IUP Community Music School Ensembles

The Crimson Youth Choir provides choral singing opportunities for primary and secondary students within the IUP Community Music School.

It is currently divided into two groups—the Crimson Children’s Choir and Vocé. The CCC is generally for younger and less experienced singers, and Vocé is a select ensemble, generally comprised of middle and high school students. Both ensembles function and learn music separately, but also combine to perform as one larger choir.

Vocé rehearses from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. as they work on their more select repertoire. The CCC rehearses from 6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as they work on proper singing, breathing, reading music, matching pitch, diction, etc. They are combined with Vocé on a schedule determined by the director.

Director

Lauren Saylor

Accompanist

Evan Engelstad, Assistant Professor of Music

Cost

$75 per semester ($50 tuition; $25 registration fee).

There is also a limited amount of funding assistance available through the scholarship program, as well as multi-child discounts for families. See our Scholarships, below, for more information.

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.
• Vocé: Students, generally middle and high school, who are more advanced in singing, reading music, and are ready for a more challenging vocal repertoire of at least three parts.

Auditions

Auditions are for placement in the most appropriate ensemble; all students will be placed in an ensemble.

Fall Semester, 2026

Rehearsals

• Mondays, 5:00–7:00 p.m., Cogswell Room 120, August 31 through December 7

Performances

• Monday, December 7, 4:00 p.m. Blue Room, 1st Floor, Sutton Hall, IUP Indiana Campus
• Admission: $5 Regular; $3 Seniors, I-Card, military; children 12 and under free
• Tickets:
  • Available only at the door prior to the performance; cash and check only.

The Indiana Community Choir provides individuals in the Indiana region the opportunity to sing and perform great choral literature not typically accessible to choirs in a rural region.

Interim Director and Conductor

Erin Knepper, conductor and current director of choral activities, Punxsutawney Area High School

Accompanist

Acey Gongaware, retired music educator

Cost

$75 per semester ($50 tuition; $25 registration fee).
A limited number of scholarships are available to high school students through their high school choral director. See our scholarships tab below for details.

Eligibility

Singers who match pitch; music reading ability desirable; age 15 (ninth grade for the 2026–27 academic year) and older

Voice Check / Part Placement

Individuals do not need to audition for the Indiana Community Choir. Participating individuals simply sing as part of a section at the first rehearsal (see schedule below). This helps the director get to know each person’s voice and assign a specific voice part. There is nothing to bring or prepare; simply come ready to sing and have fun!

Fall Semester, 2026

Rehearsals

• Mondays, 7:15–9:00 p.m., Sept. 14–Nov. 30, Room 120, Cogswell Hall
• There will NOT be a rehearsal on Monday, October 19, during the IUP fall pause.

Concert

• Sunday, December 6, 4:00 p.m. Gorell Recital Hall, 2nd Floor, Sutton Hall, IUP Main Campus
• Admission: $5 Regular; $3 Seniors, I-Card, military; Children 12 and under free
• Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to the performance; cash and check only.

This ensemble provides a rich and engaging experience for all participants, whether in high school, college, or members of the community. 

Conductor

Jason Worzbyt, Professor of Music

Cost

Community Members: $75 per semester ($50 tuition; $25 registration fee)..

IUP Students: As an official course in the university catalog (MUSC 124), IUP students must take it for one credit, or for zero credit if on/over 18 credits, in order to participate.

A limited number of scholarships are available to high school students through their high school band director. See our Scholarships, below, for details.

Eligibility

Wind, brass, and percussion players, age 15 (ninth grade for the 2026–27 academic year) and older.

Auditions

There are no required auditions for the University Band. Simply use the following process:

• If you are a returning player, IUP student, or community member, email both Dr. Worzbyt at reedtip@iup.edu and the IUPCMS director, Tory Dellafiora, at community-music@iup.edu and let them know you’re planning on participating for the upcoming semester. Done!
• If you are a new player, also email them, but include your full name, age, the instrument you’ll be playing, a little about your background/experience playing, and what level of player you would rate yourself to be.
• If you’re a new community player, you’ll be directed to register into the IUPCMS; if a university player, you’ll be provided additional information by Prof. Worzbyt.

Fall Semester, 2026

Rehearsals

• Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 p.m., Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, Room 121, Cogswell Hall
• Note 1: There will not be rehearsal on Oct. 20 during IUP Fall Pause. Dr. Worzbyt will announce whether there will be a rehearsal on Nov. 24 before Thanksgiving.
• Note 2: There may be one additional post-concert get-together on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Dr. Worzbyt will announce details in rehearsal.

Concert

• Friday, December 4, 7:30 p.m. Fisher Auditorium, IUP Main Campus
• Admission: $5 regular; $3 seniors, I-Card holders, and students; children under 12 free; tickets are cash/check only, available at the door one hour prior to the performance.