Ensembles
Marching Band
The California University Marching Band invites you to check out all the exciting opportunities available for anyone with an interest in music and a desire to perform. As one of the largest organizations on campus, Cal U's Marching Band consists of over 100 students from all different areas of study, some of whom are music minors.
Although California currently has no music major, students are able to continue to grow musically through dedication and practice. Each fall Cal Marching Band participates in high school and college festivals, and rock the hometown crowd at the Vulcan's home football games and selected away games. Membership is open to any interested student instrumentalist. Membership is also open to any student interested in auditioning for Feature Twirler or for a position on the Auxiliary Unit.
Visit the University Band web site for more information.
Concert Band
The University Concert Band meets in the spring semester. It is open to anyone with an interest in performing on an instrument, whether it be a clarinet, percussion or even string bass. The band plays all types of music from classical to modern and from serious to humorous. The band performs at convocations and various concerts on and off campus. In spring 2000 the band traveled to West Virginia to perform a joint concert with West Liberty University Concert Band, a group comprised of mostly music majors. The band was received with open arms and received a standing ovation. The performances on campus are usually taped to be aired on CUTV.
Choir
The University Choir is a diverse and unique ensemble within the music department. It consists of vocalists from a variety of skill levels and backgrounds. The choir's music selection ranges form gospel hymns and baroque pieces to modern arrangements and traditional Christmas carols. Students interested in furthering their vocal experience can participate in Men's or Women's Ensemble or California Singers.
Visit the Choir Web page for more information.
Jazz Bands
The university offers two jazz ensembles, Tuesday and Thursday Jazz Band. Each band performs all styles (jazz, funk, rock, swing, blues, and Latin). They perform various concerts both on and off campus, are featured at numerous high schools "All School Assemblies," Jazz Band Festivals and are highlighted in the yearly California Jazz Experience (CJE). During CJE they have performed with such great jazz artists as Mike Tomaro, Steve Hawk, Chris Vadala, Jeff Hellmer, Jim Sheppard, Lou Fischer and in 2000, percussionist Bob Breithaupt. This course is available by audition only.
Brass Ensemble - Woodwind Ensemble - Percussion Ensemble
These are the smaller ensembles that are made up of people from within the band. They usually begin rehearsing after the marching season is over and perform at both on and off campus locations. They have been featured at such diverse places as the Washington county Courthouse, Century III Mall, Station Square and Carnegie Museum.
String Ensemble
The California University String Ensemble is a chamber ensemble open to students of any major. It is comprised of string players of diverse backgrounds and levels. Our repertoire consists of primarily classical style music, and will be exploring other styles in the future. Since it is the university's newest ensemble, it will be expanding rapidly in the next year.
California Singers
Participation in the group is achievable by audition only. Both men and women can participate in this group that combines singing and dancing in order to entertain all audiences. This group meets during the fall and spring semesters and participates in many performances on and off campus.
Men's & Women's Ensembles
Open to students who are interested in performing in a small ensemble. All types of music all explored by these groups, which participate in various performances on and off campus.