Blair Ensembles: University

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES:

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE (MUSE 101) -- Robin Fountain, Thomas Verrier, directors
Orchestra, String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Opera/Oratorio Orchestra, as well as Wind Symphony, Concert Winds, Chamber Winds, and Contemporary Ensemble are rolled into one "instrumental ensemble" course. ...more information about MUSE 101

View Pictures from the 2006-07 VU Orchestra Tour of China

Other intrumental ensembles include:

African Drumming Ensemble (MUSE 171)
Sankofa is the Blair School of Music's African Performing Ensemble. The ensemble was funded through the Provost's initiative for cultural diversity in the curriculum at Vanderbilt University in 2000. All members in the ensemble receive academic credit by registering for MUSE171. The ensemble will continue to offer instruction in African music and dance every semester.
An Akan term, Sankofa means "return and retrieve," that is one must return to the past, to one's roots, in order to move forward. Sankofa is typically represented by a bird whose head faces the opposite direction of its body, that is looking toward the future while being firmly rooted in the past. At Vanderbilt we use the symbol to represent our search for cultural unity within our celebration of cultural diversity.
For more information, call Kwame Ahima at 516-7096 or email at kwame.ahima@vanderbilt.edu.

Guitar Ensemble (MUSE 204)

Harp Ensemble (MUSE 209)

Jazz Combo (MUSE 132)

Jazz Ensemble: Big Band (MUSE 131) -- The Blair Big Band is a student group that plays big band swing and Latin music from the traditional composers up to the modern. The band consists of 5 saxophones, 5 trumpets, 5 trombones, and from 3-5 players in the rhythm section. Additionally, the group employs both male and female vocalists. The band is open to ALL Vanderbilt students by audition. For more information, please contact Billy Adair at billy.adair@vanderbilt.edu.

Percussion Ensemble (MUSE 210)

Saxophone Ensemble (MUSE 207)

Steel Drum/Pan Ensemble (MUSE 150) -- Vanderbilt Commodore Steel Bands
Course Numbers: MUSE 150-01, MUSE 150-02, MUSE 150-03
The Vanderbilt Commodore Steel Band program was formed in the Fall of 2004 and is under the direction of Mat Britain. In a few short years the steel band program has grown to include three steel drum bands consisting of over 45 music majors and non-majors alike. The beginning steel band (MUSE 150-01) has no prerequisites and requires no previous musical experience. The advanced steel band (MUSE 150-02) has a prerequisite of at least one semester in the beginning group. The top steel band in the program (MUSE 150-03) is an ?audition only? group featuring the top players in the program. These ensembles focus on musical styles such as Calypso and Soca from the Caribbean with emphasis on music and history from the island of Trinidad, birthplace of the Steel Pan.
The steel band has performed at the Blair School of Music, Earth Day Celebration at Centennial Park, Windows on the World Festival at Tennessee Tech University, Fisk University, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Dyer Observatory Concert Series, and with the Vanderbilt "Spirit of Gold" Marching Band.
The steel bands meet at the Blair School of Music throughout the year including summer sessions and is a University ensemble open to Vanderbilt students as well as Pre College and Adult students from the greater Nashville area. For more information on the program please contact the Blair School of Music (615) 322-7651 or contact Mat Britain at mathew.r.britain@vanderbilt.edu or (615) 585-4786
Vanderbilt News Service; video story on the "First & Ten" Steel Band Videos: Meet the First and Ten Steel Band, Concert Footage of Section 01 and 02 http://sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/newspub/bjfTyg?id=30982 (Requires Real Player)

Trombone Ensemble (MUSE 205)

Tuba Ensemble (MUSE 211)

Trumpet Ensemble (MUSE 213)

Chamber music groups of all types are also part of the Blair School program.

VOCAL ENSEMBLES:

The following groups are Blair vocal ensembles that offer course credit for Vanderbilt University students. For information about our undergraduate extracurricular choirs please follow the link for Community Ensembles.

Blair Chamber Choir (MUSE 201A) -- David Childs, director
This small (approximately 16 - 24 singers), select ensemble is dedicated to the performance of choral literature from the Middle Ages to the present and is open by audition to all Vanderbilt students. At least one formal concert is presented on campus each semester; off-campus performances may occur throughout the year. Auditions are held before classes begin in the fall semester. (There are spring semester auditions in the event of vacancies in the group). The audition requirements include: singing one 2 - 3 minute prepared piece in any style, accompanied or unaccompanied (an accompanist will be provided); sight-singing exercises to determine level of general musicianship; vocal exercises to determine range and flexibility. ...more information about MUSE 201A

Blair Collegium: Vocal (MUSE 101G)-- David Childs, director
...more information about MUSE 101G

Vanderbilt Opera Theatre (MUSE 101F)-- Gayle Shay, director
VU Opera Theatre is open by audition to all Vanderbilt students. The Opera Theatre presents up to two productions during the school year, in the fall and spring semesters. All productions are fully staged, costumed and with orchestra. All members of the cast participate in set building and costuming as part of the experience. Auditions are held at variable times throughout the year.

Vanderbilt Symphonic Choir (MUSE 101A)-- David Childs, director
This ensemble generally performs choral literature requiring larger forces and is open by audition to all Vanderbilt students. The Symphonic Choir has approximately 50 - 70 singers. At least one formal concert is presented on campus each semester; off-campus performances may occur throughout the year. Auditions are held before classes begin in the fall and spring semesters. The audition requirements include: singing one 2 - 3 minute prepared piece in any style, accompanied or unaccompanied (an accompanist will be provided); sight-singing exercises to determine level of general musicianship; vocal exercises to determine range and flexibility. ...more information about MUSE 101A