Ensembles
Throughout its history, the musicians in the band program have had the privilege of working with leading conductors, composers, and instrumentalist in the field. In addition to recordings, tours, and outreach activities, the UWM Bands have sponsored and participated in numerous commissioning projects over the years. National and regional conference appearances have brought tremendous recognition to the music department as well as the gifted musicians who comprise the wind-band program.
UWM’s premier concert band emphasizes the single performer concept–we use only players needed for a given piece, thus providing the greatest exposure for the exceptional musician. Membership is open by audition to all graduate and undergraduate students at the university during the first week of fall semester.
Members of the Wind Ensemble have performed for a distinguished list of guest conductors, composers and soloists including Vincent Persichetti, Karel Husa, Samuel Adler, Fisher Tull, John Mackey, Joseph Schwantner, Warren Benson, Michael Colgrass and Ron Nelson. Noted conductors who have led performances include James Croft, Jack Delaney, Mark Scatterday, Craig Kirchoff, Lucian Calliet, and Colonel John R. Bourgeios among others.
Recognized for their innovative programming, the Wind Ensemble has been selected to perform for a number of prestigious conferences including 16th International Conference of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in San Jose, CA (July 2015) and the National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) in Greensboro, NC (2013).
Dr. John Climer, Director of Bands
climer@uwm.edu
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 42 (music major), MUSIC 342 (non-major), MUSIC 789 (graduate student)
Made up of undergraduate and (some) graduate music majors, this ensemble is also open to non-Music students who possess significant artistry. Students audition during the first week of fall semester.
The Symphony Band ranks as one of the finest of its kind, having performed with a number of distinguished composers such as John Mackey, John Corigliano, Joseph Schwantner, Karel Husa, Samuel Adler, Warren Benson, Fisher Tull, Anthony Iannocone, and David Holsinger, and gave the Wisconsin Premiere of Michael Markowski’s Tidal Forces in 2010.
Dr. Scott Corley, Conductor
scorley@uwm.edu
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 40 (music major), MUSIC 340 (non-major), 788 (graduate student)
The University Community Band (UCB) is a concert band open to community members ages 18+ and students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Musicians under 18 may be accepted by permission of the instructor. There is no formal audition for membership, but previous experience on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument is required. The band performs one concert each semester and the repertoire includes both standard and contemporary band literature.
Dr. John Climer, Director of Bands
community-band@uwm.edu | (414) 229-5641
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 30 (undergraduate students), MUSIC 334 (undergraduate students – GER fulfillment), MUSIC 730 (graduate students),
For community members and those interested in non-credit participation there is a required fee. Sign up through the UWM School of Continuing Education by calling (414) 227-3200, or online at: sce-registration.uwm.edu.
Panther Band, the official UWM pep band, performs at all home Men’s and Women’s basketball games. Panther Band members are paid for each performance and are admitted with Panther Band to all of the basketball games for free. It’s a great way to get paid for playing fun music and enjoy Division 1 collegiate athletics!
To register for Panther Band, students must also be enrolled in a Music Department Large Ensemble (i.e. any UWM Band, Choir, Orchestra)–this requirement is waived after 2 years of Panther Band membership.
All interested Panther Band players must audition at the beginning of the season and participate in a few rehearsals before and during the course of the basketball season.
Dr. Scott Corley, Conductor
scorley@uwm.edu
General Season Timeline
Mid-September: Basketball schedules released, visit uwmpanthers.com for home game dates
End of September: Panther Band audition sign-ups, audition material/requirements released
Beginning of October: Panther Band auditions commence
Mid-October: Approximately 3 meetings and rehearsals
November–March (including games over Winter & Spring Breaks): Basketball season
Post-Season: The most musical and reliable students selected for post-season travel in March
Collaborative music making is an essential part of study and performance at UWM. Most every student pursuing an instrumental or vocal track are required to take part in Chamber Music and Ensembles at some point in their degree program.
