Chamber Ensembles

Chamber ensembles allow for a variety of instrumentation for small groups of musicians.  The intimate setting of these ensembles develops player’s technical skills, and enriches the musicianship of each member.  CCU offers a vast array of ensembles including brass quintets, trombone choir, woodwind quintets, clarinet choir, flute ensemble, and string orchestra.  The ensembles perform a wide range of music, which covers historical chamber ensemble literature to contemporary works.

The University Brass Ensemble is a selective group of brass musicians (trumpet, French Horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba) that perform regularly at University Commencement ceremonies, as well as University functions on and off campus. The group is directed by Teaching Associate Marissa Terranova and features a mix of classic and contemporary brass works in a variety of styles. Offerings of ensembles include:

• Brass Quintet
• Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
• Trombone Choir

Low Brass ensembles are directed by Lecturer Chris Connolly. All ensembles perform for concerts and recitals throughout the academic year.

The Coastal String Ensemble is musical outlet for string players who have experience performing in orchestra and would like to continue playing while pursuing their degree of study at CCU. It is not only a large string ensemble, but also offers other performance opportunities such as string trios, quartets, quintets, piano trios and piano quartets. The ensemble variations are endless! The CCU String Ensemble is open to all students on campus with string experience, regardless of major.

The Coastal Woodwind Ensembles are formed by students in applied lessons during studio class (Friday, 1-1:50pm) and the Woodwind Ensemble course (Friday, 2-2:50pm). Offerings include, dependent on student interest

• Clarinet Quartet or Choir
• Flute Quartet or Choir
• Oboe/Bassoon Trio
• Woodwind Trio (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet)
• Woodwind Quintet
• Woodwind Octet

Woodwind chamber groups may also include other instruments to approach specific repertoire, such as a chamber group with strings, or a wind sextet/septet.