Performance ensembles

All students, regardless of major, are invited to audition for any performing ensemble.

A cappella Choir

With 60 to 80 members, the A cappella Choir sings choral literature from the Renaissance through the 21st century and performs major choral works with area symphony orchestras. The choir has performed on national radio and television and toured in the U.S. and Europe.

Chamber ensembles (brass, strings and woodwinds)

The brass, string and woodwind quintets involve the best Northwestern musicians in their respective performance areas. The groups perform core, innovative and specialized literature in a variety of venues and events.

Chamber Orchestra

The Chamber Orchestra consists of approximately 25 student string players who perform works for chamber ensemble and small orchestra, incorporating a wind and percussion complement. Membership is by invitation of the director.

Heritage Singers (mixed chamber choir)

The 28 Heritage Singers members are chosen by audition from the A cappella Choir. The ensemble has performed chamber operas and madrigal dinners and toured in Europe.

Jazz Band

The Jazz Band has approximately 18 members and performs a variety of jazz styles, including swing, blues, ballads and big band music. The ensemble performs several times each year.

Percussion Ensemble

This select group of percussionists plays avant-garde, classical, jazz and world music. They perform on campus and at events like the Iowa and South Dakota Percussive Arts Societies’ Days of Percussion.

Symphonic Band

With 60 musicians, the Symphonic Band performs a wide variety of wind band repertoire, from the Renaissance to contemporary periods of music. In addition, it has commissioned and premiered works by leading American composers and performed with professional guest soloists and conductors. The band has toured in the U.S., Europe, and Central and South America.

Women's Choir

The 40-member Women’s Choir performs on campus and in area churches and schools. Ensemble members who are music majors or minors participate in the performance of large choral works, usually in collaboration with the Sioux County Oratorio Chorus or the college Chamber Orchestra.