UNM offers a number of ensembles of various sizes and configurations. In addition to participation in larger ("major") ensembles, a variety of ensemble and chamber music possibilities are available for students.
MAJOR ENSEMBLES: Ensembles designated as “major ensembles” are the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Marching Band and Concert Choir. These ensembles satisfy "major ensemble" requirements in the various undergraduate degree plans. Under certain conditions, Las Cantantes and University Chorus may also satisfy degree requirements. For details, see Ensemble Requirements (PDF, 88KB).
AUDITIONS: Most music ensembles are open to all university students. Some require no audition; others have tryouts so that the director of the ensemble can assess your capabilities and place you in the ensemble most suitable for you. All ensembles can be repeated for credit. For details, see Ensemble Auditions (PDF, 56KB).
BANDS
Concert bands at UNM include the University Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Campus Band. Athletic Bands are the Spirit Marching Band and Soundpack (basketball band). UNM also sponsors a Youth Band. Select the link above to find information about each band performing on campus, announcements about upcoming concerts, and contact information. For Jazz Bands, see below.
Brass Ensembles
Several brass ensembles are offered each semester, including the trumpet ensemble, the horn ensemble, the mixed horn ensemble, and others.
CHORAL ENSEMBLES
Choral ensembles at UNM include the Concert Choir, Dolce Suono, Las Cantantes and University Chorus. Select the link above to find information about each choral ensemble performing on campus, announcements about upcoming concerts, and contact information should you wish to reach us.
Early Music Ensemble
The UNM Early Music Ensemble is a chamber ensemble in which students
perform music from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras in music
history. Both vocal and instrumental styles are covered in the class
repertoire, and students learn to play replicas of historic instruments
from these time periods. Select the link above to read more.
Guitar Ensemble
This ensemble meets twice a week. It is open to majors and to non-majors with significant classical background when space allows. Music reading ability is a prerequisite for taking the course. Student must supply instrument (classical, nylon-string guitar).
Jazz ensembles
Select the link above for information the Jazz Bands and Jazz Combo.
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Marimba Band
The UNM Marimba Band is an extremely active ensemble in the music department.
Students in marimba band perform traditional marimba literature from Mexico
and Guatemala as well as the xylophone ragtime literature of George Hamilton Green. |
MIDdle EAStern ENSEMBLE
Directed by Rahim Alhaj, this newly-formed ensemble explores music from Turkey, Near East, Iran and North Africa, utilizing instruments such as the qanoun, oud, saz, violin, viola and percussion.
new music, new mexico
A contemporary chamber ensemble, coached in alternate semesters by Kevin Vigneau and Valerie Potter.
ORCHESTras
The University of New Mexico Orchestras have been in existence for more than 50 years.
They constitute some of the most important cultural student organizations on the campus
of the University of New Mexico and are open to all students regardless of academic major.
Both the University Symphony Orchestra and the University Chamber Orchestra rehearse in the UNM Center for the Arts.
Select the link above to find information about the orchestras performing on campus, announcements about upcoming concerts, and contact information should you wish to reach us.
Percussion Ensemble
The UNM Percussion Ensemble has a long and important history at UNM.
Students enrolled in percussion ensemble will perform the works of major
composers such as John Cage, Lou Harrison, Henry Cowell and Carlos Chávez,
contemporary mallet percussion works, and various African and Afro-Cuban
styles of drumming. Each semester the group presents a concert in Keller
Hall on the UNM campus.
String chamber groups
Various opportunities are offered for participation in string chamber music groups, including string quartet at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The graduate student string quartet is the Abe Franck String Quartet. The ensemble is named in honor of Dr. Abraham Franck of Minneapolis. Thanks to a challenge grant initiated by Dr. Franck, the members of the quartet play matching instruments made by David Folland of Northfield, Minnesota.
Woodwind Ensembles
Woodwind ensembles include the Clarinet Quartet, the Double Reed Ensemble, the Saxophone Quartet, Flute Ensemble, Wind Octet, Woodwind Quintet and others.
