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.)

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

The SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir is a SATB chorus that performs music primarily from the African-American tradition. You will develop strong “rote learning” skills regardless of initial ability. Vocal scores are also incorporated on sacred music pieces. Members learn choreographed movements while singing to a full spectrum of gospel styles and genres such as traditional, contemporary, spirituals and urban.

We’ve had the honor of working with amazing musicians and artists over the years, including Sheila-Raye Charles, Ron Rucker, Lyle Lovett, John Thomas and Daisy Jopling. We’ve also had the privilege of learning from world-class clinicians, such as Dr. Anthony Leach, Dr. Raymond Wise, Stanley Spottswood and Jennifer Moore.

The choir has performed internationally as far as Japan and the Caribbean and nationally to Chicago, Washington D.C., Memphis, Lincoln Center (NYC) and Pittsburgh. Locally, the Gospel Choir performs at commencements, naturalization ceremonies as well as for its annual SoulFUL Christmas concerts, GospelFEST concerts and Common Roots concerts.

Musicians from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to participate. Students may register for academic credit as MUS391B. For more information, contact Dr. Dexter L. Criss, artistic director.

The SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir is open to all students, members of faculty and staff, and our community. For more information, please 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.