School of Music Ensembles

Indoor Drumline

The Liberty University Indoor Drumline (LUID) is an extension of the Liberty University Marching Band. It is comprised of a full front ensemble and battery line dedicated to excellence in the marching arts. This award-winning percussion ensemble competes every spring in the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) and Winter Guard International (WGI) circuits in the Percussion Independent Open (PIO) classification. LUID provides opportunities to learn as a musician and compete at a high level.

Membership is selected by audition and open to any major. Auditions are generally held in October. Rehearsals are held regularly from November through March.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Marching Band

The Liberty University Marching Band, The Spirit of the Mountain, has established itself as a prestigious corps-style group that features contemporary show designs.

The band has performed at several renowned venues and events, including: Bands of America Competitions, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York Giants NFL Game, Carowinds, Broadway at the Beach, Competitive Exhibition Performances, Jacksonville Landing, State of Virginia Marching Band State Championship Finals, The Collegiate Marching Band Festival, and Walt Disney World.

Membership is selected by audition, open to any major, and scholarships are awarded to all band members.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Spirit Band

The Liberty University Spirit Band is the university’s pep band, performing primarily at home and postseason basketball games. The Spirit Band performs a wide variety of musical selections before large public audiences, as well as radio and television audiences, and travels with the basketball teams during postseason play. There are thirty scholarship members, including those who play trumpet, mellophone, baritone, trombone, tuba, saxophone, piccolo, drumset, and bass guitar.

Membership is selected by audition and is open to any major. Auditions are held in October.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Concert Choir

The Liberty University Concert Choir performs music from all styles of the choral repertoire. In addition to their academic performances, Concert Choir often partners with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra in special concert presentations. Membership is by audition and is open to students of any major.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Symphony Orchestra

The Liberty University Symphony Orchestra (LUSO) is an auditioned instrumental ensemble comprised of student musicians playing string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Under the direction of Dr. Zachary Bruno, LUSO rehearses and performs standard repertoire of the orchestral canon as well as contemporary and commercial compositions. The Symphony Orchestra periodically combines with LU’s Choirs to rehearse and perform grand masterworks and regularly travels on concert tours during Spring semesters.

Students of any major may audition.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

University Band

University Band is the School of Music’s general concert band, available to all Liberty students. It is generally comprised of new students in the School of Music, music majors performing on a secondary instrument, and non-music majors. The University Band’s repertoire includes standard and new band works as well as original and transcribed works from all eras. The purpose of this band is to develop proficiency and musical understanding through large ensemble rehearsal and performance. Membership does not require an audition and is open to any major.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

University Chorale

University Chorale performs a wide range of repertoire, including classical choral pieces, contemporary church anthems, and Broadway showtunes. Each semester, this ensemble presents a free concert to the Liberty University and Lynchburg community and regularly performs during College for a Weekend. Membership is open to students of any major and no audition is required.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Wind Symphony

The Liberty University Wind Symphony (LUWS) is a performing ensemble in the School of Music, comprised of student musicians playing woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.

Under the direction of Dr. Zachary Bruno, LUWS performs classic and contemporary repertoire for wind band, frequently records studio albums, and frequently travels on concert tours throughout the eastern United States during Spring semesters. The Wind Symphony has been invited to perform numerous times for the regional conferences of the College band Directors National Association (CBDNA) and the conference of the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA)

Auditions are open to all Liberty students.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Worship Choirs

The Worship Choirs focus on applying excellent musicianship and vocal technique to current church anthems. Utilizing stylistically diverse repertoire, these ensembles perform in College for a Weekend events, Christmas on the Boulevard and the Annual Night of Worship. Membership is open to any major and both Worship Choirs serve to fulfill School of Music ensemble requirements.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Celebration Choir

In partnership with Thomas Road Baptist Church, students in this unique and practical ensemble sing alongside church choir members. Each spring semester, this ensemble provides students with both choral music instruction as well as practical leadership skills as they observe and experience how to lead a large church choir.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Chamber Singers

Chamber Singers is the premiere classical vocal ensemble in the School of Music. This ensemble performs repertoire from the Renaissance to Contemporary periods. Chamber Singers performs during College for a Weekend and School of Music curricular events, Liberty University graduation ceremonies, and their annual spring break tour. Membership is by audition and is open to students of any major.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Opera Workshop

Opera Workshop gives undergraduate and graduate students a workshop style environment to combine their individual vocal training with skills in acting, stage presence, and collaboration. Each year, the students present a full-length opera. Recent performances include The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan, The Tenderland by Aaron Copland and Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Afro-Cuban Ensemble

The Liberty University Afro-Cuban Ensemble is open to all LU students, regardless of major, and does not require an audition for membership. The ensemble primarily performs traditional Latin Jazz and Salsa music and is made up of a full rhythm section (congas, timbales, bongos, etc., bass, piano, drum set) as well as a horn line (saxes and brass). No prior knowledge or experience with these styles of music is required. The ensemble performs on campus, regularly collaborates with LU faculty and guest artists, and embarks on a seasonal tour.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Brass Quintet

