Performing Ensembles
The Elmhurst University Department of Music prides itself on having a great variety of performing ensembles for students to join.
Choral Ensembles | Concert Bands | Orchestras | Chamber Ensembles | Guitar Ensembles | Jazz Ensembles
Choral Ensembles
Elmhurst offers extraordinary opportunities for choral singing on and off campus, in concert and in worship services. Choral ensembles include Concert Choir, Collegiate Chorus and Chamber Chorale.
Concert Bands
Elmhurst bands include the Wind Ensemble, the Symphonic Band and the Varsity Band. These ensembles present formal concerts on and off campus, performing traditional, contemporary and popular works. The Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band tour each fall and spring.
Each fall the bands feature a guest appearance by a prominent composer. Past performers have been James Curnow, Sam Hazo, William Himes, Robert Jager, Francis McBeth, Alfred Reed, Robert Sheldon and Philip Sparke.
Orchestras
The Elmhurst University orchestras include the Philharmonic Orchestra and Varsity Strings.
The E.U. Philharmonic Orchestra presents four major concerts each year including annual concerto competition winners’ showcase concert and tours domestically and internationally. Guest artists worldwide visit campus to appear with the orchestra.
Chamber Ensembles
Elmhurst student musicians have the opportunity to perform in small groups. Ensembles of three to eight players perform in brass, percussion, string and woodwind groups in recitals and community events.
Guitar Ensembles
The Guitar Ensemble performs classical repertoire, and the Gretsch Electric Guitar Ensemble draws inspiration from more contemporary forms.
Jazz Ensembles
Elmhurst enjoys a national and international reputation for its jazz program. Its performing groups are the Elmhurst University Jazz Band, the Elmhurst University Jazz Lab Band, and the vocal jazz ensembles Late Night Blues and Blue.