Performing Ensembles

The Department of Music, Theatre and Film offers several options for students interested in taking individual lessons or participating in ensembles. These include Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, University Singers, Chamber Music and one-on-one lessons on a variety of instruments.

The Big Band Jazz Ensemble is a 20-piece group of student musicians performing in a variety of styles including swing, funk, Latin and contemporary jazz. Jazz Combo is a small, select group of students who perform in various ensemble settings with an emphasis on jazz improvisation. The ensemble rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:30 p.m. in the Nicoletti Music Studio. All musicians are invited to join but an evaluation is required beforehand. For more information, please contact Suzanne Sorkin, Ph.D. 

The University Singers is a diverse group of students, faculty and alumni who love choral music and seek to perform it at the highest level. The ensemble performs regularly throughout the academic year, often performing major works with orchestra and at events in the greater community of Philadelphia. Past works performed by the University Singers include Durufle’s Requiem, portions of Handel’s Messiah and Eric Whitacre’s Lux Arumque. University Singers rehearse on Monday evenings in the Chapel of Saint Joseph from 6:30-9:00 p.m. The ensemble is open to all who love to sing! For more information, contact Kelly Gomez-Zimmer.

Concert Choir is an auditioned mixed choral ensemble of approximately sixteen singers. The Concert Choir performs challenging works by historical and contemporary composers, performing frequently at university and community events during the academic year.  For more information, contact Kelly Gomez-Zimmer.

Saint Joseph's University has a growing chamber music program in which students participate in ensembles including string quartets, piano trios and brass quintets while receiving coaching from a member of the music faculty. Students audition for and are placed in ensembles at the beginning of each semester, and they receive credit for their participation. For more information, contact Elizabeth Morgan, Ph.D.

Each semester, auditions are held for admission into the voice studio of Professor Rebecca Siler or Dr. Misoon Ghim at Saint Joseph's University. If accepted, students receive credit for one-on-one lessons once a week studying breath management, phrasing, diction, performance practice and accurate musicianship. Students perform in a recital open to the campus community with the members of their studio at the end of each semester. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Morgan, Ph.D.

Each semester, auditions are held for admission into the piano studio of Dr. Elizabeth Morgan or Professor Emiko Edwards at Saint Joseph's University. If accepted, students receive credit for one-on-one lessons once a week, studying keyboard technique and musicality and learning repertoire. Students perform in a recital open to the campus community with the members of their studio at the end of each semester. For more information, contact Elizabeth Morgan, Ph.D.

Each semester, auditions are held for admission into the guitar studio at Saint Joseph's University. If accepted, students receive credit for one-on-one lessons once a week, studying classical guitar technique, musicality and traditional repertoire. Each student will be given the opportunity to choose from the music of Latin and South America, Spain, Classical Era, 20th Century, among others. Students perform in a recital open to the campus community with the members of their studio at the end of each semester. For more information, contact Cale Hoeflicker, D.M.

Each semester, auditions are held for admission into the violin studio of Professor Charles Parker at Saint Joseph’s University. If accepted, students receive credit for one-on-one lessons once a week, studying technique and musicality and learning repertoire. Students perform in a recital open to the campus community with the members of their studio at the end of each semester. For more information, contact Elizabeth Morgan, Ph.D.