Performance Ensembles | Department of Music

Wind Ensemble - MUS 263
Wednesday Evenings

Conducted by Bruce Engel
bruce.engel@stonybrook.edu

The Stony Brook Wind Ensemble (Symphonic Band) explores, rehearses, and performs the great classics from Bach to Broadway. Due to the Covid-19 circumstances, special attention may be given to the performance of chamber wind ensemble works. This may necessitate, duo, trio, quartet, etc. preparation and production of wind ensemble and chamber wind works. The course will meet synchronously (during designated class time), Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:45 PM. All classes will meet via Zoom. A video will be produced as the culmination of the semester's work. All students will be required to have a microphone and camera set up on their computer, as weekly individual submissions of the practiced and prepared music will be required. All students are welcome, but new members are required to audition for seating placement only.

University Orchestra - MUS 262
Tuesday Evenings

Conducted by Susan Deaver
susan.deaver@stonybrook.edu

The University Orchestra is open to non-majors as well as Music Majors/Minors and is usually an orchestra of 75 undergraduate students. This Spring the University Orchestra will meet online on Tuesday evenings between 6:30 and 9:20 p.m with the projected goal of recording and producing a “virtual” concert. Auditioning students should send a link to their audition video to Susan Deaver, conductor of the University Orchestra at susan.deaver@stonybrook.edu. Audition Video Requirements (limit video to five-minutes or less and submit by February 1st if possible): include two short contrasting sections of a solo or concerto of the student’s choice OR two contrasting orchestra excerpts from www.orchestraexcerpts.com. Continuing members of the University Orchestra do not need to re-audition although they do have the option to do so if they wish.

Jazz Ensemble - MUS 264
Monday Evenings

Jazz Combos - MUS 267 or MUS 289
Tuesday or Wednesday nights

Directed by Ray Anderson
ray.anderson@stonybrook.edu

Co-directoed by Thomas Manuel
thomas.manuel@stonybrook.edu

JAZZ AUDITIONS

Everyone should first register for the classes. If you have already been in an ensemble you probably won’t need to audition. Professor Anderson will contact you to let you know. Intro video .

SMALL JAZZ COMBOS

We will study Jazz through the lens of small jazz ensembles. We will concentrate on the two essential tensions in the music: between composition and improvisation, and between individual and group. There will be an emphasis on the Afro-American cultural roots of the music. We will be exploring both individual and group styles of expression, tracing influences and innovations. We meet once a week to discuss what we’re working on and listen to each other.

LARGE JAZZ ENSEMBLE (THE BLOWAGE)

We will study Jazz and Improvised music through the lens of the big band. We will be studying history, analyzing scores, and listening intently to study balance, blend, articulation, dynamics, style and expression. There will be an emphasis on the Afro-American cultural roots of the music. Over the 12 weeks of the semester we will concentrate on 4 different big band arrangements. If possible, we will assemble a recording of these by combining everyone’s recorded parts. There will be guest lecturers coming to share their professional history and insights.

Stony Brook Chorale - MUS 261
Monday evenings from 7:15 PM - 9:45 PM*

Camerata Singers - MUS 271
Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM*

Conducted by Shoshana Hershkowitz
shoshana.hershkowitz@stonybrook.edu

Stony Brook Choral Ensembles will be holding auditions via Zoom for new members on February 1 and February 3 from 6-8:30 pm. Sign up online here: https://go.oncehub.com/sbuchorus Students should prepare a song they are comfortable singing. Students auditioning for Camerata Singers should be prepared to sight sing an 8 measure exercise. All students who are interested will be placed in a choral ensemble.

West African Drumming and Dance - MUS 235 and MUS 335
Thursday Evenings

Conducted by JB Gnonlonfoun
hulengansodji.gnonlonfoun@stonybrook.edu

MUS 235 and MUS 335 classes online this Spring 2021 will consist of history, live performance videos watching and discussion, interviews of professional performers, singing and dancing of selected West African drumming pieces from Ghana, Benin and Togo.

Undergraduate Chamber Music - MUS 391
Rehearsal times based on your availibility.

Directed by Joanna Kaczorowska
joanna.kaczorowska@stonybrook.edu

Stony Brook Varsity Band - MUS 268 (Athletic Bands)
Monday, Thursday, or Friday evenings (your choice) (but can be completely asynchronous)

Directed by Justin R. Stolarik
justin.stolarik@stonybrook.edu

For Spring 2021 only, MUS 268 is offered as a 1-credit in-person and/or online course which will focus on marching arts performance and college marching band culture, while also offering virtual and live performance opportunities (playing and marching). Exposure to multiple styles of marching bands will broaden your knowledge of collegiate marching bands. There is no requirement for access to musical instruments or equipment. Experience reading music is necessary. Please contact marchingband@stonybrook.edu before registering, if you will be a new band member. Open to all majors.