College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Music Program Ensembles

The N.C. A&T State University Marching Machine (MUSI 300 - Fall)
The University Marching Band performs in the fall at all home and many away football games. Membership is open to qualified students by audition. Contact Dr. Kenneth Ruff, 336-334-7776, Director of Bands, Mr. Thomas Warner, Dr. Lamon Lawhorn, or Mr. Aaron Cambell, Assistant Directors for more information.

Symphonic Band (MUSI 300 Spring)
The Symphonic Band rehearses and performs during the spring semester as the replacement ensemble for the marching band. The repertoire of the Symphonic Band is varied, and performances include campus, city, and state-wide events. Contact Kenneth Ruff, 336-334-7776, Director of Bands, for more information.

Jazz Ensemble (MUSI 308)
The University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Jonovan Cooper, 336-285-2020, includes a large big band, smaller jazz combo and a vocal jazz ensemble.

Musicians in the jazz ensemble represent many disciplines in the university including, music, biology, engineering, pre-law and more. Music played includes the classics of bands like Ellington and Basie as well as contemporary standards from the likes of Roy Hargrove and international artists like Mulatu Astatke. Guest artists such as Clark Terry, Max Roach, Slide Hampton, and Delfeayo Marsalis have performed with the band and the band recently had the opportunity to be coached by the entire Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. You can connect with the ensemble on Instagram and YouTube.

University Choir (MUSI 301)
The University Choir performs a wide range of compositions for mixed voices. The choir performs on campus and throughout the Eastern United States. Locally, the choir has performed with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and the Greensboro Opera Company. Contact Travis Alexander, 336-334-7179, University Choir Director, for more information.

Chamber Singers (MUSI 306)
This is a choral organization which is designed to perform a wide variety of compositions written for voices representing various musical styles and periods. The performances include frequent public concerts. Membership is open to qualified students through audition with the director, Mr. Travis Alexander.

Opera Workshop (MUSI 305)
Musical and dramatic group study and performance of excerpts from the operatic repertoire will be included. This course includes an annual production of a standard opera and/or contemporary chamber work, with staging, costumes, and scenery. Students must secure the approval of their university voice instructor before enrolling. Directed by Dr. Van-Anthoney Hall & Ms. Valerie Johnson.

Small Ensembles
Several small ensembles perform throughout the year, both on and off campus. They include various brass and woodwind ensembles, as well as a percussion ensemble. Membership is open to all students who wish to audition.