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.

Selected by audition, the 35-member Sinfonia has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. The Sinfonia performs music designed for ministry in churches as well as works for chamber orchestra for performance on the concert stage. The Sinfonia performs regularly in Springfield, Missouri and across the nation. The Sinfonia is directed by Dr. Larry Dissmore, Professor of Music.

The Sinfonia records every 3-4 years. Hard copies of any of the Sinfonia’s CDs are available through the Evangel University Music Department Office, 417-865-2815, Ext. 2011 or dissmorel@evangel.edu

The Sinfonia’s complete discography includes:

1997 Concert Orchestra 1997 [Premier Album]
1999 Enter His Gates
2001 Love Divine
2003 Praise Him!
2005 Always Faithful
2007 For Christ Alone
2009 Declare His Praise!
2011 On Mountains High
2013 How Sweet the Sound
2016 The Father’s Love

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 Symphonic Band is a large ensemble setting open to any Evangel University students. The Symphonic Band serves an important role for the University in that it provides the student body with the opportunity to continue their participation in a musical ensemble regardless of their major. The band rehearses every Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 – 5pm in preparation for their two spring concerts on campus each semester. Students enrolled in Symphonic Band may receive .5 hours of academic credit. The ensemble is under the direction of Mr. Matt Moore, director of Evangel University Bands.

The Evangel University Pep Band performs for many of the athletic functions on the Evangel University campus. The Pep Band is a student-run organization, under the supervision of the Mr. Matthew Moore, at Evangel University. The Pep Band is operated under the umbrella of the Evangel University Band. The size of the Pep Band varies from between 20-80 musicians (depending on the event) and is open to all Evangel University students. To participate in the Pep Band students must be enrolled in the Evangel University Band.

The Evangel University Jazz Orchestra performs contemporary compositions as well as jazz classics and sacred jazz arrangements. The ensemble offers students of all majors the opportunity to experience jazz performance and a variety of jazz styles. Rehearsals also provide a setting in which students can learn some of the finer points of improvisation, jazz history and theory. In addition to regular concerts on campus, the Jazz Orchestra performs at churches, schools, workshops and festivals in Springfield and beyond.The University Jazz Orchestra meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 – 5 p.m. Enrollment is by audition on trumpet, trombone, saxophone, guitar, piano, bass and drums/percussion. For more information, or to book the Jazz Orchestra for your event, For more information, or to book the Jazz Orchestra for your event, contact Mr. Joel Griffin.

EU Jazz Studies on Facebook

The marching band has become an integral part of life at Evangel. The band will perform at all home football games, local parades and various school events, such as Homecoming, EU Launch and EU24. Additionally, the band will participate in one major trip every three to four years, potentially the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rose Bowl Parade, or other major national event.

Marching Band is open to all students regardless of major and is an excellent way to become involved. The group gains exposure and prestige for the university, helps with recruitment efforts and is a wonderful educational experience for all involved.

If you wish to donate to the band, you can do so online or call 417-865-2811 ext. 7290.

The Faculty Brass Quintet is the brass quintet-in-residence at Evangel University. The quintet includes Mr. Tim Wootton and Mr. Darren Eddington (trumpet), Dr. Eric Jackson (horn), Mr. Matt Moore (trombone) and Dr. Brad Coker (tuba). In addition to playing for university functions,  the quintet enjoys performing in the surrounding community. The Faculty Brass Quintet is available for performances, clinics, workshops and other events. To schedule an event with the quintet, please contact Mr. Tim Wootton at woottont@evangel.edu.

HeartSong is a group of 12 singers and 10 instrumentalists directed by Dr. Bonnie Jenkins. The group has roots at Central Bible College, and was integrated with Evangel’s music ministries after consolidation in 2013. Known for its powerful worship, high energy, musical excellence and ministry emphasis, HeartSong ministers nationally and internationally through worship concerts. Their music includes contemporary, traditional, and gospel worship styles as they perform for multi-generational and cultural audiences. HeartSong has released a number of worship albums and frequently leads the campus in worship for chapels and other special events.