Choral Ensemble Offerings
For more information please contact Dr. Eric Rubinstein, Director of Choral Activities.

The jazz combo "Loose Change" is an auditioned small ensemble that presents a formal concert each semester, and performs for other events as well, both on and off campus. Rehearsing twice weekly, the ensemble explores the standard jazz repertory and frequently focuses on one or two composers or styles each semester. Student compositions are encouraged. Members will typically have had some experience with jazz improvisation, since much of the music is improvised. Private jazz improvisation lessons are also available.

Every other year, a guest artist performs and gives a masterclass for the Jazz Studies program. Guest have included Al Chez, Ken Peplowski, and Robert Edwards.

Rehearsals: Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.; Founders 128A

Brad Batz, director
585-415-7780
bbatz8@naz.edu

The Lab Band, while based on the standard saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and rhythm instrumentation, welcomes all students who are interested in learning about and performing jazz. The repertoire consists of an upper high school to beginning collegiate level of musicianship. Lab Band welcomes non-standard jazz instruments and plays standard (and not-so-standard) works from the libraries of professional big bands, and also original compositions and arrangements from students, the director, and others. Time is spent on learning about improvisation and how to approach it, and also on how to interpret notation in the various styles of swing, Latin, and funk. The group performs both on and off campus each semester. Private jazz improvisation lessons are also available.

Every other year, a guest artist performs and gives a masterclass for the Jazz Studies program. Guest have included Al Chez, Ken Peplowski, and Robert Edwards.

Rehearsals: Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.; Founders 126

Brad Batz, director
585-415-7780
bbatz8@naz.edu

The Jazz Ensemble, while based on the standard saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and rhythm instrumentation, welcomes students who are interested in learning about and performing jazz. Repertoire consists of standard (and not-so-standard) works from the libraries of professional big bands, and also original compositions and arrangements from students, the director, and others. Time is spent on learning about improvisation and how to approach it, and also on how to interpret notation in the various styles of swing, Latin, and funk. The group performs both on and off campus each semester. Private jazz improvisation lessons are also available. 

Every other year, a guest artist performs and gives a masterclass for the Jazz Studies program. Guest have included Al Chez, Ken Peplowski, and Robert Edwards.

Rehearsals: Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 to 9:45 p.m.; Founders 126

Brad Batz, director
585-415-7780
bbatz8@naz.edu

Kevin Nitsch, music director
585-389-2700
knitsch1@naz.edu

Perform traditional and contemporary professional orchestral works and concerti in the following ensembles:

• Symphony Orchestra
• Chamber Ensemble

The percussion ensemble is open to all students with percussion training and experience. We present concerts on and off campus each semester. The repertoire includes a broad range from classic literature to contemporary and minimalistic music, world music, marimba ensemble, jazz, rock, and found object "Stomp" style pieces. Students are encouraged to compose and arrange their own pieces for performance by the group. The ensemble gives students a chance to develop their musicianship, ensemble and technical skills, and have fun in the process.

Rehearsals: Fridays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Beston Hall, GMPC

Kristen Shiner McGuire
585-389-2700
kshiner7@naz.edu

Piano Chamber Players provides opportunities for pianists to participate in piano quartets, trios, duos and duets, vocal accompanying, and mixed chamber ensembles. Students meet weekly to explore literature, and prepare for performances on and off campus. While all piano primaries participate, the ensembles are open to other qualified students upon audition.

Dr. Kevin Nitsch, director
585-389-2717
knitsch1@naz.edu

Learn standard rock tunes with faculty and students.

Rehearsals: Fridays 12:30 – 2:30 pm; GMPC 114

Dave Drago, director
ddrago7@naz.edu

The Wind Studies department has a variety of ensembles for all students at Nazareth College. For more information please contact Dr. Jared Chase, Director of Wind Studies.

• Wind Symphony
• Chamber Winds
• Saxophone Society
• Brass Choir