The School for the Arts - Music 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 must register in the 1 c.u. course (pass/fail). Note: USASK students may not participate in an ensemble without registering through PAWS. BMus students must follow their program of study and register for the required number of 1 c.u. ensembles (paying close attention to the ensemble type(s) required in their particular degree stream). Non-BMus students can register in any of our ensembles. 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 take place during the first week of classes. All BMus 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 'A' 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 schedules.
Chamber Ensemble
Concert Band
The University of Saskatchewan Concert Band, under the direction of Jan Michael Bourgeois, is comprised of approximately 50 members, including music and non-music majors. The ensemble performs a wide variety of artistic repertoire.
Greystone Singers
The Greystone Singers, conducted by Mr. Matthew Praksas, 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
The Jazz Ensemble, directed by Prof. Dean McNeill has toured Western Canada, Northern USA, and Quebec, and has commissioned and premiered many new works for the contemporary large jazz ensemble idiom.
Music as Theatre
The Music as 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 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
Conducted by Dr. Laurel Forshaw, the University Chorus is a welcoming non-auditioned ensemble for singers from the University of Saskatchewan and the wider Saskatoon community. Rehearsing weekly, the Chorus offers opportunities for artistic growth, musical excellence, and community connection.