Ensembles

Freshman level ensembles

• Freshman Bootcamp Ensembles

Upper level ensembles

• Play it Like a Pro
• Advanced Performance Ensemble
• Singer/Songwriter
• So You Want to Play in Nashville

*All Singer/Songwriter & Production music majors accepted into the School of Music program must take or test out, during their audition, of the Freshman Bootcamp ensemble before they may be placed in an upper level ensemble.

All ensemble members must be able to do the following to progress to the higher level ensembles.

• Demonstrate an ability to interact and perform comfortably with an ensemble
• Demonstrate a fluency to read and perform with the Nashville Number system.
• Successfully chart a song using the Nashville Number system

Past and Present Ensemble Leaders

A priority of our program is for our students to engage with working professionals in the music industry.  Based on their availability from touring schedules, recording projects, and working engagements, our commercial ensemble leaders can rotate semester from semester. 

Coordinator of Commercial Ensembles: Don Chaffer

Matt Billingslea – Drummer for Taylor Swift

Rob Byus – Music Director and Bassist for Blake Shelton

Don Chaffer – Songwriter, Producer, Artist

Ashley Cleveland – Grammy Winning Singer-Songwriter

Amos Heller – Bassist for Taylor Swift

Gregg Lohman – Drummer for Easton Corbin

Cindy Morgan – Award Winning Singer-Songwriter

John Mark Painter – Artist in Residence/Fleming and John

Bonnie Keen– Nashville Vocalist, Writer, Speaker, Performance Coach

Beau Tackett – Artist in Residence/Guitarist for Blake Shelton

Previous Commercial Ensemble Performances

Fall 2020 Night 1

Fall 2020 Night 2

Spring 2021 Night 1

Spring 2021 Night 2

Chamber Ensembles

• Avalon Trio

The Avalon Trio is a scholarship piano trio, coached by Dr. Jerome Reed. The trio is actively engaged in national competitions and performances; such as the MTNA Chamber Music Competition.

• Nolava Trio

The Nolava Trio is a scholarship piano trio, coached by Dr. Jerome Reed. The trio is actively engaged in national competitions and performances; such as the MTNA Chamber Music Competition.

• Collaborative Piano – Dr. Jerome Reed
• Flute Ensemble – Dr. Jessica Dunnavant
• Saxophone Ensemble – Jeffrey Wills
• Percussion Ensemble – Chris Nelsen
• Chamber Brass Ensemble – Preston Bailey
• Chamber Strings – Elizabeth Brown
• Chamber Woodwinds – Jennifer Kummer
• Jazz Combo I – Simon Yeh
• Jazz Combo II – Michael Meadows

Wind Ensemble

The Lipscomb Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Ben Blasko, is dedicated to engaging high quality music of all styles and genres. The wind ensemble has performed with artists such as Cody Fry and Colton Dixon, and commissioned works by composers such as John Mackey, Bruce Broughton, Jeff Herwig, and Bruce Yurko. The ensemble is open to both music majors and non-majors. Students who participate in the Lipscomb Wind Ensemble are eligible for scholarships through audition.

Chaos Theory: Concerto for Electric Guitar and Wind Orchestra-James Bonney

            Pursuit – Bruce Broughton

            Let Me Be Frank With You – John Mackey

            Third Mode Melody – Thomas Tallis/Danyew

Ensembles in Residence

• Green Hills Wind Symphony

The Green Hills Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Ben Blasko, is professional wind ensemble in residence at Lipscomb University. The ensemble is comprised of professional musicians in the greater Nashville area. Lipscomb music majors are able to audition for the ensemble and receive credit.

• Nashville Trombone Academy

            The Nashville Trombone Academy is a high school trombone ensemble coached by Prof. Matthew Jefferson. The Trombone Academy meets weekly on Lipscomb’s canvas and engages in private instruction, ensemble work, and recording projects at Lipscomb’s owned legacy recording studio, the Sound Emporium.

Concert Choir

The University Concert choir is the premiere choir of the School of Music at Lipscomb University. This ensemble is open by audition to all Lipscomb Students. All are eligible for scholarship through audition.

The choir has toured throughout the United States. Additionally, the choir is a featured performance at “Lighting of the Green,” recording artist Amy Grant’s Christmas celebration. This ensemble is conducted by Prof. Lynn Hodges.

Opera Workshop

Opera Workshop is a performance class in which Vocal Majors/Minors workshop and perform various opera scenes from the genre. The scenes consist of choruses, arias, duets, trios, and other set pieces, full scenes, or full acts.

Sanctuary

            Lipscomb’s premiere Acapella vocal ensemble. Sanctuary is directed by Dr. Randy Gill. 

“Pick and Roll” Basketball Band

The Lipscomb “Pick and Roll” Basketball band is a hybrid rock/horn band that performs at Lipscomb University basketball games. The group is led by Artist in Residence, John Mark Painter. Placement into the group is through audition.

The Lipscomb “Pick and Roll” Basketball Band