BYU-Idaho is home to a variety of choirs, ensembles, and bands. Woodwind, Brass, or Percussion majors are required to join an ensemble, but many choose to participate because ensembles offer extra practice and fun experiences.
Not sure which ensemble to join? Look through the descriptions below and find the one that best fits you.
Symphony Band
The Symphony Band (Mus 331) is an audition band that:
- Performs all types of music, including original works.
- Tours in Canada and cities across the United States.
- Is open to musicians regardless of major.
University Band
The University Band (MUS 329) is a non-audition band that:
- Welcomes students of all musical abilities.
- Improves musicianship by practicing sight-reading, group work, and music fundamentals.
- Provides an opportunity for non-Music majors to perform and study music.
Chamber Winds
Chamber Winds (MUS 343A) is an auditioned group of skilled woodwind musicians. The group:
- Performs advanced woodwind pieces.
- Studies and rehearses independently and as student-led groups.
- Does require an audition but is open to any major.
Chamber Brass
Chamber Brass (MUS 343B) is an auditioned group of brass players who:
- Focuses on advanced chamber music.
- Participates in Sinfonietta, musicals, and opera performances on campus.
- Develops skills in section playing, performance professionalism, and technical music studies.
Flute Ensemble
The Flute Ensemble (MUS 346) is comprised of musicians who play flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute. This ensemble:
- Does not require an audition.
- Builds performance skills, knowledge of the instrument, and overall musicianship.
- Performs chamber flute repertoire.
Saxophone Ensemble
The Saxophone Ensemble (MUS 348) is a non-audition group that:
- Improves saxophonists both as an individual and as a group.
- Performs in the Woodwind Chamber Recital, Saxophone Master Class, and other events each semester.
- Focuses on classical repertoire.
Clarinet Choir
The Clarinet Choir (MUS 346) is a chamber ensemble for Eb, Bb, Alto, Bass, and Contra-bass clarinets. The group:
- Collaborates as a whole and in small groups.
- Provides education on each type of clarinet.
- Performs in the Clarinet Studio Recital each semester with a variety of music.
- Welcomes all clarinetists and does not require an audition.
Symphony Orchestra
The Symphony Orchestra (MUS 342) is BYUI’s premier audition orchestral ensemble. This group:
- Includes string, wind, brass, and percussion students.
- Performs standard orchestral pieces.
- Collaborates with university choirs, guest performers, and student performers.
- Tours, presents shows, and performs operas on occasion.
Sinfonietta
Sinfonietta (MUS 341) is a string, wind, and percussion chamber orchestra. This ensemble:
- Tours in the United States and abroad.
- Performs standard orchestral literature with a focus on 18th century music.
- Is by invite and audition only; most members are drawn from the Symphony Orchestra ensemble.
Jazz Ensembles
BYUI is home to a variety of Jazz Ensembles that:
- Teach jazz fundamentals.
- Participate in the annual Jazz Fest.
- Provide opportunities to perform, improvise, and even compose.
- Invite guest artists for performances and clinics.
RixStix Percussion Ensemble
The RixStix Percussion Ensemble is a performing percussion group. This ensemble:
- Performs both on campus and off campus.
- Enjoys a full complement of instruments and a practice suite.
- Plays a range of music from various periods and genres.
- Does not require an audition but recommends concurrent enrollment in percussion lessons.
Sound Alliance
Sound Alliance is a big band with typical rhythm sections as well as trumpets, trombones, and saxophones. This band:
- Performs often with Vocal Union, a choral ensemble on campus.
- Focuses on Jazz repertoire from all ages.
- Has toured throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic.
Conclusion
Each music ensemble is unique and explores different sections of music. Joining an ensemble can build lasting friendships, improve musical skills, and provide performance experience. For more information, visit BYU-I Ensemble.
Sources:
2024-savu.Fact Sheet.pdf
Sound Alliance and Vocal Union | Performance Tours | BYU-Idaho