Music Ensembles

Marching Band

Students of all majors may participate in the marching band. Just follow these three simple steps:

1.  
   1. Register for MUS 142B or MUS 142C. (MUS 142C is to play in marching band ONLY; MUS 142B is to play in BOTH marching band AND Wind Ensemble)
   2. The information packet about band camp, rehearsals, and performances will be available the summer before Marching Band season in the Fall.
   3. Complete the online Marching Band Interest Form. Contact Professor James Minnix for additional information.

Prereq.: Open to all students who play band instruments. Various types of literature performed. May be repeated for credit with different content. One credit.

NOTE: All Music Education, BS Majors, are strongly encouraged to participate in the Central Marching Band.

Wind Ensemble

Students of all majors may participate in the concert bands. Just follow these two simple steps:

1. Register for MUS 142A.
2. Contact Professor James Minnix for additional information.

University Singers

Chorale

Chorale is Central's open-enrollment vocal ensemble. It is comprised of singers from across the campus community: membership is open to all university students without audition, regardless of major. Chorale was founded in 1920 as the New Britain Normal School Glee Club. As the school's name changed, the ensemble's name changed as well. It finally became the Central Connecticut State University Chorale in 1983. Through its almost century of existence, the Central Chorale has enjoyed a strong tradition as an inclusive choral ensemble. This choir has 40+ members per semester. Chorale performs a wide variety of choral music. We rehearse Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-5:45.

Do I have to be a music major to sing in Chorale?

Everybody is welcome to sing in Chorale, regardless of major (and even if you're undecided!). Actually, that's true for all of our ensembles. Other music ensembles you may be interested in: University Singers, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, Marching Band and Orchestra.

Is there an audition for Chorale?

No. Just register as you would for any other course.

When does Chorale rehearse?

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-5:45 all semester. We meet in Welte Hall, room 021.

What about performances?

We perform 2-3 times each semester. Performances are given both on campus and off campus.

Is there some kind of membership fee to belong to Chorale?

No. There is not even a textbook to buy! Each student is responsible for procuring appropriate performance attire, which may mean a one-time cost for new singers.

What kind of music does Chorale sing?

Chorale sings a wide variety of musical styles, with a focus on the classics. Click to see the music performed each year: 

        2013-2014          2014-2015           2015-2016             2016-2017           2017-2018

Can I join anytime, or only in the Fall?

You can join an ensemble at the beginning of either semester. If your schedule doesn't allow you to join in Fall, you can still sing in Spring. When registering for classes, remember to keep the Chorale time slot open.

What if I didn't join Chorale as a freshman?

No problem. You can still join Chorale.

What about credits?

In some ways, Chorale is just like any other course on campus: Registration is required, you will receive a syllabus, you will earn a credit, you will be awarded a grade and your grade will count toward your GPA. It counts as an elective.

How late into the term can I register for Chorale?

The add/drop schedule is the same for Chorale as it is for every course across campus. Check with the Registrar's Office to find out the last day to add Chorale for this term.

How do I join?

Register as you would for any other course. The course number is "MUS 141". The section is "70".

I'm having trouble registering for Chorale. What could the problem be?

It could be a few things: (1) Make sure you're registering for the correct course, MUS 141 section 70. (2) Double check the CRN, and make sure you're using the current one. (3) You may already be registered for a class during the same time block. Try shuffling your schedule to make room for Chorale. (4) There may be a 'hold' on your account. Contact the Registrar at 860.832.2236. (5) If you are still having trouble, contact Charles Menoche at menochec@ccsu.edu for help.

I can't be in Chorale this term. Is there another choir I can join?

There is another choir called University Singers. It is our elite, auditioned ensemble for experienced singers. Auditions are in the fall. It is a year-long commitment. If you are interested in joining "USingers", check the University Singer's webpage at the end of July for audition information.

What else do I need to know?

Chorale is fun! Yes, being in a group this good is always demanding. But you will meet new friends, improve your voice, improve your musical skills, and enjoy a mental break from the rigors of your other academic pursuits. And, of course, Chorale sings amazing music and sounds great doing it. Singing in Chorale is just one of those essential Central experiences that you will remember fondly for the rest of your life.

Who is the director?

Our conductor is Gaylon Robinson. Contact him at grobinson@ccsu.edu.

