Ensembles

Instrumental Groups

Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Dawn Price, is the premiere instrumental ensemble of the university. The group’s focus is the performance of standard and new band repertoire. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to work on commissioned selections, sometimes with the composer in attendance. Being a part of this ensemble is required for instrumental music majors. Non-majors and members of the community are welcome to audition to be a part of the ensemble.

Bulldog Bands
Bulldogs making music to support our athletes is the primary mission of the Bulldog Bands. The Pep Band plays for football games, including various activities throughout game day. The Basketball Band performs for women’s and men’s home basketball games. Participation in the Pep Band is required in order to be considered for Basketball Band. These bands are directed by Dr. Dawn Price.

Chamber Ensembles
Percussion Ensemble and Brass Quintet are open to all students by audition. Each ensemble presents a specialized repertoire that highlights the proud traditions of brass and percussive instruments.

Ensemble243
An extended-techniques group, ensemble243, provides another opportunity for pianists interested in both collaborative music-making and contemporary music. The group plays on a unique bowed piano and are directed by Dr. David Brooks.

Jazz Combo
Under the direction of Mr. Jeffrey Tippett, this group focuses on standards of jazz repertoire and teaching the art of improvisation. 

Vocal Groups

University Singers
Recognized for musical and artistic excellence at state, regional, and national levels through NAFME, ACDA, and NCCO, this auditioned group studies and performs a wide selection of music and participates in a week-long tour each February. The University Singers are directed by Dr. Kenney Potter.

Advanced Treble Ensemble
Members of the Advanced Treble Ensemble are selected by audition and sing a diverse choral repertoire with special attention to advanced treble literature. The performance schedule includes regular on-campus concerts and annual off-campus collaborations throughout the state. The Advanced Treble Ensemble is directed by Dr. Nana Wolfe-Hill.

Viva Voce
Viva Voce is the treble choir and is made up of music and non-music majors. All treble voices are welcomed in this non-auditioned group where individual vocal development is emphasized, along with singers exploring a variety of musical styles. Viva Voce is directed by Dr. Nana Wolfe-Hill.

Cantar
Cantar is the tenor/bass choir. All low voices are welcomed in this non-auditioned group where individual vocal development is emphasized, along with singers exploring a variety of musical styles. Cantar is directed by Mr. Marc Setzer.

Win-Pipes
This is a student-directed A Capella group and is advised by Dr. Jennifer Hough.

Opera Workshop

Each semester, Wingate University students have the chance to showcase their performance skills in a staged production. The opera program provides students with the chance to sing major roles as they learn the fundamentals: From movement and vocal technique, to how to prepare for a role and handle multiple languages. While auditions are required, Opera Workshop is open to all Wingate University students, including incoming freshmen. Auditions are held in late spring.

A fully staged production with an orchestra takes place in the fall, while a fully staged group of scenes is the spring offering. Past productions include:

• The Tender Land, Aaron Copland
• The Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert and Sullivan
• La Cenerentola, Gioacchino Rossini
• Orpheus in the Underworld, Jacques Offenbach
• Die Fledermaus, Johann Strauss
• Hansel and Gretel, Engelbert Humperdinck
• Urban Legend, David Brooks
• H.M.S. Pinafore, Gilbert and Sullivan

Program Contact

Dr. Jessie Wright Martin
(704) 233-8308
jmartin@wingate.edu