UND Ensembles

University of North Dakota Ensembles are open by audition to all students. They provide a wide variety of opportunities for music majors pursuing careers in music, as well as non-major participants who enjoy performing. In addition to individual development, membership in a UND Ensemble offers students cultural enrichment within the University community. Join over 100 years of tradition at the University of North Dakota.

Concert Choir
Varsity Bards
Allegro Women's Choir
Wind Ensemble
University Band
Marching/Athletic Bands
Jazz Ensembles
Orchestral Ensembles
Percussion Ensemble

Meet the Ensemble Directors

Joshua Bronfman	Concert Choir, Varsity Bards, Allegro
Royce Blackburn	Opera Workshop
Alejandro Drago	Chamber Orchestra
James Popejoy	Wind Ensemble, University Band
Robert Brooks	Pride of the North Athletic Bands, 1:00 Jazz Ensemble
Tammy Mulske	Pride of the North Athletic Bands
Joel Pugh	Trombone Choir, Low Brass Ensemble
Ronnie Ingle	12:00 Jazz Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble
Michael Blake	Jazz Combos, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Pan Band

Concert Choir - MUSC 260
The University of North Dakota Concert Choir is a nationally recognized choral ensemble consisting of the most talented vocalists at the University of North Dakota. Its repertoire includes music from the last six centuries, from many nations, and in a variety of languages. The choir's thorough preparation, concentrated discipline, commitment, and careful coaching result in performances of the highest caliber.

• Rehearsals: 
  • 12:00-12:50 Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 12:30-1:30 Tuesday & Thursday
• For audition information:   Auditions
• For our latest news and information:  Concert Choir Blog
• Dr. Joshua Bronfman, Director of Choral Activities: joshua.bronfman@email.und.edu

Varsity Bards: Men's Chorus - MUSC 263
The Varsity Bards Men's Chorus has been a familiar tradition at the University and around the state since since 1952. The Bards perform a variety of light and popular works, including the popular UND school songs, traditionally joined by Bards alumni from the audience. They have appeared at state, regional, and national conventions, and tour regionally. A small men's ensemble, Goliards, is chosen from within the Bards. A short, stress-free audition is held during the first rehearsal to determine voice type and quality.

• Rehearsals: 
  • 4:30-6:00 Tuesday & Thursday
• For more information:   Join Us
• For our latest news and information:  Varsity Bards Blog
• Dr. Joshua Bronfman, Director of Choral Activities: joshua.bronfman@email.und.edu

Allegro: Women's Chorus - MUSC 264
Allegro performs a wide range of repertoire for women's voices. Allegro and the Varsity Bards perform joint concerts. Allegro has performed at state and regional choral director's conventions, and regularly tours throughout the region. A small women's ensemble, Vivo, is chosen from within the ensemble. Membership traditionally is from many majors across campus. A short stress-free interview is held during the first three days of classes to determine voice type and quality.

• Rehearsals: 
  • 3:00-4:30 Monday, Wednesday & Friday
• For more information:   Join Us
• Dr. Joshua Bronfman, Director of Choral Activities: joshua.bronfman@email.und.edu

Opera Workshop - MUSC 269
The University of North Dakota offers music students and students from across the UND campus opportunities to explore lyric theater through the performance of scenes and staged works. All UND students are invited to audition for the opera workshop class and stage productions. Auditions are announced at the beginning of the semester. The UND Opera Workshop presents scenes and productions in an audience accessible fashion.

• Dr. Royce Blackburn, Director of Opera Workshop:  royce.blackburn@email.und.edu

Wind Ensemble - MUSC 270
The Wind Ensemble consists of the most outstanding wind and percussion students, selected by audition, at the University of North Dakota. Promoting the finest in wind literature available, the ensemble performs with nationally renowned guest conductors and soloists, and has premiered new works for winds and percussion. They tour regularly and have established a reputation for musical excellence through state, regional and national conference appearances.

• Rehearsals: 
  • 2:00-3:50 Monday & Wednesday, 2:00-2:50 Friday
• For audition information:   Concert Band Audition Information
• Recent Literature Performed: Concert Band Repertoire
• Dr. James Popejoy, Director of Bands: james.popejoy@und.edu

The University Band - MUSC 271
Members of the University Band come from many different academic disciplines and enjoy the opportunity to grow musically throughout their college years. The group performs several concerts during each academic year. In lieu of a formal audition, a short playing interview to determine part assignments is scheduled at the beginning of each semester.

• Rehearsals: 
  • 3:30-4:45 Tuesday & Thursday
• For audition information:   Concert Band Audition Information
• Recent Literature Performed: Concert Band Repertoire
• Dr. James Popejoy, Director of Bands: james.popejoy@und.edu

The "Pride of the North" Athletic Bands
The "Pride of the North"" Bands are open to all students on campus and perform for our largest audiences each year. The marching band performs on the field and in the stands at all home games for the UND football team, while the athletic bands provide entertainment for the men's and women's basketball, and hockey teams. Symbolizing UND spirit, the "Pride" is an asset to campus and community relations.

• Rehearsals: 
  • 4:00-5:20 Monday & Wednesday, 4:00-4:50 Friday
• For More Information :   Pride of the North
• To Join Us: Join the Pride
• Robert Brooks, Director: rob.brooks@email.und.edu

Jazz Ensembles - MUSC 273
The Jazz Studies program includes two Jazz Ensembles, the 12 o'clock and the 1 o'clock, as well as many jazz combos. Performing music ranging from the swing era to the sounds of today, these award-winning groups have developed a reputation of excellence though their participation in college jazz festivals and international touring, including a main stage performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. The ensembles present several concerts on campus and in the community each year.

• Rehearsals:
  • 12:00-12:50 Monday, Wednesday & Friday
  • 1:00-1:50 Monday, Wednesday & Friday
• Dr. Ronnie Ingle, Director 12:00pm: ronnie.ingle@email.und.edu
• Robert Brooks, Director 1:00pm:  rob.brooks@email.und.edu

Chamber Orchestra - MUSC 275
Students of Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass have a variety of opportunities for study and performance at UND. The Strings Program is directed by Dr. Alejandro Drago, Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola. Students may audition for the UND Chamber Orchestra and they may register for private instruction, and chamber music courses.

• Rehearsals: 
  • 3:30pm-5:30pm Tuesday and Thursday
• For more information:   Join Us
• Dr. Alejandro Drago, Director alejandro.drago@email.und.edu

The Percussion Ensemble/Steel Drum Band - MUSC 277
Open to all percussion majors, the Percussion Ensemble is dedicated to performing a wide variety of literature for groups of different sizes and instrumentations.  Composed of our most talented percussionists, the Steel Drum Band performs a variety of styles including calypso, latin, popular and traditional Carribbean music.

• For information on joining the UND Percussion Ensemble/Steel Drum Band, please contact Prof. Michael Blake: michael.blake@email.und.edu