Ensembles and Applied Lessons

AU Ensembles are vibrant, well-supported, and an intrinsic part of the Aurora University community. Operated as a class, musicians perform frequently in concerts and at AU sporting events, both on and off campus, depending upon the ensemble. All ensembles are provided music, folders, and performing attire. All ensembles require permission to enroll from the instructor or chair of the department. Students should contact the instructor to arrange an audition before the first week of school is completed.

University Chorale

Open to musicians of all majors, the University Chorale is a large ensemble comprised of all voice parts and primarily focuses on vocal skills and the creation of a unified choral sound. Members study a variety of music chosen from across centuries, cultures, genres, and languages. The University Chorale performs at two concerts per semester and select campus events, as well as tours in the spring at no cost to the students. Contact Dr. Lisa Fredenburgh for more information and to schedule an audition.

Aurora Singers

A soprano/alto choir, Aurora Singers is dedicated to exploring literature and techniques unique to upper voices. Members study and perform music representing many cultures. The Aurora Singers performs two events per semester. Contact Dr. Lisa Fredenburgh for more information and to schedule an audition.

SpartanCor

A tenor/bass ensemble, SpartanCor explores music for lower voices. The literature for this ensemble spans many genres, languages, and cultures, and is tailored to the group's needs while navigating the vast choral repertoire for tenors and basses. SpartanCor performs two events per semester. Contact Dr. Lisa Fredenburgh for more information and to schedule an audition.

AU Band

The AU Band does it all. This band performs as a pep band at football and basketball games, as well as in three concerts per year. In the AU Band, you will form friendships and have fun as you bring the Spartan spirit to athletic events. You will also build your musicianship as you perform together in concert events. Contact Michael Pavlik for more information and to schedule an audition.

AU Flute Ensemble

The AU Flute Ensemble is a chamber group made entirely of flutists. Students meet to explore this exciting genre while exploring new skills and reinforcing the fundamentals of flute playing. The ensemble performs three concerts per year and other performing opportunities as they come up. Contact Marie Bennett for more information and to schedule an audition.

AU String Ensemble

The AU String Ensemble performs a wide variety of music for strings that spans several centuries. Students advance their skills and continue to grow, making the investments in learning that all musicians make as young people. At least three concerts are performed per year. Contact Ms. Andrea LaFranzo for more information and to schedule an audition.

AU Drumline

The Drumline performs at football and basketball games, as well as on-campus events. We are a close-knit group of performers brought together by our love of rhythm and marching percussion. Members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences and learn a great deal from each other as musicians and individuals. Contact Jarrett Hicks for more information.

Student-led Ensembles

Students often take the lead and choose to start their own ensembles through the Student Activities system at AU. Whether it’s creativity, passion, or a chance to gather with other talented peers, ensembles can be an incredible growing experience for students. All newly-created ensembles require a faculty advisor. For more information, contact Dr. Mark Plummer.

AU Opera

AU Opera allows singer-actors to experience, explore, and advance their skills in this important art form. All Music and Theatre majors are highly encouraged to enroll, but the course invites and welcomes musicians of any major to be a part of this extraordinary art. Music and Theatre enjoy a symbiotic relationship at AU. The mutual support that these two departments enjoy benefits students in extraordinary ways. Singer-actors regardless of which side of the genre they come from are encouraged to increase their skills in both singing and acting by taking every opportunity to perform either in Theatre or AU Opera. AU Opera alternates scenes programs with fully produced operas. Contact Dr. Mark Plummer for more information and to schedule an audition.

Applied Lessons

Applied lessons are an integral part of musical achievement as well as a chance to explore a new instrument. Students who have always wanted to learn piano, organ, guitar, wind instruments, strings, and of course, voice are encouraged to take these courses. The applied faculty is staffed with professional musicians who have a wealth of teaching and performing experience. Please view the faculty list for additional information. Students receive .5 credits for a 30-minute lesson or 1 credit for a 60-minute lesson.

Lessons available in:

Contact Dr. Mark Plummer for more information and permission to enroll.