Esterhàzy Quartet. The Esterhàzy Quartet, established in 1960, is comprised of Eva Szekely, violin, Susan Jensen, violin, Leslie Perna, viola, and Darry Dolezal, cello. The quartet presents a series of four concerts yearly on campus as well as individual solo recitals and appearances with colleagues on the music faculty. The quartet has performed throughout the United States and tours regularly in South America. It came into prominence through performances on National Public Radio's "Quartessence" series, and records on the Spectrum and CRI labels. In addition to their fine performance tradition, each member is actively involved in many different kinds of teaching, including private students and sponsorship of the Missouri String Project and the Missouri Chamber Music Institute.

Missouri Quintet. The Missouri Quintet is quickly generating a reputation as one of the finest woodwind quintet chamber music ensembles in the country. Each of the four yearly on-campus concerts presents a wide variety of the standard quintet repertoire, as well as newer compositions and arrangements that explore the many possibilities available to this kind of ensemble. They have twice been invited to tour and present residencies in South America. The members of the Missouri Quintet include Steve Geibel, flute, Dan Willett, oboe, Paul Garritson, clarinet, Marcia Spence, horn, and Rodney Ackmann, bassoon. They also present other solo and ensemble recitals throughout the year and offer instruction to university students on the entire range of woodwind instruments, ensembles, and classes.

The MU Faculty Brass Quintet is the brass ensemble-in-residence at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The Quintet tours regularly throughout the United States, performing at music conventions, festivals, and universities. Plans are currently in development for the production of the MUFBQ's debut CD, with recording to begin in the Fall Semester 2002. Recently, the Quintet, with the help of the University Bands, invited Rami Oren, Principal Trumpet with the Israel Philharmonic, to perform the Boehme Sextet at Jesse Auditorium on the MU campus. In addition, the ensemble performed at the 2003 convention of the Missouri Music Educator's Association at the Tan-Tar-A resort in Osage Beach, MO. Members include Iskander Akhmadullin, trumpet, Brett Nelson, trumpet, Marcia Spence, horn, William Mann, trombone, and Angelo Manzo, tuba.

Student Ensembles

University Philharmonic. The University Philharmonic Orchestra is recognized as the leader in providing students with outstanding training and experience in the standard orchestral repertoire. From Bach to Brahms, to Mahler and beyond, the Philharmonic studies and performs the great masterworks at award winning levels of excellence.  

Under the leadership of Edward Dolbashian, Orchestra Director since 1985, the Philharmonic has been invited to perform in venues throughout the state of Missouri including five appearances at the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention. The Philharmonic was also awarded the prestigious honor of performing at the Music Educators National Conference, in Kansas City, MO, in 1996, and in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2006.

The Philharmonic has had the privilege of sharing the stage with internationally renowned artists. Such notables include the Beaux Arts Trio, the Bach Aria Group, operatic divas, Marilyn Horne and Monserrat Caballe, pianists Santiago Rodriguez and Minoru Nojima, violinist Xiang Gao and conductors Aaron Copland, Otto-Werner Mueller, Nicolai Rescigno, Robert Shaw, and Evgeni Ratchev.

As part of a student's overall musical experience, a concerto competition is open to all students who are studying privately with a School of Music Faculty member. Each year one to four students are selected to perform a full concerto with the orchestra as part of the season's schedule.

Membership in the Philharmonic is available to university students who are majoring in fields other than music. An audition is required prior enrolling, and, if accepted, the student must also enroll in private lessons with a member of the School of Music Faculty. This is to insure that the Orchestra's level of performance remains high.  

Substantial scholarship awards are available to all students, music majors and non-music majors alike. A scholarship audition is required, and the amount of the award is based on individual talent and the needs of the School of Music.

String Chamber Music. Students who participate in string chamber music are placed in appropriate ensembles and coached by a member of the Esterhazy Quartet. The objectives of the groups differ, some doing a great deal of public performance and others spending most of their time learning chamber music techniques and literature. These objectives are determined in consultation with the students. Sections are often combined with pianists or wind players in order to perform the masterpieces of chamber music literature. Admission is by consent of the string faculty.

Founded in 1946, the ensemble represented the State of Missouri at the 1964 World's Fair in New York and at a concert celebrating the Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence in Washington's Kennedy Center in 1976. On four occasions, Singers performed at regional and national conventions of the music Educators National Conference and the American Choral Directors Association, and appeared several times at the annual convention of the Missouri Music Educators Association, most recently in 1996. In March 1995, the ensemble performed, by invitation, in the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Constitution Hall for the national convention of the ACDA, and in May 1998 appeared, again by invitation, at the Florilège Vocal de Tours in Tours, France, where they were one of five choirs to advance to the final round in the Mixed Chorus Division. That appearance was preced by a two-week tour of England and France. In May 2000, the Singers undertook a concert tour of Italy with performances in Sorrento, Rome, Florence (for the international music festival Maggio Musicale Fiorentino), Venice, and Bergamo. In October 2000, they sang at the state funeral of Governor Mel Carnahan. University Singers is conducted by Paul Crabb.

