Students from all majors are welcome to join music students in a wide variety of groups. For information about auditions and to connect directly with ensemble conductors, contact the Music Department.
Choral Ensembles
Concert Choir—Jeff Wilson, director
As the university's premier vocal group, this select group of singers performs widely at schools, churches, on tour and at choral festivals. Music comes from all periods—Classical to the 21st Century, a cappella and accompanied, with the primary focus on sacred texts.
Crosswind—Melita Zubacz, conductor
This troupe of singers and instrumentalists performs two genres of contemporary Christian music, including European-influenced choral anthems and African-inspired praise and worship music.
Women’s Chorale | Men's Chorus—Jeff Wilson, director
Comprised of students in all disciplines who love to sing, FPU’s women’s and men's choirs perform works in a variety of styles -- from classical to exuberant contemporary pieces. Rehearsals emphasize the development of singing technique and sight-reading, and singers gain a knowledge of musical elements through literature and performance.
Pacific Chamber Singers—Jeff Wilson, director
A select ensemble of 8-16 outstanding vocalists who perform a wide variety of repertoire including traditional sacred choral music, jazz and multi-cultural works. Selected singers also participate in MUS 116 Concert Choir. By audition or permission of the instructor.
Instrumental Ensembles
Symphonic Band—George Dougherty, conductor
Comprised of music major and non-music major musicians from across campus, the Symphonic Band performs a variety of wind band repertoire. With a focus on nurturing musical growth through performance, the band can be heard in a variety of concert venues and at FPU ceremonial events. FPU's Symphonic Band was selected to present a special concert at the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle in 2018, and has performed at Carnegie Hall.
Jazz Ensemble—George Dougherty, conductor
Exploration and improvisation are the essence of jazz, and this ensemble honors and builds on that tradition in its constant exploration of the swing, bebop, funk, blues and Latin-jazz forms.
Pacific Brass—George Dougherty, conductor
The university’s oldest instrumental group, Pacific Brass performs in a variety of venues and brings the warm sounds of brass to many campus and off-campus occasions, such as the "BIG MUSIC/small spaces" chamber concerts.
Woodwind Ensembles
Chamber Wind Ensemble—Christa Pehl Evans, conductor
Sax Quartet—George Dougherty, conductor
FPU's woodwind ensembles bring solid musicianship to the performance of standard and contemporary woodwind literature. Concerts follow today's trend to seek community and an interactive musical experience between players and the audience with performances happening in smaller, inviting venues—"BIG MUSIC/small spaces."