Ensembles

In addition to individual lessons and recitals there are many opportunities for students to participate in music ensembles, large and small.

Non-music majors also can audition to be placed in an ensemble and considered for an ensemble scholarship.

Choral

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

Jazz Combo (Loose Change - Combo 1)

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

Lab Band (Combo 2)

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

Jazz Ensemble

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

Opera Workshop
The Opera Workshop is devoted to the performance of opera, operetta, and a variety of musical theatre. Student involved in the opera benefit from rehearsals and master classes focusing on music, character development, stage movement/deportment, and communication. Students’ performances culminate in the synthesis of staged experiences, where pedagogy and artistry coalesce.
 
Cast members are selected by auditionAuditions for our 24-25 season are Tuesday, August 27th 6:30-8:30pm in Beston Hall. The entire season will be cast from this audition. Students work on stage deportment, and rehearse opera scenes and Gala performance material leading into these performances in the fall semester. Students present a fully-staged opera performance the last week of March in Beston Hall. The students in the program also participate in recruitment/educational activities.
 
Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm; Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm; Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
 
Previous Productions
  • Dialogues of the Carmelites, Francis Poulenc, a co-production with Nazareth Symphony Orchestra with Dr. Raul Mungia, conductor 

  • Cinderella, a multimedia performance with libretto by MMPP student, Jennifer Cesare

  • La Canterina by Haydn, Captain Lovelock by John Duke and The Impresario by Mozart

  • Hansel and Gretel by Englebert Humperdinck

  • Daphnis und Chloë by Offenbach

  • La Calisto by Francesco Cavalli

  • Marriage and Other Endings

  • The Medium by Menotti

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

Orchestra

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

Percussion

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

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

Rock Ensemble

Learn standard rock tunes with faculty and students.

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

Dave Drago, director
ddrago7@naz.edu

Wind Studies (Bands, Chamber Winds, & Saxophone)

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.

Spotlights

    Reena Esmail - When the Violin
    Steve Danyew – Into the Silent Land
    Jazz Ensemble Concert
    Student musicians and singers performing onstage in Glazer Music Performance Center

    World Premiere

    "Peregrinations (We Dare to Dream)," composed and conducted by Jack Allocco '72, performed by Nazareth's Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Singers at the Grand Opening Gala of Nazareth's Jane and Laurence Glazer Music Performance Center, 2018.

    Watch video of Peregrinations »