Ensembles

We offer large and small performing ensembles to provide a variety of experiences for student musicians.

Commercial Music Ensembles

Freshman level ensembles

Commercial Music Ensemble: PLAY

Upper level ensembles

Commercial Music Ensemble: LEARN
Commercial Music Ensemble: CREATE

*All Singer/Songwriter & Production music majors accepted into the School of Music program must take the PLAY ensemble before they may be placed in a LEARN or CREATE ensemble. They must continue to take PLAY until they’re able to pass the Charting Proficiency test, which is an online component of ALL Commercial Ensembles. Students are encouraged to pass this by the end of their Freshman year.

All ensemble members must be able to do the following to progress to the higher level ensembles.

Demonstrate an ability to interact and perform comfortably with an ensemble
Demonstrate a fluency to read and perform with the Nashville Number system
Successfully chart a song using the Nashville Number system

Ensemble Leaders

A priority of our program is for our students to engage with working professionals in the music industry. Based on their availability from touring schedules, recording projects, and working engagements, our commercial ensemble leaders can rotate semester from semester.

Coordinator of Commercial Ensembles – Donald.Chaffer [at] lipscomb.edu (Don Chaffer)
Don Chaffer – Songwriter, Producer, Composer, Artist-in-Residence, full-time faculty
Rob Byus – Music Director and Bassist for Blake Shelton
John Mark Painter – Artist in Residence/Fleming and John, producer and composer
Bobby Huff - Songwriter, producer, drummer
Greg Bieck - Songwriter, producer, keyboardist, composer

Previous Commercial Ensemble Performances

Instrumental Ensembles

Chamber Ensembles

Avalon Trio
The Avalon Trio is a scholarship piano trio, coached by Dr. Jerome Reed. The trio has actively engaged in national competitions and performances; such as the MTNA Chamber Music Competition (participation pending audition).

Collaborative Piano Ensemble – Dr. Jerome Reed

Flute Ensemble – Dr. Jessica Dunnavant

Percussion Ensemble – Gregg Lohman, Walter Rodriguez

Brass Quintet – Dr. Josh Norton

Large Ensembles

Wind Ensemble - MUE 1200/1201
The Lipscomb Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Wendy Matthews, is dedicated to engaging high quality music of all styles and genres. The wind ensemble has commissioned and performed works by composers such as Gustav Holst, John Mackey, Jack Stamp and Frank Ticheli. The Lipscomb Wind Ensemble is open to both music majors and non-majors.

For more information: wkmatthews [at] lipscomb.edu (email Dr Wendy K Matthews)

Orchestra/Film Orchestra - MUE 1210/1211
The Lipscomb Sting Orchestra, conducted by Assistant Professor Sam Litt, is dedicated to engaging high quality music of all styles and genres. The ensemble focuses on new and classic literature. The orchestra and wind ensemble combine twice a year to perform larger, full orchestral works, such as Faure’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah. The ensemble is open to both music majors and non-majors.

For more information: slitt [at] lipscomb.edu (email Professor Sam Litt)

Lipscomb Jazz Ensemble - MUE 1600/1601
The Lipscomb Jazz Ensemble, led by Faculty Desmond Ng, is a big band style jazz ensemble that performs both on and off campus.

For more information: dng [at] lipscomb.edu (email Faculty Desmond Ng)

Bison Athletic Bands - MUE 1140/1141
The Bison Pep Band is the newest instrumental ensemble on campus and works in collaboration between the School of Music in the College of Entertainment and the Arts and the Athletics Department. Assistant Professor Sam Litt, Director of Athletic Bands, invites instrumentalists to join this musical arm of the Spirit Team that supports our student athletes at Lipscomb home games.

For more information: slitt [at] lipscomb.edu (email Professor Sam Litt)

Vocal Ensembles

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is the premier SATB ensemble at Lipscomb University. Dedicated to musical excellence and collaborative artistry, this group performs a wide variety of exciting and challenging choral repertoire. The choir performs several concerts each year and takes an annual Spring Tour. Open to majors and non-majors.

Time: MWF 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Code: MUE 1021 (1-credit option) or MUE 1020 (zero-credit option)

Contact: cjnakielski [at] lipscomb.edu (Dr. Chris Nakielski )

2025 Spring Concert

University Chorale

This SATB ensemble welcomes both new and experienced singers! Students will perform exciting choral repertoire while improving their vocal technique and sight-reading skills. The choir performs at least two times per semester. This group has collaborated with vocal artists such as Amy Grant and Andrea Bocelli. In 2023, University Chorale performed at a private event for Dolly Parton! Open to majors and non-majors.

Time: MWF 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Code: MUE 1001 (1-credit option) or MUE 1000 (zero-credit option)

Contact: cjnakielski [at] lipscomb.edu (Dr. Chris Nakielski )

2025 Spring Concert

Vocal Jazz Ensemble

In this ensemble, students will learn the art of Vocal Jazz singing while improving their singing techniques at an intermediate level. The music will span a variety of jazz genres, from traditional classics to modern arrangements, allowing students to explore the rich history and evolution of jazz music. This ensemble is open to both majors and non-majors, inviting diverse voices and backgrounds to celebrate the vibrant world of jazz.

Code: MUE 1061 (1-credit option) or MUE 1060 (zero-credit option)

Contact: Dr. Michelle Margiotta (michelle.margiotta [at] lipscomb.edu)

Sanctuary

Sanctuary is dedicated to presenting the best of Christian music in a unique and exciting a cappella style. In addition to performing for on-campus events, the group also performs for various other events and functions in the community. Open to majors and non-majors.

Time: MWF 2:00 - 2:50 PM

Code: MUE 1051 (1-credit option) or MUE 1050 (zero-credit option)

Contact: Dr. Randy Gill (randy.gill [at] lipscomb.edu)

Hills and Valleys

Gospel Choir

This ensemble specializes in exploring the rich history and cultural significance of gospel music. Members of the choir have the opportunity to showcase their talents in live performance and participate in various community events throughout the year. Open to majors and non-majors.

Time: Tues 7:00 - 8:50 PM

Code: MUE 1031 (1-credit option) or MUE 1030 (zero-credit option)

Contact: Dr. Aaron Howard (aaron.howard [at] lipscomb.edu)

Alright (live in Shamblin Theater)