MUSIC ENSEMBLES
The Music program at Rockford University has something for everyone, whether you wish to earn a degree in music or simply take private violin lessons, sing in a choir, or play in a pit orchestra. Rockford University has numerous opportunities to use or develop your musical talents, including four vocal ensembles, two musicals each year, the RU Music Club, private instruction, and an opera workshop.
Regent Singers
Regent Singers is a mixed (SATB) performance ensemble that performs a wide variety of choral music ranging from the Renaissance to Contemporary and from classical literature to folk songs and spirituals. Much of the music performed by Regent Singers is a cappella, although there is occasional piano accompaniment and even collaboration with chamber orchestra. The culmination of each semester’s preparation is a final performance at the Winter or Spring Performing Arts concert.
Vocal Collective
The Rockford University Vocal Collective is a select, mixed choral ensemble of 15 singers that performs a wide variety of choral literature, from Renaissance polyphony to jazz and popular music. The ensemble serves as an ambassador for the university, performing at university functions and representing Rockford University at community events such as sports games, corporate events and city gatherings. Students from all four classes and from many disciplines make up the Vocal Collective. Vocal Collective has sung at local high schools, homeless shelters, churches and country clubs.
Treble Ensemble
Treble Ensemble is open to all women on campus. A wide variety of music written for treble voices is studied and performed, including arrangements of pop/jazz/show tunes. In addition to the final Performing Arts Concert at the end of each semester, Treble Ensemble regularly performs at the beloved Candlelight Carole service each December.
Gospel Choir
The Gospel Choir is open to all students and brings to Rockford University the tradition of gospel music in American culture. This performance ensemble explores the rich repertoire and performance practice found in the gospel tradition and exists in part to preserve and affirm the African American culture in the city of Rockford.
Opera Workshop
Opera Workshop is offered every other year in the spring, and offers students the opportunity to explore the classical side of the ever-popular marriage between music and theater. The course addresses the preparation, study and performance of representative scenes from the opera repertoire. The semester’s work culminates in an Evening of Opera Scenes.
RU Music Club
If you play an instrument, consider playing with the RU Music Club, a student-directed band that rehearses once a week and alternates semesters playing jazz and rock. There are also fine community bands and orchestras in the Rockford area that welcome student participation.
Pit Orchestra
Rockford University is also proud to produce some of the best theater in the region, including two full-scale musicals each year. Student musicians have the opportunity to audition for and play in the pit orchestra for pay. Other students may be more interested in auditioning for a role in the show or helping out behind the scenes. Whatever your interest, there are opportunities for students from all disciplines to get involved. Two beautiful performance spaces and a highly experienced creative team make theater at Rockford University an experience to treasure your entire life.
Private Instruction
Private instruction is available at the university in voice, piano, and most woodwind, brass and string instruments, including guitar. Many music classes are available to all students and include such courses as The Art of Listening, World Music, and Fundamentals of Music. The music faculty, both full-time and adjunct, is made up of some of the finest award-winning, professional musicians in Northern Illinois.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the music offerings at Rockford University, please call or e-mail Professor Timm Adams in the Performing Arts Department at 815-226-4102 or TAdams@rockford.edu.
