Wind Ensemble
Conducted by Dr. Reed Thomas, The MTSU Wind Ensemble is the premier performing ensemble for wind, brass, and percussion students at the university. Members are selected through audition each semester and comprise the best musicians at MTSU. The ensemble explores the vast range of the wind repertoire by utilizing a flexible instrumentation approach where the repertoire dictates the number of players for each piece. The ensemble is dedicated to performing outstanding and challenging works of diverse musical styles while furthering wind music of artistic and historical significance. Performing three to five concerts each semester, they also tour extensively throughout the region. The Wind Ensemble is quickly becoming recognized as one of the outstanding university ensembles in the country and abroad. They have been invited to perform in Thailand, Korea, Japan, and several European countries. Membership is open to all MTSU students.
Symphonic Band
The MTSU Symphonic Band fosters the highest performance standards while offering its members an opportunity to expand their technical, intellectual, and musical horizons. The ensemble seeks to broaden performance and pedagogical skills through the programming of exemplary wind band literature while fostering an interest in the band as an integral part of the American musical scene. Membership is open to all university students through audition and the conductor is Craig Cornish, Associate Director of Bands.
Saxophone Quartet
One of this nation’s versatile ensembles, the saxophone ensemble is known for performing all styles of music. This group has performed in many different venues such as school concerts, jazz festivals, shopping malls, and student recitals. The ensemble is open to all students at MTSU seeking an opportunity for a challenging and exciting musical experience
MTSU Jazz Ensemble I
Directed by Don Aliquo, MTSU Jazz Ensemble I is the top performing large ensemble in the jazz studies program. It features the most experienced student players and concentrates on cutting-edge literature and master works from the big band repertoire. The group has recently performed compositions by Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Phil Woods, Bob Mintzer, and many others. Jazz Ensemble I has toured throughout the region and performed at top collegiate festivals including the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival. A highlight is the ensemble’s annual performance at the MTSU Jazz Festival where the group performs with an internationally acclaimed jazz artist. Past guests have included Phil Woods, Rufus Reid, Benny Golson, Eddie Daniels, Bob Mintzer, Arturo Sandoval, Bobby Shew and Peter Erskine.
MTSU Jazz Ensemble II
Directed by Jamey Simmons, this ensemble provides training and performance experiences in the big band tradition. They perform throughout the year including a yearly performance at the MTSU Jazz Festival.
Jazz Combos
Directed by jazz faculty and graduate jazz teaching assistants, these small ensembles provide students the opportunity to develop jazz performing skills, master standard literature, strengthen improvisational ability, and explore original compositions and arrangements. Placement in combos is by audition and the groups range from beginning to advanced. The combos perform both on and off campus.
Jazz Studies home page
Jazz Studies home page
MTSU Salsa Band
The MTSU Salsa Band is an ensemble dedicated to the study and performance of Afro-Cuban Salsa music. The group includes a horn section, percussion section, a bass, and a piano. The percussion section generally includes congas, timbales, bongos, and a drum set while the horn section includes trumpets, saxophones, and a trombone. The group is open to students through audition. The members of the group study the style, form, and history or Afro-Cuban music, and are encouraged to write or arrange tunes in salsa style. Under the direction of Associate Professor Lalo Davila, the group performs both on and off campus.
Band of Blue
The marching band at MTSU, the Band of Blue, is directed by Associate Director of Bands, Craig Cornish, and presents original halftime shows at all home football games and selected out-of-town games. Membership is open to any university student who can display good marching techniques and a fundamental proficiency on an instrument used in the marching band. Guard, majorettes, and dance team members are accepted by audition. Two semesters of marching band may be substituted for two courses of General Studies physical activity credit, but this substitution does not meet teacher licensure requirements.
Band Page
Band Page