Ensembles

Opportunities abound in the areas of choral, vocal, instrumental, piano, and organ. Our professors combine excellence teaching with the kind of focused attention that inspires students to do their very best. Music students at SWU are among the most active and involved students in study and campus activities, including student body leadership positions.

Our performing ensembles consist of music students as well as interested and talented students from other academic disciplines. Our performing ensembles include Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and the music ministry teams — University Singers and Novum.

Concert Choir

Directed by Dr. Don Campbell, Concert Choir is SWU’s top performing large vocal ensemble. Consisting of approximately 40-50 singers, this group performs an eclectic blend of music from Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic music to 20th and 21st- century music, spirituals, gospel, and Broadway. The Concert Choir performs regular concerts on campus and the eastern United States. The choir sponsors the annual Upstate Intercollegiate Choral Invitational Festival for Christian colleges from South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. In 2004, Concert Choir was a demonstration choir for a conducting seminar at the South Carolina American Choral Directors Association (SCACDA) Autumnal Convocation. In 2005, the choir was selected by audition to perform a concert at the SCACDA Autumnal Convocation.

Wind Ensemble

Under the direction of Greg Day, the Wind Ensemble has grown to fill our concert stage to overflowing. Consisting of our instrumental music majors and other talented campus instrumentalists, this group performs regular concerts throughout the year and mentors high school students from the surrounding area. The ensemble performs a wide variety of music that never fails to please audiences.

Jazz Ensemble

Directed by Greg Day, the Jazz Ensemble has become a unique and respected voice for jazz education in the area. The group performs not only jazz standards but also Christian hymns and praise songs in the jazz style.

Music Ministry Teams:

University Singers

University Singers consists of eight to 12 auditioned singers who perform accompanied and unaccompanied vocal music for churches, conventions, and other venues. Each student receives a considerable scholarship. The ensemble exalts Christ through a balance of contemporary Christian and traditional gospel music.

University Singers travel 10 weekends each semester to various churches and schools. They also sing at many functions on campus and are utilized as a worship team during our weekly chapel services.

Novum

Novum is a four member worship band whose mission is to exalt Christ through contemporary music. They use a variety of instruments to bring a unique sound to today’s student worship. Their hearts of passion for the Lord are evident through their servant living. Novum also doubles as a recreation team, assisting with recreation, leading cabin devotions and serving as camp counselors. These students also receive a scholarship for their service.