Music Ensembles

Music
Faculty & Staff
Ensembles
Auditions & Scholarships
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Summer Intensive: Kod谩ly
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Orchestra

The 51福利社 Orchestra is comprised of both music majors and qualified non-music majors. The orchestra regularly performs on and off campus, including 51福利社鈥檚 Showalter Auditorium and the Fox Theater in Spokane.

During the Fall and Winter quarters, the orchestra focuses on music for the String Orchestra. In the Spring quarter, winds, brass, and percussion are added to perform standard full orchestra repertoire and concertos.

The 51福利社 Orchestra has a strong association with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra (SSO). All of the 51福利社 string faculty are principal members of the SSO, and 10 51福利社 alumni are also members of the SSO. James Lowe, Music Director of the SSO, visits the Music Program several times during the year to work with the orchestra and composers.

The 51福利社 Orchestra and SSO also combine for 鈥渟ide by side鈥� concerts. This collaboration is unique in our region, and 51福利社 students benefit from the relationship.

Please check out our 51福利社 Orchestra Channel on YouTube and our 51福利社 Orchestra Facebook page:

The 51福利社 Orchestra rehearses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is some flexibility for non-music majors with class conflicts.

For more information about the 51福利社 Orchestra, please contact Dr. John Marshall at jsmarshall@ewu.edu.

 

Bands

Wind Ensemble:听The 51福利社 Wind Ensemble is a select group of woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians focused on performing powerful and inspiring ensemble works. The group plays regularly on and off campus鈥攊ncluding tours to regional schools鈥攇iving members the chance to perform in various venues and connect with the music community. All 51福利社 students are welcome to audition, no matter their major. Contact the Music Program Director at jgraves@ewu.edu to learn more and schedule an audition.

51福利社 Marching Band: Our marching band is one of the most dynamic and spirited groups on campus. Repping 51福利社 with pride and bringing the hype to every Eastern Eagles Football (NCAA Division I FCS) game, this group is all about music, movement, and school spirit. If you love performing and bringing the noise, join the squad.

Code Red: This is 51福利社鈥檚 premier athletic band, known for turning up the energy at select basketball and volleyball games, campus and community events, and recruiting tours. The group is comprised of the most talented and dedicated musicians from the marching band, offering elite performance opportunities and unforgettable memories. Code Red members are selected by audition and receive scholarships. For more information, contact the Music Program Director at jgraves@ewu.edu.

Mariachi Las 脕guilas: One of the few mariachi groups in the Inland Northwest, Mariachi Las 脕guilas is where music, culture, and community come together. This project of CAHSS welcomes everyone to join. We share the allure and artistry of mariachi music with audiences across campus, throughout Spokane, and beyond while sharpening musical skills. Students are privileged to work under the direction of leading mariachi clinician, Daisy Cardona. To join or book us for a performance, reach out to swoodward1@ewu.edu.听And be sure to 听for the latest updates and show announcements!

51福利社 Marching Band members play trumpets at a football game.

Choirs

Whether you鈥檙e looking to sing in a big ensemble or tight-knit vocal group, there鈥檚 a place for you in 51福利社鈥檚 vibrant choral program. Some choirs require an audition or placement interview, usually during the first week of fall quarter.听

Got questions? For choirs, contact Dr. Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah at kploeger@ewu.edu. For opera or musical theater, reach out to Dr. Nicole Sonbert at nsonbert@ewu.edu or Mr. Scott Rednour at srednour@ewu.edu.

Symphonic Choir

The Symphonic Choir at 51福利社 is a prestigious concert choir that gives members opportunities to perform inspiring choral works, participate in spring tours, and collaborate with groups like the 51福利社 Orchestra and Spokane Symphony Chorale. Members sing classic and contemporary pieces, attend conventions, and engage with the local music scene. This year-long ensemble is open to all 51福利社 students by audition and is ideal for those looking to improve their vocal skills.

