CONCERT BANDS
The School of Music, Theatre, & Dance offers concert ensembles for both music majors and non-music majors.
NON-MUSIC MAJOR ENSEMBLES
Non-music major ensembles are concert bands open to non-music majors (or music majors on secondary instruments). Both non-music major ensembles are classes through the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Enrollment is required.
Please note: be sure to use these exact course numbers as the two music major bands use the title "University Band" with a 347 number.
We encourage you to play your own instrument in the non-music major ensembles. However, if you need to borrow an instrument for the term, we can help you. Please contact mmb.info@umich.edu for more information on borrowing an instrument.
If you have specific questions, about the non-music major ensembles, please e-mail Dr. Frey at rsfrey@umich.edu.
UNIVERSITY BAND
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INFORMATION
Repertoire for University Band consists of mainly grades 5 and 6 and is the more advanced of the non-major concert bands. University Band is offered in both fall and winter semesters and uses full wind ensemble instrumentation. Pianists and string bass players are encouraged to participate. Audition is required for placement.
All students interested in University Band should enroll in ENS 346.001. University Band will have an informational meeting during the first class period of the term in Revelli Hall for all students interested in auditioning. More information will be sent out via Canvas. When you enroll, you will automatically be on the email list and have access to everything you need.
Fall term enrollment information:
ENS 346.001 - University Band; Dr. John Pasquale, instructor - Th 7:00–9:00 PM
Winter term enrollment information:
ENS 346.001 - University Band; Dr. John Pasquale, instructor - M/W 4:45–6:15 PM
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Audition for University Band
To audition for University Band, please submit a video (or videos) that best demonstrates your playing abilities using the form below. The total length should be between 3-5 minutes of music. Do not upload your video as a YouTube Short, only as a regular video. The excerpts can be whatever you choose (solo, etude, etc.) demonstrating contrasting styles and the full range of the instrument. All interested students should submit the audition form before January 11, 2025, at 11:59PM ET.
**Students interested in playing in both University Band and Campus Band, or either ensemble should ONLY submit a University Band audition and indicate that information on their form**
CAMPUS BANDS
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INFORMATION
Repertoire for Campus Bands consists of grades 3 to 5. Campus Band is offered in both fall and winter semesters and uses full wind ensemble instrumentation. Pianists, harp, and string bass players are encouraged to participate. Playing assessment for part assignments only; everyone with experience playing a band instrument is welcome to join.
All students interested in Campus Band should enroll in ENS 346.002. Campus band will have an informational meeting during the first class period of the term in Revelli Hall for all students interested in participating. More information will be sent out via Canvas. When you enroll, you will automatically be on the email list and have access to everything you need.
Fall term enrollment information:
ENS 346.002 - Campus Band; Dr. Richard Frey, instructor - W 7:00–9:00 PM
Winter term enrollment information:
ENS 346.002 - Campus Blue Band; Dr. Richard Frey, instructor - M/W 6:30–7:45 PM
Concert repertoire difficulty: Medium - Difficult
ENS 346.003 - Campus Maize Band; John Mange, instructor - W 8:00–10:00 PM
Concert repertoire difficulty level: Medium Easy - Medium Advanced
Ensemble may also have interactions with students in Dr. Pasquale's Ensemble Pedagogy Techniques course
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Audition for Campus Band
To audition for Campus Band, please submit a video (or videos) that best demonstrates your playing abilities using the form below. The total length should be between 1-2 minutes of music and include a full-range chromatic scale. Do not upload your video as a YouTube Short, only as a regular video. The excerpt should exhibit the best qualities of your playing and should consist of any music with which you are most comfortable. This can include particular instrument parts from large ensemble pieces - please skip over large sections of rests. All interested students should submit the playing assessment form before January 11, 2025, at 11:59PM ET.
Students interested in playing string bass or harp in Campus Band should email Dr. Frey (rsfrey@umich.edu) with a short description of their experience. If possible, please include a video of your playing.
Campus Band Chamber Winds
Small chamber ensembles comprised of wind or percussion players. Ensembles rehearse weekly (with coaching from Dr. Frey) at a time/day that fits within the group members’ schedules. Chamber Winds is only offered in the winter semester.
Winter term enrollment information:
ENS 346.004 - Campus Band Chamber Winds - meeting time/date variable
Any wind or percussion players interested in rehearsing and performing in small chamber ensembles should contact Dr. Frey (rsfrey@umich.edu) prior to the start of the winter semester for more information.
MUSIC MAJOR ENSEMBLES
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SYMPHONY BAND
The University of Michigan Symphony Band is a leader of the wind band movement in America and is known for its professional quality of performance and keen sense of “trailblazing” in building repertoire. More information about Symphony Band can be found here.
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CONCERT BAND
Concert Band provides large ensemble performance experiences in a wide range of musical styles and periods for all wind and percussion performers at U-M. The music performed varies from term to term and is selected to provide a challenging opportunity for musical growth. More information about Concert Band can be found here.