Concert Chorale. The Concert Chorale is a seventy-voice select ensemble designed to provide intensified study of, and performance experience with, a varied repertoire of outstanding and challenging choral compositions. The membership of the Concert Chorale consists primarily of freshmen and sophomores, both music majors and majors in other disciplines.

Chamber Singers. The Chamber Singers is a sixteen-member auditioned choir, capable of performing a wide variety of music ranging from the intimate chansons and madrigals of the fifteenth century to the twentieth-century chamber choir repertoire. Formal campus concerts are given each semester.

University Choral Union. Organized in 1977, this 250-voice non-auditioned chorus represents a "union" of choral singers from the student body, University faculty and staff, and community members from Columbia and mid-Missouri. The ensemble presents one major program each semester. The Choral Union combines with professional orchestras, performers, conductors and various University instrumental ensembles to present performances of significant choral/orchestral literature. A primary objective of the Choral Union is to offer participants direct, extended educational exposure to some of the most significant music personalities of our time. These artists have included Aaron Copland, Robert Shaw, Sir David Willcocks, John Rutter, Lukas Foss, Vincent Persichetti, Margaret Hillis, Otto-Werner Mueller, and William Warfield. The Choral Union's repertoire has included large-scale oratorios such as Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Handel's Messiah and Judas Maccabaeus, Haydn's The Creation, Mendelssohn's Elijah, the Requiems of Mozart, Brahms, and Verdi, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, and such 20th-century works as the Honegger King David, Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, and Vaughan Williams's Dona Nobis Pacem.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Hitt Street Harmony). This group consists of 6-12 singers and is dedicated to the performance of both small combo and choral jazz arrangements.

The Show-Me Opera company consists of performers involved in the opera workshop and opera production classes. The courses are open to undergraduate and graduate students by audition and focus on the study, preparation, and performance of selected operatic or musical theatre works in staged or concert versions. Show-Me Opera performs a variety of opera and musical scenes programs each semester and often presents a full opera production in the spring. In 2003, MU commissioned a new dramatic musical work that was premiered by Show-Me Opera. Corps of Discovery, A Musical Journey, a three-act opera by Michael Ching and Hugh Moffatt, commemorates the expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and celebrates the bicentennial of their journey. Show-Me Opera is under the direction of Tiffany Blake.

University Bands

Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This ensemble is comprised of the finest woodwind, brass and percussion performers on campus. This select 42-65 piece ensemble offers one-per-part soloistic playing in a flexible setting. Unique in its repertory, the primary objective of this ensemble is to perform literature of the highest musical value with emphasis on works originally written for band and wind ensemble. High expectations for individual musicianship and advanced technical attainment make membership in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble a rewarding experience. Membership is open by invitation of the director after all auditions have been completed each semester. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble gives two performances each semester under the direction of Tom O'Neal.

Symphonic Band. This 70-piece ensemble is one of the highest quality performing organizations on campus. It is made up of accomplished wind and percussion players. The Symphonic Band performs a variety of standard or traditional concert band literature as well as newer works for the genre. Students are placed in this ensemble by auditions which are open to all students in the university during Summer Welcome and are open to all students in the university. The Symphonic Band gives two performances each semester under the direction of Michael Knight.

University Band. This ensemble is comprised of students, faculty, staff and other musicians from Columbia and nearby communities. This unique blend of personnel provides an opportunity for all those involved to perform the finest band literature. This band meets one evening per week for two hours and is an excellent choice for those who desire to stay involved in music performance, but have extremely busy schedules or large class loads. Membership is open to all interested individuals and auditions or interviews determine chair placement. The University Band gives one performance each semester.

Marching Mizzou Marching Mizzou, also known as the Big 'M' of the Midwest, is the most visible ensemble in the band program. Marching Mizzou is comprised of over 250 students from nearly every major within the university, this time-honored organization combines "Tiger" spirit, pride, quality musicianship and more than 110 years of tradition to create nationally renowned gridiron excitement. The marching and musical style for which Marching Mizzou has become famous blends the great traditions of MU with the exciting performance styles of today. The tremendous exhilaration of performing on Faurot Field in Memorial Stadium, which holds a capacity crowd of nearly 65,000, is unmatched anywhere. The action of the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams professional football games and yearly trips to other Big Twelve schools make this activity worthwhile for every student who participates. Marching Mizzou is directed by Michael Knight.

Mini Mizzou. Comprised of the best musicians of Marching Mizzou, this highly spirited ensemble performs at all men's home basketball games and tournaments. In addition to its numerous campus appearances, the band performs at various alumni functions and university extension activities throughout the United States. Recent activities have included trips to Utah, California and Idaho. Membership is open to all current members of Marching Mizzou by audition.

3 Point Play. This ensemble is comprised of members of Marching Mizzou. This exciting group performs at all women's home basketball games and tournaments as well as other women's sporting events such as the Cat Classic Gymnastics Tournament. Members are well-known for creative cheering and spirited playing. Membership is open to all current members of Marching Mizzou.

