Music Ensembles

Dr. Matthew George, conductor

As a university premiere instrumental performing ensemble, this group studies and performs music from many cultures. The repertoire performed range from the best standard to contemporary music in existence. SWE has commissioned and premiered over 90 new works, much of which has been recorded for international distribution by Naxos on the innova record label. Not only performing at several state and national conferences, the SWE also tours internationally, appearing in world-class venues, and regularly enjoys working with guest artists, composers and conductors from across the globe.

Dr. Douglas C. Orzolek, conductor

The Symphonic Band is comprised of students with a variety of backgrounds who enjoy the opportunity to perform with a fine college band. We study and perform standard and contemporary repertoire as well as transcriptions of other musical genres composed by a wide range of composers. A highlight has been sharing an on-campus concert with a visiting group each year.

Mr. Christopher Volpe, conductor

The Brass Choir is devoted to the performance of small and large ensemble brass repertoire. The ensemble presents formal and informal concerts on campus each semester.

Dr. Matthew George, conductor

Chamber Winds presents a unique opportunity for select students to rehearse and perform chamber music repertoire alongside St. Thomas studio faculty and guest professionals. As a student/teacher collaborative ensemble, the Chamber Winds performs repertoire from across centuries and cultures.

Mr. Jeffrey Rinear, conductor

Members of this ensemble study, perform and improvise jazz in various styles, and present formal and informal concerts on campus each semester.

Dr. Albert Pinsonneault, Director of Choral Activities

Chamber Singers is the flagship vocal ensemble at St. Thomas. A highly selective SATB ensemble open to all students by audition, Chamber Singers has performed at state, regional and national choral conventions; tours internationally; and is featured on the nationally televised St. Thomas Christmas Concert.

Chamber Singers meets MWF 1:35-3:10pm

Dr. Albert Pinsonneault, Director of Choral Activities

The Concert Choir is a selective SATB ensemble representing majors from across campus. This ensemble includes a majority of our first-year singers and focuses on developing community and superb musicianship through great music. Concert Choir performs alongside Chamber Singers throughout the year and in the televised Christmas concerts.

Concert Choir meets TR 1:30-3:10pm

Ms. Angela Mitchell, conductor

Donne Unite is a soprano/alto ensemble open by audition to treble voice singers who wish to study high quality and challenging SSAA music of all genres. Members of the ensemble represent a diversity of majors across the campus. This ensemble performs multiple times throughout the year including the traditional Vespers of Remembrance service, Still I Rise, the annual St. Thomas Christmas Concert and its own spring concert each May.

Donne Unite meets TR 3:30-5:50pm

Mr. Shon Parker, conductor

The Jazz Singers is a select group of students that perform various styles of jazz including blues, swing, Latin, doo-wop, funk and pop. Performances include fall and spring concerts, football games and other campus events.

Dr. Albert Pinsonneault, Director of Choral Activities

The Liturgical Choir is a selective SATB ensemble whose principal purpose is to serve the music ministry in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. In addition to performing twice a month in liturgy, the Liturgical Choir performs in the Christmas concert.

The Liturgical Choir meets MW 3:30-5:00pm

Dr. Matthew George, conductor

The Orchestra program at St. Thomas performs music for both string orchestra and symphony orchestra and features standard, international and contemporary works, as well as newly commissioned pieces. The Orchestra’s performances range from on-campus performances to appearances at music conferences as well as in major venues internationally. The Orchestra regularly features national and international guest artists, composers and conductors. The orchestra also been broadcast nationally on PBS television as well as on international broadcasts such as the Centro Nacional de las Artes.

In addition to the large ensemble orchestra, string players are encouraged to participate in chamber music ensembles. Chamber groups receive coaching by St. Thomas string faculty and perform on and off campus.