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
- Julia Damore - Studio singer, vocal instructor
Previous Commercial Ensemble Performances
Instrumental Ensembles
Chamber Ensembles
Avalon Quartet
The Avalon Quartet is a scholarship string quartet, coached by Professor Carrie Bailey. (participation pending audition).
Avalon Trio
The Avalon Trio is a scholarship piano trio, coached by Dr. Jerome Reed. The trio is actively engaged in national competitions and performances; such as the MTNA Chamber Music Competition (participation pending audition).
Collaborative Piano – Dr. Jerome Reed
Flute Ensemble – Dr. Jessica Dunnavant
Trumpet Ensemble – Professor Preston Bailey
Trombone Ensemble – Professor Matt Jefferson
Double Reed Ensemble – Professor Luke Simonson
Percussion Ensemble – Gregg Lohman, Walter Rodriguez
Brass Quintet – Dr. Wendy Matthews
Chamber Brass – Professor Jennifer Kummer
Chamber Woodwinds – Professor Jennifer Kummer
Large Ensembles
Wind Ensemble
The Lipscomb Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Wendy Matthews & Dr. Ronda DePriest, is dedicated to engaging high quality music of all styles and genres. The wind ensemble has commissioned and performed works by composers such as Bruce Broughton, John Mackey, Jack Stamp and Bruce Yurko. The Lipscomb Wind Ensemble is open to both music majors and non-majors through audition.
For more information: wkmatthews [at] lipscomb.edu (email Dr Wendy K Matthews) or redepriest [at] lipscomb.edu (Dr Ronda DePriest)
Chamber Strings
The Lipscomb Chamber Strings, conducted by Professor Shawn Reed, is dedicated to engaging high quality music of all styles and genres. The ensemble focuses on new and classic literature. The chamber strings 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 through audition.
For more information: sreed1 [at] lipscomb.edu (email Professor Shawn Reed)
Lipscomb Studio Orchestra
The Lipscomb Studio Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Wendy Matthews, is a spring semester ensemble that is a collaborative project between the film and animation areas on campus. Lipscomb student composers collaborate with animators and filmmakers to then perform film scores live. This ensemble also highlights media music and its importance in entertainment.
For more information: wkmatthews [at] lipscomb.edu (email Dr Wendy K Matthews)
Lipscomb Jazz Ensemble
The Lipscomb Jazz Ensemble, led by Professor Simon Yeh, is a big band style jazz ensemble that performs both on and off campus. This group is by audition only. Students who participate in Jazz Ensemble are eligible for scholarships through audition.
For more information: syeh [at] lipscomb.edu (email Professor Simon Yeh)
Bison Athletic Bands
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. Dr. Ronda DePriest, Director of Athletic Bands, invites instrumentalists to join this musical arm of the Spirit Team that supports our student athletes at Lipscomb home games. Scholarships are available through audition.
For more information: redepriest [at] lipscomb.edu (email Dr Ronda DePriest)
Ensembles in Residence
The Nashville Trombone Academy is a high school trombone ensemble coached by Professor Matt Jefferson. The Trombone Academy meets weekly on Lipscomb’s canvas and engages in private instruction, ensemble work, and recording projects at Lipscomb’s owned legacy recording studio, the Sound Emporium.
Vocal Ensembles
Students must audition to participate in a vocal ensemble. For audition information, please contact the ensemble director.
Watch this video for more information.
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: Dr. Matt Taylor (matt.taylor [at] lipscomb.edu)
Follow us on Instagram! @lipscombchoirs
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: Dr. Matt Taylor (matt.taylor [at] lipscomb.edu)
Follow us on Instagram! @lipscombchoirs
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.
Time: TR 9:25 - 10:40 AM
Code: MUE 1061 (1-credit option) or MUE 1060 (zero-credit option)
Contact: Dr. Michelle Margiotta (michelle.margiotta [at] lipscomb.edu)
Follow us on Instagram! @lipscombvocaljazz
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)
Follow us on Instagram! @lipscombsanctuary
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)
Follow us on Instagram! @lipscombgospelchoir