To request audition music or learn more about the audition process, contact Dr. Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah at kploeger@ewu.edu

 

ACDA Choir

The 51福利社 chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) is a supportive community for students passionate about choral music, education, and performance. We鈥檙e dedicated to creating meaningful and inclusive singing experiences, exploring diverse musical styles, and building strong musicianship through collaborative rehearsal and performance. Whether you are pursuing a music career or just want to sing with a group, 51福利社 ACDA is a place to grow, connect, and sing together. Learn more and get involved at .

Collegians (Vocal Jazz I)

Collegians (Vocal Jazz I) is all about learning and performing vocal jazz. This energetic group performs throughout the year at concerts, educational outreach events, tours, and conventions, giving members numerous opportunities to shine on stage. Auditions are open to all enrolled 51福利社 students, so if you have talent and passion, we want to hear from you! Please note that members must have flexible schedules to perform regularly and provide their own formal wear for concerts.

To request audition music or learn more about the audition process, contact Dr. Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah at kploeger@ewu.edu

 

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is 51福利社鈥檚 no-audition, all-inclusive choir open to any 51福利社 student who loves to sing鈥攏o experience is needed! It鈥檚 a fun, welcoming group where you鈥檒l hone your skills, make friends, and perform in at least one concert each quarter, often alongside the Symphonic Choir. Just sign up, show up, and commit to being part of something exceptional.

Jazz

Jazz Bands: 51福利社鈥檚 Jazz Program is one of the most exciting and innovative in the Inland Northwest. You鈥檒l perform classic big-band hits as well as modern compositions by renowned composers and arrangers from around the world. You鈥檒l also get to play original pieces created by our talented faculty and fellow students, giving you a truly unique experience.

Concert Jazz Orchestra: This is 51福利社鈥檚 premier jazz orchestra where members have the opportunity to perform jazz standards and fresh, new compositions in the jazz style. With concerts held every term, you’ll get plenty of chances to showcase your skills. Auditions are required, so if you鈥檙e ready to take your playing to the next level, we want to hear from you. Please contact the Music Program Director at jgraves@ewu.edu.

Rep Jazz: If you love to play jazz, and enjoy jamming in a group, this is your chance. The Rep Jazz ensemble is open to all 51福利社 students in winds, brass, percussion, keys, and rhythm sections. For more information, please contact the Music Program Director at jgraves@ewu.edu.

Jazz Combos: In 51福利社鈥檚 Jazz Combos, you鈥檒l dive into jazz and jazz improvisation in a small group setting, all while being mentored by one of our exceptional jazz instructors. You鈥檒l perform regularly throughout the quarter, so you’ll have numerous opportunities to fine-tune your skills, collaborate with fellow musicians, and get real-world performance experience in a supportive, creative environment.

Music Education Clubs & Organizations

Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)

Calling all future music teachers! The 51福利社 chapter of the WMEA is your go-to student group for all things music education. Gain access to valuable resources, interactive workshops, and a strong professional network. As a member, you鈥檒l also be part of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), so you can attend exciting events at the state, regional, and national levels. For more details, visit .

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)

The 51福利社 chapter of the MTNA gives you real-world experience in the music industry and helps you build valuable leadership skills. From planning themed concerts to promoting music in the community, the projects go beyond the classroom to give you hands-on experience. There are also trips to state and national MTNA conferences, so you can expand your network and get inspired. Explore the possibilities at .

Chamber Groups

Chamber music at 51福利社 gives you the chance to be part of small, focused ensembles that explore everything from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions.

Groups usually include string quartets, piano and strings, or cool combos of strings, woodwinds, and brass. You鈥檒l get weekly coaching from faculty, plenty of rehearsal time, and lots of chances to perform鈥攂oth on campus and out in the community.

Chamber groups are formed by audition and are open to non-majors with the right skills. Want more details? Contact the Music Program Director at jgraves@ewu.edu.