The Brass Quintet (two trumpets, trombone, horn, tuba) uses classic and contemporary repertoire to provide brass students with practical ensemble opportunity, outside of applied lessons and the orchestral setting. This ensemble performs throughout the year during on-campus events. Members are selected by audition and must be declared music majors.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Clarinet Ensemble

The Clarinet Ensemble performs throughout the year during University and School of Music events. In Fall 2019, the ensemble was invited to perform at International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest in Reno, NV. Membership is open to students of all majors and no audition is required.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Flute Ensemble

The Flute Ensemble provides flute players the opportunity to perform on piccolo, flute, alto flute, and bass flute. This ensemble focuses on developing collaborative and leadership skills. Membership is open to students of all majors and no audition is required.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Guitar Ensemble

The Guitar Ensemble presents classic and contemporary pieces composed or arranged for multiple guitars. The ensemble performs on campus throughout the year and provides practical pedagogical experience for students. Membership is by audition and is open to all music students and non-music majors who have previous guitar experience.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble presents repertoire consisting of historical and modern compositions and arrangements which provides students with an opportunity to implement jazz techniques and methodologies. The ensemble performs each semester on campus in curricular and professional settings. Jazz Ensemble instrumentation includes trumpets, trombones, saxophones, electric and bass guitar, string bass, piano, drums, and vocals. Membership is by audition and is open to all Liberty University students.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Liberty Cello Project

The Liberty Cello Project is an innovative cello ensemble that use classical and contemporary techniques to present a wide variety of repertoire. Membership is open to all Liberty University students with approval from the ensemble director.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Percussion Ensemble

The Liberty University Percussion Ensemble performs everything from contemporary percussion repertoire to jazz, bluegrass, Christian hymns and spirituals, transcriptions and arrangements of choral pieces, and music from all over the world. The ensemble performs on campus, regularly collaborates with LU faculty and guest artists, and embarks on a seasonal tour. Participation in the LU Percussion Ensemble is granted by audition only.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Percussion Quartet

The Liberty University Percussion Quartet is an elite group of (4) four students dedicated to the highest level of performance of chamber music for percussion. Membership is determined by audition. Performance opportunities may include on and off-campus events, recruiting trips, conferences/conventions, competitions/festivals, churches, schools, and more! Music will span from virtually any period, style, and genre. All LUPQ members will receive a SOM scholarship!

Members must:

• be a full-time, residential undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a SOM degree with concert percussion or drum set as their declared primary instrument.
• also be enrolled in either Wind Symphony or LU Symphony Orchestra during the entire scholarship award term.
• maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher during the entire scholarship award term.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

String Quartet

The String Quartet (2 violins, viola, and cello) performs regularly during on-campus events, such as College for a Weekend and Christmas on the Boulevard. The ensemble focuses on classical repertoire and hymn arrangements. Membership is by audition, and is open to music majors. Each member of the String Quartet receives a scholarship.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

Woodwind Quintet

The Woodwind Quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn) is often featured during School of Music events. This ensemble combines exceptional musicianship and engaging repertoire to bring a unique woodwind quintet experience to audiences. Membership is selected by audition and is open to music majors. Each member of the Woodwind Quintet receives a scholarship.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

E-41

E-41 takes its name and mission from Ephesians 4:1, which states, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” (ESV). This worship team leads corporate worship using popular worship songs arranged in the folk and bluegrass style. Whether on the campus of Liberty University, or in churches across the nation, their distinct sound brings a fresh experience to worship. Membership is by audition and is open to music majors.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at somworshipteams@liberty.edu

Libertad

Libertad utilizes the Spanish language and Latin style music to lead worship. As part of the team’s overall mission, Libertad desires to impact the nations with the Gospel through missions, focusing specifically in Latin American countries. Membership is by audition and is open to students of any major.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at som@liberty.edu

LU Praise

LU Praise is a group of dynamic musicians dedicated to leading God’s people in genuine, heartfelt worship. This Gospel choir uses ethnic and musical diversity to lead worship through song, testimony, service, and sharing the Word of God. Each year, LU Praise regularly leads worship during on campus events and travels to churches and special events throughout the United States. Membership is by audition and is open to students of any major.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at somworshipteams@liberty.edu

Shine

Shine is an a cappella team of students who inspire and encourage listeners with their beautiful harmony and powerful lyrics. With unique and fresh vocal arrangements, this team utilizes Christian music, old and new, to present the Gospel to its listeners. In 2018, Shine was invited to sing as part of The 8th Annual Christmas in New York at Carnegie Hall with Travis Cottrell and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra. In addition to on campus performances, Shine has been featured at Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, NY and has participated in National Day of Prayer events in Washington, D.C. Membership is by audition and is open to music majors.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at somworshipteams@liberty.edu

Vessel

Vessel is a modern worship band that regularly leads worship on campus and in churches around the nation. While membership on this team fulfills an academic ensemble requirement, the primary goal of Vessel is to encourage the body of Christ and exhibit a worship lifestyle on and off the platform. Membership is by audition and is open to music majors.

For more information, please contact the School of Music at somworshipteams@liberty.edu