Link to Ensembles

Ensemble Requirements

Ensemble playing is an integral part of the music department's programs of study. All music students, both undergraduate and graduate, are required to register and participate in ensembles that match their areas of interest and specialization. However, any University student demonstrating sufficient musical ability is able to participate in ensembles and can use them to fulfill elective requirements for their majors. Students can choose from over 25 groups! The department strongly encourages incoming students to register for their major ensemble their very first semester. Most ensembles require an audition, so it is recommended that students seek the ensemble instructor's approval prior to registration.

Undergraduate Music Students

• Voice Students - To fulfill degree requirements, voice students are required to participate in one of the following major ensembles:
  • University Symphonic Chorus
  • University Concert Chorus
  • University Chamber Singers
• Applied Voice Majors may take up to four credits in MUS 470 - Opera Theater - to satisfy their major ensemble requirement. The four credits in MUS 470 must be after their 300 upper division voice audition.
• String Students - To fulfill degree requirements, string students (except guitar) are required to participate in the University Symphony Orchestra.
• Wind and Percussion Students - To fulfill degree requirements, wind and percussion students are required to participate in one of the following major instrumental ensembles:
  • University Marching Band
  • Nevada Concert Winds
  • Nevada Wind Ensemble
  • Jazz Lab Bands (Jazz Studies majors only)
  • University Symphony Orchestra
• Keyboard and Guitar Students - To fulfill degree requirements, keyboard and guitar students are required to participate in a major ensemble. Keyboard students may substitute up to 50% (four semesters) of major ensemble requirement by enrolling in MUS 229, MUS 429 and MUS 629, Techniques of Piano Accompaniment. Guitar students may substitute up to 50% (four semesters) of major ensemble requirement by enrolling in MUS 205, MUS 405 and MUS 605, Guitar Ensemble.

Graduate Students

• Graduate Students -- To fulfill degree requirements, graduate students in the Department of Music are required to participate in some form of conducted or coached ensemble for a minimum of two credits.