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Ensembles and Performance Opportunities

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Express Yourself Creatively

A the University of Dayton, we offer a variety of ensembles that allow you to keep dance and music in your life, express yourself creatively and earn arts credits that count toward your degree. These groups perform regularly on and off campus.

You'll also have performance opportunities, including theatre productions and the opportunity to make a difference using your theatre, dance and music talents as part of the Altitude Theatre Lab.

Ensembles and performance opportunities are open to students from all academic majors.

Pride of Dayton students rehearsing Music Festival vocal ensemble Students in a drum class Members of the Flyer Pep Band Students performing Dido Pride of Dayton students rehearsing Music Festival vocal ensemble Students in a drum class Members of the Flyer Pep Band Students performing Dido
Instrumental Ensembles

Chamber Ensembles

You can get involved with a variety of chamber ensembles, including flute ensemble; clarinet ensemble; horn choir; trumpet ensemble; cello choir; string saxophone and horn quartets; and woodwind and brass quintets.

Each group is coached by a music faculty member. Chamber ensembles perform often on campus and at regional and national conferences, and have competed in prestigious international music competitions.

Dayton Jazz Ensemble

The Dayton Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned big band that offers a traditional and contemporary experience combining the skill of interpreting challenging written music with the art of improvisation.

The ensemble performs at local and regional concerts, at high school and college jazz festivals, and other invited musical events, including the Ohio Music Education Association conference. DJE also performs frequently with local, regional and internationally known jazz artists.

Course: MUS 494-01, 1 semester hour

Contact: Willie L. Morris, III

Electronic Music Ensemble

Explore the many possibilities of music created with technology, incorporating instruments such as synthesizers, controllers, digital audio workstations and other electronic tools. Students experiment with recording technology, live sound, audio design, composition and improvisation while developing new ways to create and perform music. The ensemble frequently collaborates with other musicians, dancers and visual artists, offering a dynamic environment for creative exploration and interdisciplinary performance.

Flyer Pep Band

The Flyer Pep Band performs at volleyball and basketball games, as well as other events.

Course: MUS 390-28, 1 semester hour

Contact: Willie L. Morris, III

Javanese Gamelan Ensemble

The Gamelan Ensemble plays traditional music from Central Java, as well as contemporary compositions, on campus and around Dayton. Participants learn to play all of the instruments in the ensemble, which were custom made for the University of Dayton in Indonesia.

Course: MUS 390-39, 0.5 semester hour

Contact: Heather MacLachlan

Jazz and Commercial Music Combos

Perform in small ensembles exploring a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, rock, pop, funk, Latin and other contemporary genres. These flexible groups emphasize collaboration, improvisation and musical creativity, allowing students to develop their own artistic voice while working closely with other musicians. Combos perform regularly on campus and at community events, providing valuable real-world experience in small-group performance.

Percussion Ensemble and Winter Drumline

Meeting winter semester only, these two ensembles offer a variety of performance opportunities for student percussionists. The Percussion Ensemble plays both standard and contemporary literature. For those who love rudimental drumming, Winter Drumline is an exciting group that performs both on-campus and at community events.

Courses: 

  • Percussion Ensemble: MUS 390-23, 0.5 semester hour
  • Winter Drumline: MUS 390-22, 0.5 semester hour

Contact: James Leslie

Pride of Dayton Marching Band

Generate Flyer spirit in performances at UD football games, on campus, throughout the community, and nationally as a member of the Pride of Dayton (POD).

Enjoy high performance standards and get to know other students from various backgrounds and interests. POD consists of winds, percussion, colorguard, twirlers and a dance team — the Flyerettes.

POD is open to all UD students as well as students from Wright State University and Sinclair Community College.

Course: MUS 390-03, 1 semester hour

Contact: Kenneth Will

Symphonic Wind Ensemble

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs the finest literature written for winds and percussion in four annual concerts, both on and off campus.

As part of the Wind Ensemble program, works for various chamber ensembles drawn from the large group are also programmed throughout the year. The resulting musical experience provides members with the opportunity to perform quality literature selected from a wide repertoire.

An audition is required.

Course: MUS 492-01, 1 semester hour

University Concert Band

In the University Concert Band, members perform varied repertoire, including marches, show tunes, concert band standards, and contemporary literature. This ensemble meets only during the spring semester and performs two on-campus concerts and occasionally an off-campus performance.

Course: MUS 390-01, 1 semester hour

Contact: Kenneth Will

University Jazz Band

The University Jazz Band is an ensemble that offers an opportunity for students who want to play jazz in a less formal way. The band focuses on traditional big band and swing era music, teaching students how to improvise and develop an understanding of various jazz performance styles. The University Jazz Band performs four concerts a year.

Course: MUS 390-04, 1 semester hour

Contact: James Leslie

University Orchestra

The University Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble that performs a broad repertoire for string orchestra in the fall semester and full symphony orchestra in the spring semester. In addition to four concerts presented each year, the orchestra regularly collaborates in choral and operatic performances with the University Chorale and Opera Workshop.

Course: MUS 491-01, 1 semester hour
Vocal Ensembles

Bella Voce

Bella Voce is the University of Dayton’s welcoming treble ensemble for students who love to sing and want to grow as musicians in a supportive, vibrant community. Open to singers of all majors, background and experience levels, Bella Voce celebrates the expressive power of the soprano and alto voice through meaningful choral music from a wide range of styles, cultures and traditions.