Before the semester begins, students are placed into groups and assigned a coach. In collaboration with studio teachers and their coaches, students can select repertoire. They are also encouraged to submit requests concerning ensemble personnel, repertoire, and coach. Groups that wish to continue studying together can also request to stay together for more than one semester. Performance is a crucial component of the chamber music program. A final performance is required of each group at a convocation and student chamber recital.
The choral ensemble experience at UWM is diversified and comprehensive, ranging from traditional to experimental, classical to gospel, and intimate to grandiose. Ensembles are available to both music majors and non-music majors, providing opportunities for participation at all levels of interest and expertise, and bringing together musically interested students from across campus. Each of the five choirs has its own identity, but choirs also combine for special events such as annual end-of-semester concerts and major concerts with orchestra.
As the most select UWM choral ensemble, we carry a long tradition of the fine choral performances including secular and sacred music from all historical periods and styles. We also premiere works of contemporary composers and perform major choral/orchestral masterworks in collaboration with the other UWM choirs and the UWM Symphony Orchestra. Only students with at least one year of collegiate choral experience may audition for this ensemble.
Dr. Zachary Durlam, Director of Choral Activities
durlam@uwm.edu | (414) 229-2869
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 56 (music major), MUSIC 395 (non-music major), MUSIC 795 (graduate student)
A select group of female singers with a mission to sing and perform outstanding choral literature for both women’s and mixed choirs at the highest artistic levels. Members of the choir are from all majors and areas of study at UWM. The ensemble performs a diverse selection of both secular and sacred choral music in all styles and genres, and sings concerts both on campus and around the greater Milwaukee region, including major works with the UWM Symphony Orchestra each fall.
Because this is an advanced ensemble, students must have either a record of significant singing success (superior ratings at state solo festivals, selection for state honors or all-state choirs, etc.) or a minimum of one year of collegiate choral experience in order to audition. Members of the Advanced Women’s Choir may also audition for the University Chamber Ensemble, a small, select mixed choir of students from the Advanced Women’s Choir and University Men’s Choir.
Karen Wysocky, Conductor
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 52 (music major), MUSIC 352 (non-music major), MUSIC 798 (graduate student)
A large group of men with a mission to sing and perform outstanding choral literature for both men’s and mixed choirs at the highest artistic levels. Members of the choir are from all majors and areas of study at UWM. The ensemble performs a diverse selection of both sacred and secular choral music including barbershop, classical, popular, contemporary, and world music. Singers perform concerts both on campus and around the greater Milwaukee region, including major works with the UWM Symphony Orchestra each fall.
An informal audition is required and will consist mostly of vocal warm-ups to allow the directors to determine voice part, though students that have a prepared solo should bring it to the audition.
Dr. Zachary Durlam, Director of Choral Activities
durlam@uwm.edu | (414) 229-2869
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 50 (music major), MUSIC 350 (non-music major), MUSIC 750 (graduate student)
Made up of undergraduate singers from many academic areas. The Women’s Chorus sings a wide variety of both secular and sacred choral music in all styles and genres, specializing in the performance of the wonderfully diverse repertoire written especially for women’s voices. The Women’s Chorus regularly performs large choral masterworks with the other UWM choirs and the UWM Symphony Orchestra.
An informal audition is required and will consist mostly of vocal warm-ups to allow the directors to determine voice part, though students that have a prepared solo should bring it to the audition.
Karen Wysocky, Conductor
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 44 (music major) or MUSIC 45 (non-music major)
Debuting in the Fall of 1999 as a performing ensemble with a unique repertoire and style, the Gospel Choir meets only one evening a week to offer students the flexibility to participate in other choral activities. The Gospel Choir often performs off-campus by invitation at church services and revivals, and at special community events. Gospel Choir members are mature in their understanding of the servant-nature of their role in the ensemble.
No audition is required.
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 62 (credit), ADULT $100, SENIOR/STUDENT $50 (non-credit)
For community members and those interested in non-credit participation there is a required fee. Sign up through the UWM School of Continuing Education by calling (414) 227-3200, or online at: sce-registration.uwm.edu.
