Music Performance Ensembles

Chamber music is instrumental music played by a small group, with one player to a part. Chamber ensembles are usually trios, quartets, or quintets, formed in accordance with the standard instrumental groupings of strings, woodwinds, and piano. To view performances of chamber music by UAlbany students, click here. Chamber Ensembles are open to all students regardless of major. One credit is awarded for participation. Auditions are held by appointment with the instructor at the beginning of each semester. Chamber ensembles are scheduled according to the availability of the participants. Each ensemble receives a one-hour coaching every week. For further information, please contact Prof. Hilary Cumming at [email protected].

The University at Albany started a marching band in the fall 2013 semester. The band is open to all UAlbany students, even if you have never played an instrument before. The Marching Great Danes perform at all football home games. We are hoping to grow the Marching Great Danes into the true spirit of Albany and we need you! Learn more about the University at Albany Marching Great Danes. You can also contact Band Director Justin Miller at (518) 442-2611 or [email protected].

The UAlbany Percussion Ensemble is open to all students regardless of major. You may elect Percussion Ensemble as a course and receive one credit per semester, but you may also participate for no credit. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester. The Ensemble plays a varied repertory and also takes the lead in the Festival of Contemporary Music held each spring. Please contact Prof. Richard Albagli at [email protected].

The UAlbany Spirit Band plays for basketball and football games. For more information, please contact Band Director Justin Miller at (518) 442-2611 or [email protected].

The UAlbany Jazz Band is open to all students regardless of major. Auditions are held during the first week of each semester. You may elect Jazz Band as a course and receive one credit per semester, but you may also participate for no credit. Please contact Prof. Keith Pray at [email protected].

The UAlbany Symphony Orchestra performs a diverse orchestral repertoire during its regular four-concert season. Concerts frequently feature solo works either performed by members of the orchestra or invited guest artists. The orchestra provides a medium for the reading and performance of new works. Students (with a conducting emphasis) conduct in both rehearsal and performance settings. Membership in the orchestra ensures its participants exposure to a wide variety of repertoire, improvement of ensemble skills, and solo opportunities. The orchestra is proud to have a diverse membership which includes students, staff, faculty, and community members who all work together to achieve the best in musical and social experiences.

The UAlbany Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 7:15 p.m. until 8:35 p.m., while classes are in session. Rehearsals are held in the Performing Arts Center, Room B-28. Sectionals will be held as needed.  

Joining the UAlbany Symphony Orchestra is easy! Just come to one of our rehearsals! Remember to bring your instrument, or you can rent one from us. Lockers are also available at no cost, as well as practice facilities. An audition is required. Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory.

The Director of the UAlbany Symphony Orchestra is Prof. Christopher David Neubert. His office is in the Performing Arts Center, Room B-07. He can be reached at (518) 583-0969 or by e-mail at [email protected]. For information on instrument rentals, locker availability, or general questions about the orchestra or band, please contact our Student Assistant at (518) 442-4175 or by e-mail at [email protected].

The UAlbany Concert Band performs a wide range of band literature during its regular four-concert season. The band provides a medium for the reading and performance of new works. Students (with a conducting emphasis) conduct in both rehearsal and performance settings. Membership in the band ensures its participants exposure to a wide variety of repertoire and improvement of ensemble skills. The band is proud to have a diverse membership which includes students, staff, faculty, and community members who all work together to achieve the best in musical and social experiences.

The UAlbany Concert Band rehearses on Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 4:15 p.m. until 5:35 p.m., while classes are in session. Rehearsals are held in the Performing Arts Center, Room B-28. Sectionals will be held as needed. 

Joining the UAlbany Concert Band is easy! Just come to one of our rehearsals! Remember to bring your instrument, or you can rent one from us. Lockers are also available at no cost, as well as practice facilities. No formal audition is necessary. Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory.

The Director of the UAlbany Concert Band is Prof. Kevin Champagne. His office is in the Performing Arts Center, Room B-07. He can be reached at (518) 442-4192 or by e-mail at [email protected]. For information on instrument rentals, locker availability, or general questions about the orchestra or band, please contact our Student Assistant at (518) 442-4175 or by e-mail at [email protected].

The UAlbany Chorale is a large choral group open to all students who can read music. No audition is required. The Chorale performs the large-scale works of the choral repertory and sometimes sings with the University Orchestra, the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra, or the Albany Symphony Orchestra. You may elect Chorale as a course and receive one credit per semester, but you may also participate for no credit. Enthusiasts from the community also participate. Please contact Director Michael Lister at [email protected].

The UAlbany Chamber Singers is a small group open to all students regardless of major. Auditions are held during the first week of each semester. Chamber Singers perform many times during the semester, both on campus and around the Capital District. For this reason, students who elect to take Chamber Singers as a course receive two credits per semester—although you may participate for no credit as well. The music performed ranges from standard repertory to music from many cultures. During the summer, the Chamber Singers have toured to such places as Ireland, Central Europe, and Costa Rica. Please contact Director Michael Lister at [email protected].