The Division of Music offers opportunities for choral and instrumental ensemble participation to students of all academic majors at Samford. Students can enroll in one of our choirs, bands, orchestra, or chamber ensembles. Ensembles are taken as an academic course that counts toward general elective requirements for degrees offered throughout the university, or they may be taken for a 0 credit if the student is already at 18 credit hours.
A Cappella Choir
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:40-1:35 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 12:25-1:45 p.m.
Performs both regionally and internationally, as well as for important university functions throughout the year. Auditions for membership in the A Cappella Choir are held throughout the summer.
Contact: Philip Copeland
Audition Information
Chamber Ensembles
Rehearsal times determined by the conductor
Jazz Band
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2:15 to 3:20 p.m.
Performs standard big band and small combo literature from various jazz styles. The performance season includes featured concerts that take place both on and off campus. Auditions August 28, 2-4 p.m. Brock 205 and 302.
Lakeshore
Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Dave Mathews Band...Lakeshore is Samford’s Commercial Music flagship band. Performing R&B, funk/soul, and pop hits from the 60s to today, this auditioned ensemble features a full rhythm section, horns, and vocalists. Lakeshore also frequently performs original songs written in-house by Samford students.
Contact: Steven Potaczek
Marching Band
Rehearsal Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 4:10–6 p.m.
This ensemble meets only during the fall semester and performs at home and away football games, as well as other student activities, including Homecoming and Connections events. Membership is open to all students with previous band experience encouraged; marching experience is not necessary, and no audition is required to join the ensemble. Scholarships are available by audition only. Please contact Dr. Patrick Young to schedule a band scholarship audition.
Montague
AC/DC, Shania Twain, John Mayer… Montague is the newest Commercial Music ensemble here at Samford. Playing student originals in addition to rock, country, and pop’s hottest hits, Montague is a high-octane band that features several vocalists and a rhythm section.
Contact: Steven Potaczek
Orchestra
Mondays 7-9 p.m. and Wednesdays 3:30-5 p.m.
The Samford Orchestra performs throughout the year and features standard orchestral literature, operas, oratorios, concerti, and musical theatre shows.
Wind, brass, and percussion
The auditions will be first come, first served starting at 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25 in Brock Recital Hall Room 206. Performers can select a solo or étude of their choice, or find important solo moments from Sibelius‘ First Symphony using IMSLP.org. Any questions for these auditions or to schedule a different time, please contact
Brian Viliunas.Contact: Brian Viliunas
Pep Band
Rehearsal Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 4:10–6 p.m. (Spring semester only)
This ensemble performs at men's and women's home basketball games and travels to conference and postseason tournaments as needed. Membership is open to all students, with previous band experience encouraged. The band's repertoire includes Top 40, jazz, big band, pop and rock favorites. Pep Band operates in conjunction with the Wind Ensemble and maintains a flexible rehearsal schedule based on performance needs. Band scholarships are available by audition only. Please contact Dr. Patrick Young to schedule a band scholarship audition.
Percussion Ensemble
Rehearsal times determined by the conductor
Performs a wide range of works on various percussion instruments. Members must have considerable skill on percussion instruments ranging from drums and timpani to mallet instruments and some ethnic percussion. Members will also periodically be performing on steel drums, but prior experience on these instruments is not required for membership. Membership is by audition.
Samford Opera
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30-5 p.m., and Monday 7-9 p.m.
Performs one mainstage production of opera or operetta each season. Auditions for fall productions typically are held the previous spring. All majors are welcome.
Opera Workshop
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Performs scenes from operas and musical theatre each semester. No audition necessary for music or musical theatre majors. Students with other majors are welcome but will need to audition.
Samford Worship Collective
The
Samford Worship Collective brings together student musicians who are passionate about leading others in authentic worship. As the university’s flagship worship team, the collective focuses on developing musical excellence while cultivating spiritual growth, community, and leadership rooted in the Gospel. Through regular gatherings, ministry opportunities and a shared commitment to service, students are equipped to lead with purpose both on campus and beyond.
Contact: Jonathan Rodgers
University Chorale
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:45 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
University Chorale is open to all Samford students. No audition is required. Before the beginning of Fall Semester, register for MUSC 1720-01. This ensemble performs a cross-section of quality literature in major concerts and university events each year.
Wind Ensemble
Rehearsal Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 4:10–6 p.m. (Spring semester only)
The Samford University
Wind Ensemble is a traditional concert band that provides an opportunity for music and non-music majors to participate. The Wind Ensemble provides exposure to diverse literature, including chamber music and traditional and contemporary works for wind band. During each concert season, visiting conductors and composers interact with students as part of a comprehensive educational experience. The ensemble performs multiple concerts throughout the semester. There are no auditions required to join the ensemble; auditions are only used for part assignments and will take place during the first week of classes each semester.