In Bella Voce, students develop confident vocal technique, musicianship and ensemble skills while building strong connections with fellow singers. Rehearsals emphasize healthy singing, musical growth, collaboration and joy, creating a space where every voice matters. Performances include on-campus concerts, collaborative events with other UD choirs and opportunities to engage the wider Dayton community.

No audition is required. Whether you are an experienced choir singer or stepping back into singing for the first time, Bella Voce offers a place to belong, to be challenged and to share music that uplifts both performers and audiences.

Listen to Cradle Hymn by Kim André Arnesen performed by Bella Voce.

Rehearsal: Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:05-6:20 p.m.

Director: Steven Hankle, Ph.D.

Ebony Heritage Singers

The Ebony Heritage Singers, the University Gospel Choir, has wowed audiences throughout the mid-west and various parts of the world for over 30 years. With performances characterized as spirited and inspiring, singers explore the rich legacy of African American sacred music. You are invited to join this dynamic community. Get ready to clap your hands, move to the music and sing.

No audition required; all are welcomed.

Rehearsal: Tuesdays, 6–8 p.m.

Conductor: Donna Cox, Ph.D.

Hands in Harmony

Hands in Harmony performs sign language interpretations of songs to recorded music. With a Christmas performance first semester and a spring performance second semester, members are given the opportunity to learn a variety of signs in the unique and enjoyable context of song!

No prior experience is necessary.

Rehearsal: Thursdays, 6:35-7:50 p.m.

Director: Heidi Reynolds

Vocal Performance Ensemble

The Vocal Performance Ensemble encourages development of the solo voice and staging concepts through various mediums, including staged musicals, operas, operettas, oratorios, concert productions and recording experiences.

Permission is required.

Director: Minnita Daniel-Cox, Ph.D.

University Chorale

The University of Dayton Chorale is a highly motivated group of students who strive for excellence through the art of choral music. Chorale has a rich tradition in choral singing, which has given them the opportunity to perform throughout the U.S. and Europe.

If you want to grow as a musician, learn new and challenging music and travel within the U.S. and abroad, audition for this phenomenal group.

Audition requirements include a video of you performing an ascending and a descending vocalize, as well as a prepared solo. Current and enrolled students can find an interest form plus audition requirements and instructions on Porches.

Listen to Great Day by Stacey Gibbs performed by University Chorale.

Rehearsal: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:30-3:20 p.m.

Director: Steven Hankle, Ph.D.

World Music Choir

Excited to delve into diverse global cultures, languages and their people through the medium of vocal music? World Music Choir is the place for you. This inclusive non-audition ensemble welcomes all, irrespective of musical background or experience, for an enriching journey.

In our weekly rehearsals, participants will learn how to harmonize and blend voices in a vibrant mixed choir setting, preparing for thrilling performances in venues like the Concert Hall at Roger Glass Center for the Arts and Sears Recital Hall.

Moreover, members will gain insights into the musical, social and political significance of both traditional and contemporary vocal styles from around the world, including various folk songs, Min-Yo, Bollywood tunes, K-Pop hits and Qawwali melodies.

Listen to Himene Tatarahapa performed by World Music Choir.

Rehearsal: Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:30-4:20 p.m.

Music Director: Ryu-Kyung Kim
Theatre and Dance Ensembles

Altitude Theatre Lab

Altitude Theatre Lab fosters the development of theatrical artistry through a wide range of intimate and exploratory performance experiences, including one-act plays, devised works, camera performance, commedia and interdisciplinary forms such as circus and puppetry.

Emphasizing a holistic approach to theatre-making, the ensemble engages students in all aspects of the craft, including movement, technical production, and playwriting, within a collaborative and highly creative environment.

UD Dance Ensemble

The UD Dance Ensemble embodies the essence of liberal arts education by providing students with a unique platform to delve deeper into dance's technical and performance aspects. The ensemble offers an enriching opportunity for students to refine their skills and expand their artistic horizons. Ensemble dancers will gain valuable insights and guidance that complement their academic pursuits.

To ensure inclusivity and diversity, the ensemble embraces students from various backgrounds, levels of experience and academic disciplines. The audition process, a gateway to becoming a member, encompasses a comprehensive range of dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, K-pop, eastern cultural dancing, contemporary and improv.

It is important to note that one does not need to be a theater, dance and performance studies major to audition for the ensemble, as the organization welcomes aspiring dancers from all fields of study.

The auditions occur early in the fall and spring semesters, providing ample time for interested students to prepare and showcase their talent.
Additional Opportunities

Music Ministry

Consider sharing your gifts of voice or instrument with the UD worshipping community. Every Sunday Mass and evening residence hall Mass has its own student-led choirs and instrumental musicians. If you're interested in joining a choir, speak to a student leader at that Mass or reach out to Campus Ministry.

Student-Directed Ensembles

Multiple opportunities exist for student-directed, faculty advised a cappella vocal ensembles and small instrumental groups. These ensembles have performed in various venues, including conferences, competitions and University and community functions and concert settings.

Private and Group Music Lessons

We also offer private music lessons open to students of all majors: half-hour (one-credit), 45-minute (two credits) or full hour lessons (four credits).

Group instruction in piano, voice and guitar is also available, including for beginners.
Contact Department of Visual and Performing Arts
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2946
937-229-3936 email