Performance Ensembles
Choral Ensembles
CLU Choir
The California Lutheran University Choir is the premiere choral ensemble at CLU. The choir has earned an enviable reputation in its home state and throughout the Western United States for its commitment to performing the finest in choral literature from all eras in their original languages. While dedicated to performing works that represent the University's Lutheran heritage, the choir also embraces innovative new music, as well as music expressing a multi-cultural perspective.
Each fall the members of the choir are carefully selected by audition. While several are music majors, the ensemble reflects the diverse interests and disciplines of the California Lutheran University student body. The CLU Choir embarks on frequent tours. Past trips have included Hawaii, England, and Scandinavia.
Women's Chorale
The CLU Women's Chorale is an ensemble comprised of primarily Freshmen and Sophomore women. The Women's Chorale is an ensemble of approximately 40-voices which draws its repertoire from the wealth of choral music for female voices from all historical periods, from classical selections to modern style. Membership is open to both music and non-music majors. The Women's Chorale presents a formal concert on campus each semester and also gives off-campus performances by invitation.
Instrumental Ensembles
University Symphony
One of the first ensembles established at the founding of CLU, the University Symphony is a 50-60 member ensemble that performs several times each semester and has a diverse repertory ranging from the latest in contemporary composition to standards of the symphonic repertory. Qualified student soloists and conductors are often a featured. While the Symphony is an integral part of the program for music majors and minors it is open to all CLU students. Membership is by audition only with an emphasis on placing students in positions that best serve to promote their individual musical growth. Dr. Daniel Geeting, senior music department faculty member, is the conductor.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Professor Michael D. Hart, serves as one of the music department’s distinguished musical ensembles. Comprised of approximately 50 musicians, the Wind Ensemble presents several concerts each semester. Dedicated to performing the finest literature for wind band, concerts feature traditional works as well as new works by contemporary composers.
Selected members from the Wind Ensemble form the Chamber Winds Ensemble. This group consists of flexible instrumentation with one player per part and performs with the Wind Ensemble several times per semester. Each fall, members from the Wind Ensemble form the CLU Pep Band. This group supports CLU athletics by performing at every home football game.
Membership in the Wind Ensemble is open to all students regardless of major.
Jazz Ensemble
A new group that began during the 2002-2003 academic year, this group is entirely devoted to learning basic approaches to jazz improvisation and, beyond that,improving the skill level of each student. The ensemble performs on Wind Ensemble concerts as well as performing in less formal venues on and off campus. Faculty guitarist, Peter Woodford is the director.
CLU Honors Quartet
The CLU Honors Quartet showcases student musicians who are academic scholars. The ensemble features the clarinet, violin, viola and cello with the performers playing a wide variety of pieces including classical period, romantic and contemporary music. CLU Honors Quartet performs on a limited basis at community events. Read more...
