The University of Saskatchewan's Music program is proud to have world-class ensembles rehearsing and performing right here on the USask campus, and beyond! Ensembles are open to all USask students, music majors and non-music majors alike. Some groups require an audition, while others are open to individuals of all skill levels.

Worried about auditioning? Don’t stress – our directors and conductors are friendly and fully support you during the audition process. Come on down to the Education building and make some music!

Students participating in ensembles may register for 1 c.u. or 0 c.u. (pass/fail). Note: USASK students may not participate in an ensemble without registering in one of these options. B.Mus. students must follow their program of study and register for the requisite number of 1 c.u. ensembles (paying close attention to the ensemble type(s) required in their particular degree stream). Non-B.Mus. students and B.Mus. students who have fulfilled their ensemble requirements may choose to register for any of our “A” or “B” ensembles, each with a 0 or 1 c.u weighting. If a student completes three 1 c.u. ensembles over and above their ensemble requirements, the credits earned can be used to fulfill an open arts elective.

All ensemble auditions will take place during the first week of classes. All B.Mus. students are required to first audition for the ‘A’ Ensemble area that best matches their primary instrument (i.e. woodwind players will audition for the band area comprised of Wind Orchestra and Concert Band, voice majors will audition for the choral area comprised of Greystone Singers and University Chorus, bowed string players will audition for Symphony Orchestra). Piano and guitar majors may select whichever ensemble area best matches their abilities and/or interests. Students may then choose to audition for any of the other auditioned ensembles that are of interest and fit in their schedule.

Chamber Ensemble

Rehearsing twice a week under the direction of Associate Professor Veronique Mathieu, the Chamber Ensemble is open to all music majors without audition and to all other university students by audition.

Concert Band

The University of Saskatchewan Concert Band, under the direction of Assistant Professor Mark Tse, is comprised of approximately 50 members that include both music and non-music majors. The ensemble performs a wide variety of artistic repertoire for this medium in various Saskatoon area and campus venues

Greystone Singers

The Greystone Singers, conducted by Mr. James Hawn, is a mixed-voice choir open by audition to all University of Saskatchewan students who love singing and enjoy learning challenging and varied repertoire.

Jazz Ensemble

Currently under the direction of Dr. Kayla Solomon, the USASK Jazz Ensemble has toured Western Canada, Northern USA, and Quebec, and has commissioned and premiered many new works for the contemporary large jazz ensemble idiom.

Music Theatre

The Music Theatre Ensemble is an auditioned group of 8-14 members. The group is dedicated to providing instruction and on-stage performing experience for singers in the genres of Opera, Operetta, and Broadway styles.

Symphony Orchestra

The Symphony Orchestra is a large ensemble open to students, staff and faculty, as well as community members.

University Chorus

Currently conducted by Dr. Jennifer Lang (T1) & Mr. James Hawn (T2), the popular non-auditioned University Chorus rehearses once a week and is a fine example of the community outreach program of the USASK School for the Arts - Music.

Wind Orchestra

Conducted by Dr. Glen Gillis, the Wind Orchestra is open by audition to all university students who play wind or percussion instruments.

Other Ensembles

Other ensemble opportunities, such as Collegium Musicum and New Music Ensemble, are available from time to time. Please see USASK’s course offerings for a detailed description of each year’s current offering.