Ensembles
We offer large and small performing ensembles to provide a variety of experiences for our music majors.
Our ensembles also give a creative outlet to non-major student musicians and to contribute to the overall cultural life of the campus and the university community.
Commercial Music Ensembles
Freshman level ensembles
- Commercial Music Ensemble: PLAY
Upper level ensembles
- Commercial Music Ensemble: LEARN
- Commercial Music Ensemble: CREATE
*All Singer/Songwriter & Production music majors accepted into the School of Music program must take the PLAY ensemble before they may be placed in a LEARN or CREATE ensemble. They must continue to take PLAY until they’re able to pass the Charting Proficiency test, which is an online component of ALL Commercial Ensembles. Students are encouraged to pass this by the end of their Freshman year.
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
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
- Don Chaffer – Songwriter, Producer, Composer, Artist-in-Residence, full-time faculty
- Rob Byus – Music Director and Bassist for Blake Shelton
- John Mark Painter – Artist in Residence/Fleming and John, producer and composer
- Bobby Huff - Songwriter, producer, drummer
- Greg Bieck - Songwriter, producer, keyboardist, composer
- Julia Damore - Studio singer, vocal instructor
Previous Commercial Ensemble Performances
Instrumental Ensembles
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 (participation pending audition).
Collaborative Piano – Dr. Jerome Reed
Flute Ensemble – Dr. Jessica Dunnavant
Saxophone Ensemble – Jeffrey Wills
Percussion Ensemble – Chris Nelsen
Chamber Brass Ensemble – Jennifer Kummer
Chamber Woodwinds – Jennifer Kummer
Jazz Ensemble – Simon Yeh
(participation pending audition)
Jazz Combo
Large Ensembles
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
- Action Sonata - Brian Sadler (ft. Neil Konouchi, tuba)
- Pursuit – Bruce Broughton
- Let Me Be Frank With You – John Mackey
- Third Mode Melody – Thomas Tallis/Danyew
Chamber Strings
The Lipscomb Chamber Strings, conducted by Dr. Ben Blasko, is dedicated to engaging high quality music of all styles and genres. The ensemble focuses on new and classic literature. The chamber strings and wind ensemble combine twice a year to perform larger, full orchestral works, such as Haydn’s Creation and Handel’s Messiah. The ensemble is open to both music majors and non-majors. Students who participate in Chamber Strings are eligible for scholarships through audition.
"Pick and Roll" Basketball Band
“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
Ensembles in Residence
Green Hills Wind Symphony
The Green Hills Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Ben Blasko, is a 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.
Vocal Ensembles
University Chorale
The University Chorale 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.
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.
Gospel Choir
Open to all students in the Lipscomb University community, the choir performs a variety of traditional and contemporary gospel favorites. Students in the choir perform around campus and the surrounding community multiple times throughout the year. Gospel choir is directed by Aaron Howard.
Fall 2022 Ensemble Performances:
