All are welcome!
All of the music ensembles listed below are open to all registered Bridgewater students regardless of academic major, undergraduate or graduate, though some ensembles require an audition to participate or for placement within the group. If you are interested in participating, please contact the ensemble director to learn the specifics of what you need to do to join. Whether you are a majoring in music, biology, history, business, or athletic training, you are welcome in these ensembles and encouraged to participate and enjoy the enormously rewarding experience of music making.
Choral Ensembles
Concert Choir
Bridgewater’s largest choral ensemble (upwards of 60 members) performs several concerts every year and anchors oratorio performances of major choral works, often accompanied by professional orchestra. Students in Concert Choir sing in a variety of languages and in a full range of styles including masterpieces of the Western classical canon, lively gospel arrangements, and modern works highlighting the latest trends in choral composition. The rehearsal process for this ensemble develops general musicianship and provides training in vocal technique while achieving high standards as a performing group; in this way, Concert Choir balances musical training with a performance-based curriculum. In addition to performances on Bridgewater’s campus, Concert Choir gives outreach community concerts and tours within the United States.
Chorale
The Bridgewater College Chorale is the college’s premier choral ensemble. Open to all students by audition, this 25-member group explores a wide range of repertoire and performs pieces from all historical eras and a variety of cultures. Through Chorale, students aspire to a professional-level rehearsal and performance process. The Chorale’s annual performance itinerary includes concerts and festivals on campus including the Founder’s Day celebration and Baccalaureate, appearances in neighboring communities and churches, and tours within the United States and abroad.
Treble Choir
The Treble Choir is an auditioned ensemble for soprano and alto singers which reheases and performs challenging works for high voices. Treble Choir performs at Bridgewater and in the surrounding communities every year, premieres new works for SSAA voices, and participates in annual concerts and events. The Treble Choir joins the Bridgewater College Chorale and Concert Choir in the annual Bridgewater Homecoming, Holiday Extravaganza Concert, and Spring Concerts.
Instrumental Ensembles
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is a large ensemble (upwards of 60 members) that programs a diversity of musical styles and historical periods. Participation is open to all students with instrumental experience, but there are auditions for seat placement. Typical reperoire includes standards of the wind band repertoire, transcriptions, and pieces highlighting the best contemporary band composers. The Symphonic Band has a proud tradition of commissioning and premiering new works. The Symphonic Band has one major concert each semester and also performs at holiday concerts and at Commencement.
Jazz Ensemble
The Music Department’s two auditioned jazz ensembles feature big band instrumentation: trumpets, trombones, saxes, and rhythm section (drum set, auxiliary percussion, piano, guitar, bass). They collaborate with other musicians as well, and it is not unusual to hear flute, clarinet, tuba, or vocalists at their shows. Concert programs include traditional big band swing, progressive jazz, and contemporary arrangements of pop music. Students have ample opportunities to solo and to hone their improvisation skills. In addition to their own concerts each semester, the Jazz Ensemble tours regionally.
Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band
The Screamin’ Eagles Marching Band is an inclusive ensemble known for its outstanding sound and school spirit. As ambassadors for Bridgewater College, the band performs at all home football games and occasionally travels to provide students with unique performance opportunities. Participation is open to all students with previous experience playing instruments used in marching band. Auditions could be required for the Drumline, Front Ensemble, and Color Guard depending on instrumentation and/or ensemble needs.
Screamin’ Eagles Pep Band
Screamin’ Eagles fun does not stop at the end of football season! The energetic Screamin’ Eagles Pep Band provides spirited performances in the stands at home games for both the women’s and men’s basketball teams. Participation is open to all students with previous experience playing instruments used in pep band.
Chamber Strings
The Chamber Strings ensemble is a string orchestra that performs classical repertoire as well as arrangements of popular music. On occasion, the ensemble joins forces with other orchestral instruments to explore traditional orchestral music. This group is an excellent opportunity for violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to keep up their hard-won string-playing skills in a fun ensemble setting.
Chamber Ensembles
Chamber ensembles are small groups of instrumentalists that meet weekly with a coach. They perform in the music department’s Chamber Music Concert every semester, and they are featured in the annual holiday concert. Chamber ensembles are frequently invited to perform at other functions on and off campus, and sometimes participate in music major recitals. Groups are organized based on the availability of interested student musicians and faculty. The music department regularly offers the following opportunities:
- Brass Quintet
- Clarinet Choir
- Flute Choir
- Guitar Ensemble
- Handbell Choir
- Jazz Combo
- Percussion Ensemble
- Sax Choir
- Trumpet Ensemble
- Tuba Quartet
Applied lessons
Applied lessons for credit are available in piano, organ, voice, guitar, woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments. Students have a weekly lesson one-on-one with the applied teacher throughout the semester. Note that there is fee when registering for applied lessons.
For more details, contact Dr. Christine Carrillo, chair of the music department.
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
NAfME (National Association for Music Education) is one of the world’s largest arts education organizations. Join the Bridgewater College chapter of NAfME to enhance your education. We have recently sponsored events such as music technology workshops, trips to the state convention, an “Elementary School Day” in which teachers from local schools explain their lesson plans and methods, activities for “Music in Our Schools” month, and mock interviews.
For more information, contact the NAfME chapter advisor: Dr. Vimari Colón-León.
Questions? Reach out!
Dr. Ryan E. Keebaugh
Director of Choral Music
rkeebaugh2@bridgewater.edu
Barry Flowe
Director of Athletic Bands
bflowe@bridgewater.edu
Dr. Christine E. Carrillo
Director of Instrumental Music
ccarrill@bridgewater.edu
