camaraderie as they work together with the goal of performing.

For more information about the String Ensemble Department of Music chair Dr. David Perry at dperry@andersonuniversity.edu or 864.231.2076.

The String Quartet is one of the most prominent chamber ensembles in classical music, comprised of the standard instrumentation of two violinists, a violist, and a cellist. The classical music repertoire of the quartets can change each semester—from Medieval or Renaissance to Baroque or Romantic.

The string quartets perform throughout the year at events on campus, such as before the Christmas concert, as well as off campus. In the past, the groups have performed at local schools, community groups, and private functions. While some of these concerts were organized by the university to give back to the community, others were paid performances. The string quartet is hired through the Music Department to perform at events and venues throughout the year, such as at weddings, art galleries, and local churches. These concerts allow ensemble members to be compensated financially for their time and talents.

In addition to performances, students in the string quartet also enjoy mentorship. Participants benefit from the intimate working environment of a smaller ensemble, which allows them to form strong relationships with their coaches and other students.

Participation in the String Quartet is an academic requirement for performance majors, and enrollment is limited to four students per group. The ensemble practices once per week with a coach and once on its own.

The Anderson University West African Ensemble (AU WAE) is honored to share the rich cultural traditions of drumming and dance from Guinea, West Africa to our audiences within the university, community, and region. The AU WAE was founded in 2007, performs two annual concerts, conducts workshops and performances in local schools.

Students in AU WAE have the privilege of working with internationally acclaimed drumming artist Bolokada Conde and regionally acclaimed dance artist Alisa Caldwell in preparation for our performances. Our guest artists provide world-class instruction and inspire us to greater appreciation and enjoyment of this cultural heritage and art form.

Students can join the AU WAE as a class member or club member. No experience is needed, and students may participate as a drummer or dancer. The main requirement for entry is to bring a positive attitude and willingness to work together toward our common goals. The goals of AU WAE are to: Glorify our creative Lord through performance of diverse musics, develop creative capabilities through performing in a diverse musical practice, and develop a broader understanding and appreciation of West African performance practices of the Malinke people groups.

The premiere instrumental ensemble at Anderson University, the Wind Symphony is a large ensemble ranging from 70-90 players. This group performs elite college level wind band music including past performances of Percy Granger’s Lincolnshire Posy, Persichetti’s Symphony for Band and Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis.

This ensemble meets once a week on Tuesday evenings and is a one credit hour course. This ensemble is open to all Anderson University students, especially those with a background in band or orchestra. Auditions are required and potential scholarships are available for non-majors.

For information about auditions or questions about the Wind Symphony, please contact Dr. Andrew Pettus, Director of Instrumental Activities apettus@andersonuniversity.edu.

Flute Ensemble (or Flute Choir)
The flute ensemble is a group of four or more students under the direction of Leah Wilson. The group is comprised of all flutes, including piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute in some cases. This group performs standard flute choir repertoire as well as student and faculty arrangements. Past performances have included Catherine McMichael’s A Gaelic Offering. The flute ensemble meets once a week and is a one credit hour course.

Saxophone Ensemble
Typically taking form as a quartet, the saxophone ensemble typically is comprised of two alto saxophones along with tenor and baritone saxophone. They perform standard repertoire along with student and faculty arrangements. This group typically performs at the chamber music concerts on campus.

Clarinet Ensemble
The clarinet ensemble is a group of four or more students under the direction of Maggie Walters. Along with the typically B flat clarinet, this group also makes some use of E flat soprano alto, bass, and contrabass clarinet. This ensemble meets once a week and performs standard clarinet ensemble repertoire.

Woodwind Quintet
The Woodwind Quintet is a standard, five-player woodwind ensemble featuring a flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon. The quintet’s repertoire includes classical, new, and pop music. This ensemble meets once a week and performs during the chamber music concerts on campus.

Students participating in these ensembles may be eligible for scholarships. Auditions are required for some ensembles and each ensemble class is one credit hour. If you are interested in auditioning for a wind ensemble or would like to learn more, please contact Dr. Andrew Pettus, Director of Instrumental Activities, at apettus@andersonuniversity.edu.