Performing Ensembles

If you are interested in participating in music at SUNY Plattsburgh, you have many opportunities. Participation in these ensembles for credit is not restricted to students who have chosen music as a program of study — all students are invited to participate.

Join the Performance

Musical groups you can join include choirs, jazz ensembles, and bands.

Concert Choir

A mixed choral ensemble that performs a wide range of styles, including classical and popular cappella, as well as accompanied works. We host the annual ChoralFest, sometimes including guest artists. In addition to traditional choral concerts, our choral program also engages in special projects, including celebrations of the vocal and choral splendor of American musical theatre; themed projects, such as Valentine’s Concerts or Madrigal Dinners; or other larger collaborations and staged productions. (Open to all students.)

Champlain Valley Voices Internship

We assign SUNY Plattsburgh student singers to the community-based non-profit organization, Champlain Valley Voices, in order to provide you with a deeper understanding of any non-profit organization and of the value of college-community partnerships. You will perform major choral-orchestral works and other great choral pieces. Additionally, we appreciate the specialized skills you bring to CVV that will support its mission. (A minimum GPA of 3.0 and junior or senior status are required for this internship, as well as POI from faculty sponsor, Timothy Morningstar.)

Jazz Ensemble

The SUNY Plattsburgh Jazz Ensemble is a student- and community-based jazz ensemble geared towards performing the many different styles of jazz in a big band setting. The group will primarily have one concert each semester although there is potential for other performing opportunities both on and off campus. SUNY Plattsburgh students will be given priority for seats in this ensemble. Community members, local music teachers, and other students will then be asked to fill in the remaining seats if available. The ensemble is open to all SUNY students; those who register must be able to read music. For more information please contact Matthew Pray at [email protected].

Mambo Combo

A small band that specializes in the best of blues, jazz, and Latin jazz. We perform at a variety of on and off campus events. We also perform at the annual Jazz Festival, and Winter Jazz Concert. (Audition required.)

Symphonic Band

A concert band performing a wide variety of traditional and new music for winds and percussion. You will develop reading and ensemble skills and technical understanding of the music, and gain insight into composers and their works. Performances often feature guest and faculty soloists. A special aspect of the Symphonic Band is that every student who registers for it gets an automatic small scholarship every semester. For more information, contact Daniel Gordon at [email protected]. (Open to all students.)

Gospel Choir

A Student Association club. Dr. Dexter Criss is the faculty advisor (chemistry dept.) and Ms. Andrea Ogle is the choir director. Visit the Gospel Choir website.

Other Performance Groups

Minor Adjustments

As the only co-ed, all-vocal group on campus, Minor Adjustments is SUNY Plattsburgh’s prime source for all things a capella. As a group, they strive to improve their musicianship, always presenting the best performances possible, and have fun while doing it. With Minor Adjustments’ unique takes on modern songs and our impromptu performances all around campus, don’t be surprised if you happen to find them one night at the Sundowner!

Musicals

Usually produced every other fall in association with the theatre program at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Performance in Community Groups

Including the Adirondack Wind Ensemble and Champlain Valley Voices.