The Jazz Program at Central

Central currently offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Studies. The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos have performed often since 1997 including every year (except 2008) at the prestigious Villanova Jazz Festival where they placed third in 2001 and 2005 and second in 2007. In 2007 and 2009 saxophonist Andrew Lefebvre won the outstanding soloist award, the only student in recent history to win this award twice. In 2010 Central won best trumpet section, best rhythm section and placed second overall. Alvaro Maldonado (trombone) won the outstanding soloist award marking the fifth time a Central student has won this award!

Guest performers have included Andrew Speight, Conrad Herwig, Phil Wise, Denis DiBlasio, Doug Maher, David Santoro, Tom Melito and Larry Gareau. The jazz faculty at Central includes Dr. Carl Knox – Jazz Ensemble, saxophone, jazz improvisation and jazz history, Tom Melito - drums and jazz combo, Rich Goldstein- guitar, Larry Gareau - trumpet and jazz history and Noah Baerman - jazz piano.

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble at Central is directed by Carl Knox and consists of approximately twenty auditioned musicians majoring in a variety of subjects. This select group rehearses twice weekly and performs at a variety of venues each semester.

Grand Central

This select group consists of six or seven musicians and performs both standard repertoire of jazz small groups as well as original compositions. All arrangements are written by the student members of this group.

Central Station

This group consists of six to ten auditioned musicians and performs standard jazz repertoire as well as original compositions and arrangements written by the members of the group.

Sinfonietta

Administrative Information

In regular non-covid years, regular class meetings are Mondays/Wednesdays 1:40 - 2:55 p.m. in Welte Hall room 019.
Concerts and occasional evening dress rehearsals will be announced at the beginning of each semester.

Sinfonietta is not scheduled for 2022-23 academic year. We look forward to scheduling Sinfonietta in the future. Keep in touch for future updates.

Course Description/Prerequisite, Academic Credit and Music Major Information

Open to all students who play orchestral stringed instruments with other instruments as needed. Sinfonietta is the required ensemble for music majors who play orchestral stringed instruments. Community and non-majors are welcome at the discretion of the conductor. One credit under MUS 143 and may be repeated each semester with different content.

Required Text/Supplies

No text required. Music will be supplied. Please contact the instructor if you do not own your own instrument.

Philosophy of Instruction

Standard chamber orchestra literature will be studied and performed. Stylistic nuances of music over many time-periods will be explored through rehearsal and performances.

For More Information, Contact

Dr. Charles Menoche
Chair, Central Department of Music
MenocheC@ccsu.edu
860.832.2904

Students in the Department of Music have opportunities to participate in a wide array of chamber ensembles, each coached by our outstanding performance faculty, in areas that include, strings, piano, brass, flute, clarinet, and percussion. Chamber ensembles are created based on the demands of repertoire and availability of musicians and may be taken for one credit (MUS 140). Students rehearse independently with their assigned ensemble and have a weekly coaching session that is scheduled with the faculty coach. Groups perform at least once per semester on campus and many perform concerts within the community. Non–majors may enroll in chamber music if permission is granted by the faculty coach.

Chamber music may be repeated each semester as a course elective. 

Specific ensembles and coaches include:

Piano chamber music – Susan Cheng, susancheng@ccsu.edu
Brass Ensemble – Dan D'Addio, daddiod@ccsu.edu 
Clarinet Ensemble – Kelli O'Connor, kellio@ccsu.edu 
Flute Ensemble – Gonzalo Cortés, gcortes@ccsu.edu 
Percussion Ensemble – Mark Stein, mstein@ccsu.edu 
Trombone Ensemble - Jordan Jacobson, jordanjacobson@ccsu.edu

Please contact Dr. Heather de Savage, heather.desavage@ccsu.edu,  Interim Chair of Department of Music if you have further questions.

The Central iPad Ensemble is an improvisation-based ensemble in the Music Department at Central Connecticut State University. Students across departments at Central participate in our cutting-edge multimedia performances using the latest in music technology. We give public performances throughout the year at different venues on campus and in the community.

Performances can involve making beats, creating musical accompaniment to visuals, composing soundscapes, and even audience participation!

 Check out some of our previous performances

Anyone at Central can join regardless of your major--no experience is necessary! iPads are provided for all ensemble members. The ensemble may be repeated each semester for credit.

To learn more, please contact Dr. Drake Andersen: dandersen@ccsu.edu