UWM’s Jazz Ensemble is a unique and collaborative affiliation with the local urban jazz community, this ensemble is made up of undergraduate and (some) graduate music majors, as well as non-Music students who possess significant artistry. In addition to several performance opportunities on and off-campus, students participate in outreach events with middle and high school jazz performers through youth programs and jazz festivals.
Nicki Roman, Director of Jazz Ensembles
romann@uwm.edu
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 271 (instructor consent required)
UWM Opera Theatre develops the dramatic abilities of the singers of tomorrow through the teaching of truthful communication and creative characterization. While our curriculum varies each year to match the needs of our spring opera production, it consistently connects students to the rich artistic influences found in the Milwaukee community and reinforces lessons learned from the professional world in our UWM studio with the tools and techniques required for success in dramatic vocal performance.
Auditions for opera productions are open to students of all levels and majors. Interested students will audition for a committee consisting of voice faculty and the production’s stage director, orchestra conductor, and music director.
Friends of UWM Opera Theatre champions the talent of students involved in UWM opera productions so that they may achieve success as the singers and teachers of tomorrow. Friends of Opera encourages talented UWM opera students and supports UWM opera productions through scholarships, community outreach, financial assistance for productions, and volunteer activities in order to advance the educational and artistic vision of UWM Opera Theatre.
Colleen Brooks, Lecturer in Voice
brooksjo@uwm.edu
Tanya Kruse, Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera; Voice Area Head
tkruse@uwm.edu | (414) 229-7427
UWM’s Percussion Ensemble offers undergraduate and graduate percussion students a curriculum that addresses a variety of instruments, techniques, and music genres. The ensemble provides students with a diverse education and guides them towards becoming versatile performers capable of playing a variety of percussion instruments in specific musical styles.
Alex Wier, Director of Percussion
wier@uwm.edu
Orchestras have long been a vital part of the Peck School of the Arts and the greater musical community of Milwaukee. Graduate and undergraduate music majors have the opportunity to intensely rehearse and perform concerts of a wide variety of orchestral repertoire. The University Community Orchestra opens its doors to well over one hundred players a term, including UWM students and community members ranging in age from 12-90+. The Orchestras host youth and University concerto competitions as well as the annual High School Honors Orchestra Festival.
Comprised of graduate and undergraduate music majors as well as students from other academic disciplines, the ensemble rehearses six hours a week and performs eight to twelve concerts each season. Members are introduced to the world’s great orchestra literature and their training prepares them for careers as professional musicians and music educators. Membership is by audition.
In addition to a six-concert subscription series, the Orchestra presents a children’s concert for area schools, collaborates annually with UWM Choirs, Opera Theatre, and Wind Ensemble, as well as presents an annual Concerto Competition Concert featuring up to two student winners. UWM’s Symphony Orchestra has performed at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, the Wisconsin Music Educators Association State Conference, for the Wisconsin Alliance for Composers, and throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.
Dr. Jun Kim, Director of Orchestral Activities
kimjy@uwm.edu | (414) 229-6063
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 182 (music major), MUSIC 382 (non-major), MUSIC 782 (graduate student)
This ensemble invites advanced beginners or skilled amateurs, ages 12 and older, to rehearse and perform together. It is open to anyone who can read music and enjoys playing classical symphonic repertoire. Musicians do not need to audition to be in the orchestra.
If you are interested in joining, please let us know which instrument you play and which part you prefer (i.e. Violin 2, Flute 1, Viola, etc.). Email: uco@uwm.edu; phone: (414) 229-4609.
Margery Deutsch, Director of Orchestral Activities
mdeutsch@uwm.edu | (414) 229-4609
Course Information & Rehearsal Schedules
Please visit the UWM Schedule of Classes to explore specific details regarding your appropriate course number: MUSIC 81 (non-majors), MUSIC 181 (music majors), MUSIC 781 (graduate students), Program Number 8300-9125 (community members)
For community members and those interested in non-credit participation there is a required fee. Sign up through the UWM School of Continuing Education by calling (414) 227-3200, or online at: sce-registration.uwm.edu.
Audition Information