Music Ensembles

The University Chorale is a 45 member select choir which performs on both the Evangel University campus and in the community. The mission of the Chorale is to prepare and present only the best of sacred classical choral literature. In addition to on-campus performances, the Chorale regularly performs with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Past collaborations include Mozart Requiem, Beethoven Ninth Symphony, Mahler Tenth Symphony, and Mendelssohn Lobgesang. The University Chorale is under the direction of Mr. Tom Matrone.

The purpose of the non-auditioned University Chorus is to develop fine choral singing through the rehearsal and performance of masterworks of choral literature from all eras including contemporary formats. The University Chorus performs at least one concert each term as well as participation in Chapel services.

The University Orchestra is comprised of 40 student musicians pursuing majors in music as well as a variety of other fields available at the University. The Orchestra performs 5-6 times during the school year. Repertoire includes a wide range of music drawn from the standard orchestral literature. Membership is open to all students with the permission of the instructor. In addition to its orchestral concerts, the ensemble frequently collaborates with other ensembles within the University in the performance of oratorios and musicals.

The University Orchestra has been honored with invited performances at the Missouri Music Educator’s Conference.  In addition, the University Orchestra was honored in 2011 to have its live performance of David Kraehenbuehl’s Toccata Sinfonica accepted for inclusion on–ßThe Music of David Kraehenbuehl: An Anthology. Available through the David Kraehenbuehl Society (www.davidkraehenbuehlsociety.org), the two-CD set also features performances by internationally celebrated musicians such as cellist, Joel Krosnick, conductor, Margaret Hillis, the LaSalle String Quartet and others.

The University Orchestra is directed by Dr. Larry Dissmore, Professor of Music.

The University Band is a large instrumental ensemble open to all Evangel University students who play wind or percussion instruments. The University Band serves an essential role for Evangel, allowing student body members to continue participating in a musical ensemble regardless of their major. In addition to the traditional Concert Band, the University Band serves as the Athletic Band, representing the music department at home football games in the fall and select home basketball games in the Spring. The band rehearses every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. in preparation for athletic events, pep rallies, and performance of standard literature for semester concerts. For more information, contact the Director of Bands, Mr. Justin Stanton.

The Jazz Band is a large instrumental ensemble performing contemporary compositions, classics, and sacred jazz arrangements. The Jazz Band offers students of all majors the opportunity to experience jazz performance and a variety of jazz styles. Rehearsals also provide a setting where students can learn the elements of improvisation, jazz history, and theory. The Jazz Band performs a concert each semester and occasionally performs in the greater Springfield area for festivals and other events and in conjunction with other on-campus ensembles. The Jazz Band meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:00 – 2:50 p.m. Enrollment is by audition on trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar, piano, bass, and drums/percussion. For more information, contact the Director of Bands, Mr. Justin Stanton.

The Jazz Combo is a chamber instrumental ensemble that plays jazz standards and focuses on improvisation within a small group. The jazz combo emphasizes the nuance of small group performance and allows students to develop their language as soloists. The Jazz Combo performs once a month for the student body in the dining hall, supports University events during homecoming, performs a semester concert with the Jazz Band, and represents the University in area festivals. The Jazz Combo meets on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:45 to 10:35 a.m. Enrollment is by audition on trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar, piano, bass, drums/percussion, and vocals. For more information, contact the Director of Bands, Mr. Justin Stanton.

The Men’s Ensemble at Evangel University is an auditioned, male vocal group that meets 2 hours per week for 0.5 credit. It performs a diverse repertoire that spans both sacred and secular choral literature. The ensemble is co-directed by Dr. Tom Matrone and Nick Arnberger. As part of Evangel’s robust choral program, the Men’s Ensemble contributes to the university’s mission of musical excellence and community engagement.

The Women’s Chamber Ensemble is a select, audition-based vocal group at Evangel University. It meets regularly during the semester (about 2 hours/week) and offers academic credit (.5 credit) for participation. Under the direction of Dr. Tom Matrone and Jane Munson-Berg, the ensemble performs in several concerts each year, including a dedicated “Vocal Chamber Ensembles” recital. Their repertoire spans sacred and classical choral literature; concerts have included pieces by Bach, Messiaen, Casals, and more. The group is part of Evangel’s broader choral program, contributing to the university’s reputation for high-caliber musical performance.