Music Ensembles
At EMU our ensembles are open to all musicians, regardless of major or career goals. Students can register for up to 1 credit per semester or 8 credits total toward graduation for ensemble participation.
Why join an ensemble
- Students who participate in music during college are gaining valuable skills related to teamwork, decision-making, and creative problem-solving.
- By joining a musical ensemble at EMU you can experience the joy of creating music together.
- Even if you aren’t a major, joining an ensemble in college continues to develop lifelong appreciation for the art of making music.
- You will have an opportunity to continue the investment you made as a child in perfecting an instrument and performance techniques.
- Making music can be a stress-relieving activity.
- Non-majors are eligible for scholarships for ensemble participation.
Chamber Singers Highlights
- Small group comradery
- Opportunities for touring, including internationally every other year
- Recording opportunities
- Dive into challenging repertoire
- Auditions required
Learn More about Chamber Singers
University Choir Highlights
- Large group choral music accessible to a variety of skill levels
- Improve through challenging music with strong singers
- Make friends and join others who love to sing
- Performs a large masterwork with the EMU Orchestra during the fall Gala
- Performances in concerts and events throughout the year
Orchestra, Jazz and Wind Ensemble Highlights
- Get to know the community – Harrisonburg community members play with students making this a great way to get to know alumni and community members.
- The orchestra is the only community orchestra in Harrisonburg!
- Play a wide variety of music and explore new genres
- Emphasis on collaboration not competition in music making
- Casual and formal performance opportunities
- Some roles may require an audition
Chamber Singers
Fresh from their European summer tour, the EMU Chamber Singers is one of the busiest ensembles on campus. With its membership comprising of select auditioned singers, the group specializes in performing choral literature of various periods, styles, and cultures. Performances occur both on and off campus; with local or international touring done each year. Members of Chamber Singers are also members of the University Choir.
University Choir
The University Choir's performance under Benjamin Bergey has been recognized by the American Prize for Choral music. The choir sings repertoire from all periods of music history. Membership is open to any Eastern Mennonite University student, hence this large choral ensemble represents a wide variety of academic majors. Alumni, faculty, staff, and community members are also invited to join the choir for its yearly performances during the Fall Music Gala or Spring Concert.
EMU Jazz Ensemble
The EMU Jazz Ensemble provides opportunities for students interested in jazz to learn musical skills and techniques associated with jazz music performance including different styles and improvising. Emphasis is placed on performance of jazz in the big band style. The Jazz Ensemble is open to EMU students, faculty, and staff as well as to community players. Preferences will be given to students of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, keyboard, drum set, bass, and guitar, but all students are welcome. The ensemble performs on campus and at local venues.
EMU Orchestra
A finalist in the American Prize for outstanding Orchestral performance, the EMU Orchestra is open to students, faculty and community players interested in playing selections from the symphonic repertoire. Several concerts are scheduled each year, including a large masterwork with the University Choir on the fall Gala Concert, and performing with student soloist winners of the Concerto/Aria competition in the spring. This orchestra is the only community orchestra in Harrisonburg!
Jazz Combo
The EMU Jazz Combo has been making the rounds playing for various university events. With its new director, Benjamin Guerrero we expect that this special ensemble will continue to delight the EMU and the local communities.
EMU Wind Ensemble
The EMU Wind Ensemble is a large group of woodwinds, brass, and percussion players that is open to students, faculty and community players. Two concerts are scheduled each semester, occasionally in collaboration with soloists and other student ensembles.
EMU Rockin' Royals Pep Band
The Rockin' Royals Pep Band fosters school spirit during sports events at EMU. This fun ensemble is open to students, faculty, staff, and sports-loving community members.
