Providence College offers a variety of music ensembles for student participation. Each lasts for one semester and is worth ½ credit. For descriptions and audition information, click on the ensemble names below.
Orchestra Concert Chorale
PC Band Chamber Ensemble
Guitar Ensemble Jazz Chamber Ensemble
Women's Chorus Wind Ensemble
Concert Band Early Music Ensemble
Opera Workshop I Cantori
Jazz Band
MSC 240 ORCHESTRA
This ensemble incorporates musicians who play an orchestral instrument. Previous experience with a string instrument is required. The ensemble rehearses one-and-a-half hours twice a week and will explore a wide range of repertoire for orchestra from Baroque to contemporary music. The orchestra will also perform in concerts sponsored by the Music Department during each semester of the academic year.
MSC 142 PC BAND
This group performs for athletic and college events and community service performance. Rehearsals are required and focus on ensemble musicianship. Music to be performed comes from a variety of sources: school songs, rock and popular music and other styles appropriate to each situation. All students with an instrumental background are welcome; new members who do not already play a brass or rhythm section instrument should audit MSC 333 in order to acquire the necessary proficiency.
MSC 245 GUITAR ENSEMBLE
An ensemble designed to enhance the reading development and performance of guitar and electric bass players. Styles of music covered will be dependent on students' declared concentrations. Required for all music majors and minors for whom guitar or electric bass is the major instrument. Open to all guitarists and electric bassists by audition or permission of instructor.
MSC 247 WOMEN'S CHORUS
This non-auditioned chorus will meet twice a week and serve as an introduction to choral singing for the beginner as well as serving the more experienced singer interested in examining a variety of musical styles.
MSC 242 CONCERT BAND
Rehearse 2.5 hours a week. This band performs serious concert music for wind and percussion including works of the great British and American band composers of the Twentieth Century as well as orchestral transcriptions from the earlier style periods of music. Students will rehearse regularly and perform in concert each semester. Rehearsals will include ensemble development and stylistic performance appropriate to the pieces being performed. Open to all students with a prior instrumental background; placement by director.
MSC 248 OPERA WORKSHOP
Opera Workshop will introduce students to the complete process of preparation for the performance of musical drama. Through work on scenes from serious and light operas, students will gain experience in musical preparation, development of dramatic characterization, stage movement and blocking, ensemble, and performance. Scenes will be presented in a final public performance at the end of the term.
MSC 342 JAZZ BAND
This group performs jazz from the modern jazz period, swing era, bebop era, and other style periods of jazz. Students will be given experiences in stylistic performance of large and small group jazz. Instrumentalists interested in jazz who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or a rhythm section instrument are encouraged to enroll. Other instrumentalists and singers should consult the instructor before enrolling. Students will rehearse regularly and perform each semester. Placement by group audition.
MSC 347 CONCERT CHORALE
This mixed chorus is the auditioned large ensemble and serves as the touring chorus. This chorus’ repertoire provides an excellent opportunity to study and perform the widest possible range of a cappella and accompanied choral music. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
MSC 440 CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Groups of 3-8 players, can include string quartet, woodwind quartet, brass quintet, flute quartet, piano and other trios, or any combination of players. Audition and permission of appropriate instructor required.
MSC 441 JAZZ CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Small group jazz for rhythm section and winds. Groups may cover music of any jazz style period; New Orleans, swing, bebop, cool school, hard bop, modal, fusion, or modern. Audition and permission of instructor required.
MSC 442 WIND ENSEMBLE
Group of 6-20 players that perform major wind works from the 18th Century to present. Wind Ensemble can also include strings and percussion where repertoire specifies. Music for the ensemble typically calls for a single player on each part. Audition required for eligibility.
MSC 445 EARLY MUSIC ENSEMBLE
In this ensemble, vocal and instrumental students will have the opportunity to explore and perform a wide variety of repertoire from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. Compositions will be chosen based on the instruments and voices of the students who register for the ensemble. Audition or permission of the instructor required.
MSC 447 I CANTORI
This small auditioned mixed chorus is Providence College’s premiere choral ensemble, used both on and off campus when ambassadors of quality music are needed. Members are drawn from the Concert Chorale, allowing this group to be showcased on tours. This group performs a wide assortment of sacred and secular literature appropriate for the chamber ensemble. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.