MEIS ENSEMBLES

If students have specific questions about requirements for the different emphasis areas, we encourage them to meet with their advisor to discuss the different options & requirements. For questions in regard to audition information and/or ensemble details, students can reach out to the ensemble Director directly or contact the MEIS Front Desk for further assistance.

Signature Ensembles

Ensemble Description

Signature Ensemble. Elite a cappella mixed choir. This course will focus on group rehearsals of various genres of vocal ensemble music, including pop, rock, jazz, musical theater, and gospel. Prerequisite: Audition or meeting with ensemble faculty. Previous choral experience, basic music theory knowledge and sight reading ability highly desirable. This group performs difficult music in 8 part harmony. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

Voice only

Ensemble Director

Rhundalari Barnes rhundalari.barnes@ucdenver.edu

Audition Requirement

Contact ensemble director directly.

Ensemble Description

The Claim Jumpers Ensemble focuses on traditional jazz and blues literature. Emphasis is placed on the musical skills necessary to perform in an improvised musical setting. Commitment involves performances on and off campus. Audition required. Scholarships available.

Instrumentation

Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet/Sax, Vocals, Piano, Guitar, Bass/Tuba, and Drum set.

Ensemble Director

Robert Staffeldt

Audition Requirement

Contact the Director directly

Ensemble Description

Signature Ensemble. Advance jazz guitar group. This course will focus on group rehearsals of bebop and fusion. Prerequisite: Audition or meeting with ensemble faculty. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

4 (electric) guitarists, 1 bassist (acoustic or electric), 1 drummer, and the possibility of 1 pianist.

Ensemble Director

Drew Morell

Audition Requirement

Contact the ensemble director directly.

Ensemble Description

Signature Ensemble. This ensemble performs Salsa and Afro-Caribbean music. Ensemble time is spent rehearsing repertoire and learning about Latin music concepts. Prerequisite: Audition or meeting with ensemble faculty. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

Voice (with the ability to pronounce Spanish--fluency in the language not needed), drum set/timbales, conga/bongo, bass, guitar, piano, brass/woodwinds/strings

Ensemble Director

Peter Ellingson

Audition Requirement

Contact ensemble director directly

Ensemble Description

Advanced a cappella performing group, working in a wide range of stylistic offerings. Enrollment by audition only. Previous choral experience, basic music theory knowledge and sight reading ability highly desirable. This group performs difficult music in 6 part harmony. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

Voice only

Ensemble Director

Erin Hauger

Audition Requirements

Contact the ensemble director directly.

Learn more about Lark

Intermediate Ensembles

Ensemble Description

The Electro/Acoustic ensemble will give students the following experiences: collaborate in ensemble dynamics.; master tunes through reading and listening; explore the art of improvisation; embrace professionalism in music; dive into arranging and orchestration; discover a world of musical styles; fuse genres to create your signature sound; and hone the skill of collaboration with diverse musicians.

Ensemble Director

Greg Tanner Harris

Instrumentation

We welcome musicians of all kinds, from guitarists, bassists, drummers, producers, singers, horn players, to percussionists, and more. If you have a passion for music and a desire to explore, you're the perfect fit.

Audition Requirements

We believe in inclusivity and welcome musicians of all levels. There's no formal audition process. Simply email our director, Greg Tanner Harris, DMA, and let him know which instruments you play or if you're a vocalist. Dr. Harris will determine if you are a good fit and let you know how you can become part of this vibrant musical community.

Ensemble Description

Intermediate Ensemble. Will focus on group rehearsals of contemporary music with challenging technical and vocal requirements. Students will gain experience in transcribing and creating simple arrangements, learning adequate musicality, performing presentation and group cooperation. Prerequisite: Audition or meeting with ensemble faculty. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

General instrumentation of pop / rock styles. Also can take any acoustic instrumentation of strings, brass, and winds.

Ensemble Director

Andrew Guerrero

Audition Requirement

Contact Ensemble director directly.

Ensemble Description

Intermediate Ensemble. Will focus on group rehearsals of R&B/Hip Hop stylings, both current and classic repertoire. Challenging technical and vocal requirements. Students will gain experience in transcribing and creating basic arrangements, learning musicianship, live stage performance and group cooperation. Prerequisite: Audition or meeting with ensemble faculty. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

Drum kit, Drum pad & Percussion, MPC, Bass, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, advanced vocalist, emcees/rappers are welcome to audition.

Ensemble Director

Andrew Guerrero

Audition Requirement

Contact ensemble director directly.

Ensemble Description

The CU Denver Mobile Device Ensembles are groups of students using only laptops, iPods & iPhones to perform as an ensemble. The music ranges from modern EDM grooves to more experimental ambient stylings and all things in-between. Led by instructor Todd Reid, this ensemble will perform solo, duo and group pieces that feature original music and remixes of popular songs.

Instrumentation

Laptop computers, iPods, iPhones. Students will be required to supply their own mobile devices and apps.

Ensemble Director

Todd Reid

Audition Requirement

Fall 2023 Mobile Device Ensemble Audition Information

Ensemble Description

A performance laboratory dedicated to the combination of electronic and acoustic instruments, including improvisation, composition, as well as live video and game sound design. Prerequisite: Audition or meeting with ensemble faculty. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

All synthesizers, acoustic orchestra and band instruments, samplers and signal processors.

Ensemble Director

Gregory Walker

Audition Requirement

Contact ensemble director directly.

Ensemble Description

Advanced ensemble. Focus on student compositions of original songs with lyrics and instrumental accompaniment, including lead sheets for band performances. Culminates in a final concert with band. Students participate in community-building activities, including an annual mountain songwriting retreat. Prerequisite: Audition or meeting with ensemble faculty. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

Vocalists. Self-accompanying skills highly encouraged.

Ensemble Directors

Dango Rose

Enion Pelta

Audition Requirement

Contact ensemble directors directly.

Beginning Ensembles

Ensemble Description

Beginning Ensemble. A cappella choir. Will focus on choral singing to further the student's musical and vocal skills. Emphasis will be on successful preparation for the advanced a cappella groups. Beginners with good vocal and musical potential are welcome, subject to an internal audition process for part placement. Minimal choral experience, e.g., church, high school, etc. Max hours: 8 Credits.

Instrumentation

Voice only

Ensemble Director

Leslie Soich

Audition Requirement

No audition required to register. Contact ensemble director for registration information.

Ensemble Description

Students perform weekly in an on stage professional setting. Ensemble members perform in solo, duet and group configurations. The instructor and peers critique performances. Course activities include: performance protocol, musical presentation, self-assessment and peer-assessment. This ensemble is open to all MEIS majors and minors. No audition is required and it can be repeated once for ensemble credit. Non-audition track students are encouraged to take this ensemble after or during enrollment in their applied lessons.