Vocal Ensembles
Students of all majors are welcome to sing! Our choral ensembles work to build vocal technique and basic musicianship while building community inside and outside the classroom. Opera workshop provides an opportunity to perform scenes in chamber groups, focusing on musical preparation, movement, and diction.
University Choir
Pamela McDermott, Director
Open to all students and community members, University Choir is offered some semesters as one SATB class, and some semesters as separate SA and TB classes. This is a non-auditioned choir that studies and performs repertoire ranging from classical pieces to pop arrangements, in mixed voice arrangements and in separate SA / TB arrangements. This 1-credit class can count toward the Civitae Core Aesthetic Expression Pillar, as an elective, or as a major ensemble for voice majors.
Contact Dr. McDermott at mcdermottpd@longwood.edu for information about auditions / placements into choral ensembles.
Camerata Singers
Pamela McDermott, Director
Camerata Singers is a select, auditioned ensemble for SATB voices. This advanced ensemble studies and performs traditional and modern SATB literature. Along with Chamber Singers, Camerata Singers performs on- and off-campus, representing Longwood at ceremonies, functions, and events. Interested singers should prepare an art song or folk song that demonstrates the strongest parts of the voice, and should be prepared to sight-read and test vocal range during the placement audition. This 1-credit class can count toward the Civitae Core Aesthetic Expression Pillar, as an elective, or as a major ensemble for voice majors.
Chamber Singers
Pamela McDermott, Director
Chamber Singers is a select, auditioned small ensemble for SA voices. This advanced ensemble studies and performs SSAA literature from around the world. Along with Camerata Singers, Chamber Singers performs on- and off-campus, representing Longwood at ceremonies, functions, and events. Interested singers should prepare an art song or folk song that demonstrates the strongest parts of the voice, and should be prepared to sight-read and test vocal range during the placement audition. This 1-credit class can count toward the Civitae Core Aesthetic Expression Pillar, as an elective, or as a major ensemble for voice majors.
Opera Workshop
Prepare and perform scenes from operas, operettas and musical theater or complete works. You'll practice musical movement and diction. This workshop requires an audition or consent of the instructor.
Contact Dr. Burrs at burrsle@longwood.edu or Dr. Swanson at swansoncl@longwood.edu for information about opera workshop.
Instrumental Ensembles
- Wind Symphony
- Jazz Ensemble
- Longwood University Athletic Band, Stampede
- Other Ensembles
Wind Symphony
The Longwood Wind Symphony is a 60-65 member ensemble which includes members from all schools and departments of the university. Membership is open to all instrumentalists, regardless of major. The band rehearses and performs a wide range and variety of concert band literature.
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensembles A and B are both structured as 18-piece big bands. They present a series of concerts throughout the year. Participation is open to all students by audition. The Jazz Ensembles rehearse and performs all styles of jazz.
Stampede Athletic Band
Stampede is the official Longwood University Athletic Band. Membership is comprised of students representing all majors and fields of study. The band’s primary performance venue is at basketball games during the winter season. Unlike ordinary pep bands, Stampede features a full drumline rather than just a drum set, which adds programmatic variety to the band’s performance and gives students drumline experience at the collegiate level.
Three to four rehearsals before basketball season begins is all that is asked of the members. Personnel are financially compensated on a per-game basis. Anyone with previous band experience, a positive attitude, and the desire to have fun making music are welcome to join Stampede.
The Stampede office is Wygal 145. Contact Earl Shaffer at shafferee@longwood.edu for additional information.
String Ensemble
Open to Longwood University students, professors, and Farmville community members with experience playing the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
String Ensemble rehearses and performs regularly throughout the academic school year and learns a wide variety of string orchestra literature.
No audition is required to register or participate in the ensemble.
To Register:
Contact Dr. Lauretta Werner
Assistant Professor of Strings
wernerlm@longwood.edu
Other Ensembles
Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Ensemble -: Open to all Longwood students. Ensembles meet regularly and perform throughout the year.
