Ensembles

Thousands of students, including music majors and talented students from other disciplines across UMaine, have participated in the School of Performing Arts’ music ensembles.  We invite students from across campus to perform in our groups.  Many of our ensembles do not require an audition — just a desire to get involved, work hard, have fun, and perform.  Our faculty are noted throughout the state and beyond as directors, conductors, designers, and choreographers who are committed to their work and feel passionate about inspiring students’ minds and souls.  We provide students with an environment that fosters creativity and encourages collaboration — where they can practice, perform, and celebrate the arts under the guidance of nationally and internationally recognized faculty.

We hope to see you soon either on one of our stages or in our audiences!

Choral Ensembles

The University of Maine Singers is an advanced concert choir whose members come from all disciplines across campus.  The ensemble tours the northeastern United States each spring.  The group regularly performs with the Oratorio Society and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.
MUO101: Rehearsal: M 3:10-4:00 p.m. and WF 2:10-4:00 p.m.
Contact:  Fran Vogt – francis.vogt@maine.edu

Collegiate Chorale is a mixed choral ensemble open to all students.  The group draws from a diverse repertoire to perform works from all style periods, from the middle ages to present.
MUO109: Rehearsal: TTH 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Contact: Dr. Rebecca DeWan – Rebecca.DeWan@maine.edu 

The Oratorio Society is a mixed choral ensemble comprised of members from the community and university students.  The ensemble performs large choral-orchestral masterworks in conjunction with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and University of Maine Singers.
MUO103: Rehearsal: M 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Contact: Fran Vogt – francis.vogt@maine.edu

The UMaine Opera Workshop involves students in all aspects of musical theatre and opera production.  Students rehearse and perform music from the standard opera, operetta, and musical repertoire as well as chamber operas and experimental works in a workshop setting.  Students perform each semester.
MUO132: Rehearsal: MW 4:00-6:30 p.m.
Contact: Isaac Bray – isaac.bray@maine.edu

Comprised of students, faculty, staff, and members of the community, the Black Bear Men’s Chorus performs a variety of traditional accompanied and a capella men’s choral repertoire.  The group performs in a concert each semester and at UMaine athletic events.
MUO160: Rehearsal: T 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Contact: Daniel Williams – danielw@maine.edu

With their tight harmonies, diverse repertoire of original arrangements, and energetic stage presence, this male a cappella group has emerged as a leader in the vocal band scene.  The award-winning group thrills audiences at public, private, and benefit concerts throughout the year. Non-credit ensemble. Must be a member of University Singers.
Contact: mainesteiners.business@gmail.com

Renaissance is a premier treble a cappella group whose members sing current music and older hits.  All of the pieces they perform are arranged by members of the group, alumni or friends of Renaissance. The ensemble is available for campus events, run-out gigs and short concerts.  Non-credit ensemble. Must be a member of University Singers.

Contact: umainerenaissance@gmail.com

*Indicates audition requirement to join. Auditions for ensembles requiring an audition will be scheduled during the first week of classes each semester. Contacting the ensemble director via email is recommended if you would like to get information on what the audition will include.

Note that students will need to contact music@maine.edu or (207) 581-4703 to enroll in many of these courses.

A photo of the Collegiate Choral singing in the planetarium

Instrumental Ensembles

A photo of a jazz ensemble rehearsal

The Symphonic Band is dedicated to playing serious literature written for band and smaller wind and percussion groups.  The members perform in concerts on campus, go on a spring tour, and appear in several run out concerts in public schools throughout the year.
MUO114: Rehearsal: MW 4:10 – 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Christopher White – cgwhite@maine.edu

The University Orchestra, comprised of both students and members from surrounding communities, rehearses and performs traditional symphonic masterworks.  The group collaborates with the Oratorio Society and Opera Workshop regularly.
MUO121: Rehearsal: M 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Contact: Anatole Wieck – wieck@maine.edu

The University of Maine Concert Band is a non-auditioned group that plays a variety of concert band literature.  It presents concerts both on and off campus in formal and informal settings, including an annual concert with the Symphonic Band.  This is a spring semester only band.
MUO112: Rehearsal: TTH 3:30 – 4:50 p.m.
Contact: Phil Edelman – philip.edelman@maine.edu

The Jazz Ensemble performs a variety of challenging, significant, diversified, and contemporary literature within the genre.  Performances include fall and spring run-outs and concerts.
MUO143 (section 1): Rehearsal: MWF 12:00 – 12:50 p.m.
Contact: Dan Barrett – dan.barrett@maine.edu 

The Jazz Band is a non-auditioned big band that performs at least once each semester on campus.
MUO143 (section 2): Rehearsal: MWF 1:00 – 1:50 p.m.
Contact: Dan Barrett – dan.barrett@maine.edu 

The University of Maine’s small group jazz program gives students an opportunity to form their own jazz combo for credit, or to be placed in a group with students of similar ability. No audition is required, although enrollment is limited. Rehearsals are scheduled around student and instructor availability as much as possible. Course focuses on student improvisation and stylistic playing in various jazz idioms. At least two performances each semester. (MUO 155)
Contact: Dan Barrett – dan.barrett@maine.edu 

The Percussion Ensemble has a wide repertoire and performs throughout Maine.  The group has traveled to Europe and was the fist U.S. percussion ensemble ever to perform in Cuba.
MUO150: Rehearsal: T 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Stuart Marrs – marrs@maine.edu 

Chamber Music offers students a chance to work in small ensembles with a faculty coach, culminating in public, semester-end performance.  Typically, students form 2-5 member ensembles.
MUO149: Rehearsal: varied
Contact: Noreen Silver – noreen.silver@maine.edu

Students from the brass studios form numerous chamber groups whose members perform in a brass night concert at the end of each semester.
MUO141: Rehearsal: F 1:10 – 2:00 p.m.
Contact:  Jack Burt – jburt@maine.edu

*Indicates audition requirement to join. Auditions for ensembles requiring an audition will be scheduled during the first week of classes each semester. Contacting the ensemble director via email is recommended if you would like to get information on what the audition will include.

Athletic Bands

This fall semester band carries its spirit to all home football games and local parades and band shows.  Previous marching experience not required.  Students must attend a band camp several days before the fall semester begins.  The band makes weekend trips to away games, parades, and band shows as well.
MUO111: Rehearsal: TTH 3:30 – 4:50 p.m., F 4:10 – 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Christopher White – cgwhite@maine.edu

“The Screaming Black Bears” cover all home men’s ice hockey games and men’s and women’s basketball games to cheer on the teams.  Pep Band is an exciting chance for students to watch teams in action as well as travel to playoff games.
MUO113: Rehearsal: TH 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Contact: Christopher White – cgwhite@maine.edu

A photo of the UMaine pep band during a hockey game