University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Department of Visual and Performing Arts/Music
Fall 2013 Music Ensembles
+ Continue your musical life and have fun by playing in a UCCS music ensemble!
+ Our performing ensembles are open to all UCCS students
+ Auditions are not required to join any ensemble - simply sign up and be prepared
to play/sing the first day of class
+All ensembles meet in University Hall 168.
MUS 1310: University Choir
Directed by Vicki Burrichter
Thursday 6:05-8:45pm
The University Choir performs a wide range of choral music throughout the centuries,
and from around the world. This includes everything from Renaissance chant, Bach
and Mozart, to African-American spirituals, jazz, Brazilian music and experimental
music. Vocal technique is taught through the rehearsal process. A simple audition to
ensure the ability to match pitch and hear harmony is required at the first class
meeting. Basic music reading skills are encouraged.
MUS 2210: Mountain Lion Pep/Concert Band
Directed by Sondra Bell and Mark Israel
Wednesday 6:05-8:45pm
This unique ensemble is a hybrid concert band / Pep Band. A concert band by day
throughout the school year focusing on a broad range of repertoire, this ensemble
transforms into the UCCS Pep Band during basketball season. Several scholarships
are awarded for Pep Band participation during basketball season.
MUS 2250: Jazz and Improvisation Ensemble
Directed by Brad Bietry
TuTh 4:45-6:00pm
JUMP, JIVE, AND JAZZ! Join the UCCS Jazz Combo and learn the hidden
secrets of professional jazz musicians. In this class you'll learn improvisation,
harmony, ear training, jazz vocabulary, and jazz repertoire used by the pros. Taught
by one of the hardest working, in-demand professional jazz musicians in the region,
the group is open to any instrumentalist and vocalists.
MUS 2300: Electro-Acoustic Ensemble
Directed by Glen Whitehead
TuTh 12:15-1:30pm
This cutting-edge ensemble accommodates any and all instruments and vocal types.
Student musicians will explore a range of composition and improvisation approaches,
merging popular genres and styles with experimental flare, bridging the acoustic world
with the electronic (digital and analogue). This is an upper division (advanced)
ensemble that requires outside practice time.
MUS 2310: VAPA Vocal Ensemble
Directed by Solveig Olsen
TuTh 3:05-4:20pm
In this class, experience a wide array of vocal styles and literature in small ensemble
settings, including folk & ethnic music from around the globe, gospel, jazz, classical,
and 20th century experimental. Expand your vocal range, versatility and musicality.
MUS 2400: Chamber Music Ensemble
Directed by Colin McAllister
TuTh 1:40-2:55pm
Open to a broad spectrum of instruments and vocalists in the classical music tradition,
this ensemble will focus on the development of chamber music literature, performance
and practice, rehearsal methods and professional ensemble building focusing on
repertoire from the Renaissance period to new music of the 21st century. Most
significantly, this ensemble will strive to create recognized student groups (e.g. string
quartets, brass and woodwind quintets, piano trios).
MUS 2450: Music Theatre Performance and Practice
Directed by Solveig Olsen and Leah Chandler-Mills
Friday 9:25am-12:05pm
Explore the process of making magic in musical theatre! From first rehearsal to final
performance, hone your acting and singing skills. The class ends with a performance of
scenes from favorite musicals - starring YOU! This is a 3-credit class that includes indepth exploration of both acting and music.
MUS 4950: Special Topics - Guitar Ensemble Practicum
Directed by Colin McAllister
Monday 4:45-7:20pm
Guitar Ensemble is taught on a small group basis and examines aspects of performance
in styles pertinent to student interest and abilities (including jazz, classical, bluegrass,
fusion, experimental, etc). Directed experience in arranging and conducting may also
be included. Open to guitarists of all levels, this is a great way to improve
playing/reading abilities.