The IUP Community Music School ensembles offer students of all ages the opportunity to make music together under the direction of a highly qualified director. All three ensembles will perform a minimum of once during the semester, with most performing
more than once.
Important Coronavirus Announcement
Effective March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 threat, the IUP Community Music School has canceled all face-to-face instruction through May 10, the end of the spring 2020 semester. This will include all private lessons, ensemble rehearsals,
classes, the spring recital, and all concerts.
Please see the IUP Community Music School home page for additional information. For more information from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, please
see the comprehensive Coronavirus Information page.
Crimson Youth Choir
About
The Crimson Youth Choir encompass the choral singing opportunities for primary and secondary students within the IUP Community Music School.
It is divided into two groups—the Crimson Children’s Choir (CCC) and Voce—with the CCC generally for younger and less experienced singers, and Voce being a select, audition-only ensemble comprised of middle and high school students.
Both ensembles function and learn music separately, but also combine to perform as one larger choir.
Through the semesters repertoire, CCC members work on proper singing, breathing, reading music, matching pitch, diction, etc. Voce does the same, but rehearses an extra 30 minutes to work on select repertoire. Voce members may also have the opportunity
for workshop participation (dates TBD) where they can arrange their own a capella songs and work on ensemble techniques.
Depending on enrollment, there is also the opportunity for Voce to work with a guest clinician.
Eligibility
- Crimson Children’s Choir: Students, generally ages 6–13, who want to learn to read music, match pitch, and learn the basic fundamentals of singing.
- Voce: Students, generally middle and high school, who can more advanced in singing, reading music, and are ready for more challenging vocal repertoire of at least three parts.
Rehearsals
Fridays during fall/spring semesters from 4:15 to 6:00 p.m. excluding Thanksgiving and spring breaks.
Cost
The new and reduced rate established in 2018–19—$25 tuition plus the $25 registration fee ($50 per semester)—remains in effect for 2019–20. For additional funding assistance, see our Scholarships Page.
Auditions
Auditions are for placement in the most appropriate ensemble; all auditioning students will be placed in an ensemble.
Indiana Concert Band
About
The Indiana Concert Band is comprised of community members of all ages, ranging from high school to retirees, as well as a variety of IUP students. It provides
a rich and engaging experience for both collegiate players and community members. Parts are rotated throughout the semester to give all players a variety of opportunities for section and solo playing.
Eligibility
Wind, brass, and percussion players, age 15 (ninth grade for the upcoming academic year) and older.
Rehearsals
Tuesdays during the semester from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. excluding IUP semester breaks.
Cost
$25 per semester plus $25 registration fee; high school and college-age students pay only the registration fee (see our Scholarships Page for funding
assistance—high school students only).
Auditions
For the fall semester, all college-level players, community members, and high school players must audition.
For the spring semester, only individuals who will be new to the ensemble need to audition. For more information on auditioning, including what to bring prepared, times, and locations, please see the ICB page.
Indiana Community Choir
About
The Indiana Community Choir provides individuals in the greater Indiana region the opportunity to sing and perform great choral literature not typically
accessible to choirs in a rural region. It is also the opportunity to learn choral and singing technique from a master singer, conductor, and music teacher with a 20-year background in vocal pedagogy, choral and solo song literature, and experience
in popular styles and musical theater.
Eligibility
Singers who match pitch; music reading ability desirable; age 15 (ninth grade for the upcoming academic year) and older.
Rehearsals
Mondays during the semester from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The director will announce at the beginning of the semester whether there will be a rehearsal during that semester’s break.
Cost
$50 per semester, plus $25 registration fee; high school and college-age students pay only the registration fee (see our Scholarships Page for funding
assistance—high school students only).
Auditions
For the fall semester, all singers must audition.
For the spring semester, only those new to the choir must audition. There is no requirement to bring prepared material. For more information on auditioning, including scheduling a time, please see the ICC page of the IUPCMS website.
Percussion Ensemble
About
The Percussion Ensemble is the combined opportunity for percussion students of all ages to both play in the Indiana Concert Band as a section under the direction of Jason Worzbyt, and as a percussion ensemble under the direction of the current primary
graduate percussion student. In the band, they have the opportunity to play a variety of pieces and styles. In the percussion ensemble, and depending on enrollment, they will also play various pieces and styles written specifically for percussion
ensemble by various composers. The Percussion Ensemble will perform as a separate ensemble on the end-of-semester concert.
Eligibility
High-school-age percussionists (age 15 or ninth grade for the upcoming academic year) and up through adults with an interest in percussion and with some music-reading ability.
Rehearsals
Tuesdays during the semester from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. One hour is spent in band rehearsal with Dr. Worzbyt and one hour in the percussion ensemble with the graduate student director. It will be announced at the beginning of the semester by the directors
whether there will be a rehearsal during the semester breaks.
Cost
The Percussion Ensemble is offered at no cost. However, each high-school age participant must have the recommendation of his/her band directors. Recommendations must be be emailed to the IUPCMS director, Jeff Wacker, at jwacker@iup.edu.
Auditions
There is no audition for the Percussion Ensemble, but again, high-school age players must have their band directors recommendation. Adults of all ages may also play in the ensemble; contact the IUPCMS director, Jeff Wacker, at jwacker@iup.edu for more details.