Instrumental Ensembles

College of Charleston ensembles range in size from chamber music duos and trios to a 40-piece orchestra. On-campus performances take place throughout the year, and many of the ensembles make regional as well as national and international tours.

Pep Band

The College of Charleston Pep Band, under the direction of David Heywood, is one of the Department's most visible outreaches to the community, performing for audiences of more than 3,000 people during home basketball games. The band is made up of students, both music majors and non-music majors, who are looking for a fun way to use the playing skills they developed in high school or on their own. The emphasis is on having fun and generating lots of excitement for the home team, and band members also receive a scholarship and college credit.

Christopher Góngora, Director

Jazz Combos

The Jazz Combos at the College of Charleston are the centerpiece of the jazz experience at the College. Unlike other institutions where the emphasis is on larger ensembles, the five jazz combos at the College, each with its own instructor, provide the student with a more individual and personal learning experience, with opportunities for players of all levels. These groups also perform outside of the College during many of the various music festivals held in Charleston throughout the year. Individualized instruction by some of the best players in the field, combined with plenty of performance opportunities make the jazz experience at the College a complete musical experience.

Robert Lewis, Director

Orchestra

The College of Charleston Chamber Orchestra is a small orchestra consisting primarily of music students from the College. Some of the students in the orchestra are not music majors, but are experienced players who perform in the group in order to stay active as musicians. Under the direction of Yuriy Bekker, Charleston Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster and Principal Pops Conductor, the chamber orchestra performs twice each year in the Gaillard Center.

Yuriy Bekker, Director

Chamber Music

Chamber Music Ensembles offer students a variety of combinations to perform the standard chamber literature, including string quartets, piano trios, duo sonatas. The ensembles are coached by members of the piano and string faculties.

Volodymyr Vynnytsky, Director

 

Wind Ensemble

The College of Charleston Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble open to all students on campus. The group rehearses weekly and performs 2-3 times per year. Repertoire includes a wide variety of classic wind band literature. David Heywood, conductor.

David Heywood, Director

Latin American Music Ensemble

A non-auditioned workshop-style course in which students learn to perform folk and popular genres from across Latin America. Roles available for guitar, bass, percussion, winds, brass, strings, and vocalists.

Gregory Guay, Director