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Ensembles for All Students

Instrumental Groups

All ensembles are open to undergraduate and graduate students by audition. Email the director directly to set up an audition.

Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble 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. Wind Ensemble is directed by Dr. Daniel Johnson. 

Athletic Bands
The Athletic Bands consist of the Spirit of the Gate Marching Band, Color Guard, and Pep Band. The Athletic Bands will perform at home football and basketball games, in addition to campus events, parades, and other community events. Participating in the Athletic Bands comes with an additional scholarship. The Athletic Bands are directed by Joseph Girgenti. Read more about Spirit of the Gate Marching Band by clicking here.

Chamber Ensembles
Percussion, Woodwind and Brass Ensembles are open to all students by audition. Each ensemble presents a specialized repertoire that highlights the proud traditions of the respective 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 Band
The Wingate University Jazz Band provides students the opportunity to study and perform various styles of traditional and contemporary jazz repertoire in a big band setting. The ensemble performs four concerts each academic year and for various events across campus. Membership is open to all students with experience in instrumental performance regardless of major. Please contact Dr. Daniel Johnson (Director of Bands) if you are interested in joining the Jazz Band!

Popular Music Ensemble
Open to vocalists and instrumentalists, the Popular Music Ensemble showcases the talents of student musicians performing a dynamic mix of rock, pop, R&B, soul, and contemporary hits. With a focus on live performance, collaboration, and creativity, the ensemble offers students hands-on experience preparing for and executing their own off-campus gig, in addition to performing around campus.

Vocal Groups

All ensembles are open to undergraduate and graduate students by audition. Email the director directly to set up an audition.

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. 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. Kody Wallace.

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 Dr. Kody Wallace.

Gospel Choir
This choral ensemble looks to the voices of the Black music tradition, past and present, for their sound. Soulful Sound places particular emphasis on hymns, traditional and contemporary gospel and sacred music. As a member of this choir, you will get the opportunity to learn and perfect singing in the gospel style. Soulful Sounds is directed by Dr. Kody Wallace.

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
  • Behold the Man, Paul Fowler 
  • Cendrillon, Pauline Viardot
  • Don Giovanni, W.A. Mozart (Fall 2025)

Program Contact

Dr. Jennifer Hough
(704) 233-8306
j.hough@wingate.edu

 

Questions?

 


Music Department
music@wingate.edu