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).

Brahms Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor
Schumann and Ravel

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

Chamber Brass Ensemble – Professor Jennifer Kummer
Shenandoah

Chamber Woodwinds – Professor Jennifer Kummer
Trio Concertino - Donal Michalsky

Large Ensembles

Wind Ensemble – T/Th 9:25am
The Lipscomb Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Ben Blasko/Dr. Ronda DePriest, is dedicated to engaging high quality music of all styles and genres. The wind ensemble has performed and commissioned works by composers such as John Mackey, Bruce Broughton, Jeff Herwig, and Bruce Yurko. The ensemble is open to both music majors and non-majors through audition. Students who participate in the Lipscomb Wind Ensemble are eligible for scholarships through audition.

Chaos Theory – James Bonney
Country Gardens – Percy Grainger

Chamber Strings - T/Th 9:25am
The Lipscomb Chamber Strings, conducted by Dr. Ben Blasko, 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. Students who participate in Chamber Strings are eligible for scholarships through audition.

Strange Humors – John Mackey
Shenandoah – Cindy Mctee

Lipscomb Studio Orchestra – T/Th 9:25am
The Lipscomb Studio Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Ben Blasko, 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.

      Snake Eater
  They’ve Been Waiting for You
  2024 Film Orchestra Concert

Lipscomb Jazz Ensemble – T/Th 5:45pm
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 their audition.

Another Three Putt?

Jazz Ensemble Audition Information Fall 2024

Wild Bison Pep Band – Monday 6:00pm
The Wild Bison Pep Band is led by Dr. Ronda DePriest. This ensemble performs at Lipscomb Men’s and Women’s Basketball games. Scholarships are available through audition. For more information email Dr. DePriest at: redepriest [at] lipscomb.edu

Ensembles in Residence

Green Hills Wind Symphony – Sunday 5:30pm
The Green Hills Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Ben Blasko, is a professional wind ensemble in residence at Lipscomb University. The ensemble is made up of professional musicians in the greater Nashville area. Lipscomb music majors are able to audition for the ensemble and receive credit.

Bruce Broughton Concert Highlight

Nashville Trombone Academy

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.

Website
Portals

Vocal Ensembles

Students must audition to participate in a vocal ensemble. For audition information, please contact the ensemble director.

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 travels regularly. 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)

2024 Spring Concert

University Chorale

This SATB ensemble explores and performs exceptional choral literature from a variety of styles and eras. Students will engage with choral repertoire while growing in their vocal technique and sight-reading skills. The choir performs at least two times per semester. This group has performed with vocal artists like Amy Grant and Andrea Bocelli, and in 2023 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)

2024 Spring Tour Concert

Vocal Jazz Ensemble

In this ensemble, students will learn how to scat and develop their singing techniques at an intermediate level. Various genres of jazz will be covered, from traditional to modern day. Open to majors and non-majors.

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)

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)