Jazz at Mizzou

Jazz Ensembles. There are three jazz ensembles each consisting of approximately twenty student musicians. The quality of past performances has resulted in "Outstanding Ensemble" and "Outstanding Soloist" awards at the prestigious Notre Dame and Wichita Collegiate Jazz Festivals. Each year prominent jazz artists work and perform with the students. Guests in past years have included Mike Stienel, Jamey Aebersold, Rob McConnell, Dominic Spera, Phil Wilson and Bob Mintzer. All of the ensembles regularly rehearse and perform the finest in ensemble literature throughout the year. Membership is open to all students by audition. Jazz Ensemble I and II are conducted by Doug Leibinger.

Jazz Combos and Improvisation Classes. A strong emphasis is placed on developing students to fully express themselves through improvisation. A basic improvisation course is available to students who have never improvised before. Students perform at an intermediate level of proficiency upon completion. There are several jazz combos consisting of six members or less that regularly rehearse with coaches. It is in these combos that members hone their skills of improvisation while learning repertoire. Students perform at University functions while preparing to become professional performing artists. Student written compositions and arrangements are encouraged and performed in this creative atmosphere. Membership is open to all students by audition.

Percussion at Mizzou

There are four different percussion ensembles in the School of Music - the University Percussion Ensemble, the Graduate Percussion Ensemble, the World Percussion Ensemble, and MUSteel which is the MU Steel Drum Band.

The University Percussion Ensemble (UPE) meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 2:00 and performs concert percussion ensemble music utilizing the standard percussion instruments. Each semester may contain an emphasis on chamber music or large ensemble music depending on the personnel of the ensemble.

The Graduate Percussion Ensemble (GPE) is open to graduate students only and focuses primarily on chamber music for three or four people. The GPE meets at an arranged time each semester depending on the student's schedules.

The World Percussion Ensemble (WPE) meets Monday from 4-6 during the winter semester only. This ensembles focuses on learning and performing music from different cultures around the world. The music is often taught by rote and contains a lot of opportunity for improvisation. Some cultures studied in the past are from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, Cuba, India, Egypt, and Latin America.

MU Steel is a full steel drum band and meets during the UPE or WPE time slot when necessary. This ensemble will perform gigs throughout the mid-Missouri region and has a full gig book of tunes ready to play when necessary. This is a popular ensemble on campus and plays several performances each semester. All ensembles require the permission of the instructor to enroll and this may include an audition depending on previous percussion experiences.

Woodwind Chamber Ensembles. All woodwind students are encouraged to participate in small ensembles while at MU. After auditions, ensembles are formed of students with similar abilities as conditions permit. Concerts both on and off campus are presented throughout the year. In the 1994-95 academic year, a permanent woodwind quintet, consisting primarily of graduate students, was formed, funded by the Buder Charitable Foundation of St. Louis, Missouri.

Trombone Choir. Formed in the Fall of 1992, the MU Trombone Choir serves as a laboratory extension of the MU trombone studio. The ensemble specializes in performing original music written for 4- to 16- part ensembles of trombones. Students are afforded an opportunity to perform works that push the limits of 20th-century trombone technique while focusing on aesthetic elements such as balance, blend, intonation, timbre and style. During its brief history, the group has performed in many prestigious venues including the International Trombone Festival, the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) National Convention, and the Missouri Music Educators Association Convention. The MU Trombone Choir is directed by Bill Mann.

Horn Choir. With both a challenging repertory and larger numbers, the Horn Choir serves as a broadening experience for students interested in chamber ensembles and horn performance. The ensemble is directed by Marcia Spence, and performs in a number of capacities from quartets through twelve horns. Focusing on musical detail and ensemble unity, the Horn Choir is quickly becoming one of the premier chamber ensembles on campus. As a new component of the Horn Studio, the Mizzou Horn Club, formed in 1998, allows students the opportunity to interact with players in Columbia and the surrounding areas. Through the Mizzou Horn Club, guest artists, lecturers, and ensembles will be at the access of horn students and community members.

Brass Chamber Music. Chamber groups formed exclusively of trombones, tubas, and horns are scheduled regularly. In addition, such mixed ensembles as brass quintets and quartets are offered depending on student interest. These ensembles provide an opportunity for the brass student to perform music of diverse styles, from the widest historical range, both original compositions and arrangements of other musical genres. In the 1994-95 academic year, a permanent brass quintet, consisting primarily of graduate students, was formed, funded by the Buder Charitable Foundation of St. Louis, Missouri.

The Mizzou Trumpets, as the Trumpet Ensemble of the University of Missouri-Columbia is called, provides students the opportunity to explore the vast and interesting literature for trumpet choir. Comprised of both graduate and undergraduate trumpet students, various combinations of players are used, from 3 up to 30, to provide a diverse spectrum of playing situations. In addition, throughout the literature performed, every instrument of the trumpet family is used, from the Piccolo Trumpet down to Flugelhorn and Bass Trumpet, in order to provide an expanded timbre and range within the compositions. The 2003 edition of the Mizzou Trumpets advanced to the Finals of the National Trumpet Competition in Washington, D.C.

2007© Curators of University of Missouri
MU School of Music