The Division of Music offers opportunities for ensemble participation to students of all academic majors at Samford. These ensembles are courses that can count towards general elective requirements for degrees offered throughout the university. Brief descriptions of the ensembles along with their course numbers and contact information for the directors can be viewed below or downloaded on the Ensembles Fact Sheet.  Please contact Arts Recruiter Rachel Lim to request additional information about how to join any of these ensembles.

The A Cappella Choir tours annually throughout the southern United States and tours internationally every other summer. The University Chorale also offers students the opportunity for quality choral experiences. Each year these choirs combine for a performance of a major work with orchestra.

The Samford University Bands consist of the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Ensemble.  In addition to these groups, instrumentalists have the opportunity to perform in a variety of chamber ensembles (brass quintet, wind quintet, percussion ensemble, etc.) and in the Samford University Orchestra.

The Samford OperaWorks offers stage performance experiences to qualified students. One fully staged work is performed with orchestra each academic year. Opera scenes offer vocal students additional opportunities for stage experience.

The Bells of Buchanan, a handbell ensemble, provides further diversity to the ensemble experiences available at Samford.

Samford University
Ensembles Fact Sheet

UNIVERSITY CHORALE – MUSC 1720
This group performs a cross-section of quality literature in major concerts and University events each year. Membership is open to all members of the university. Contact Dr. Sharon Lawhon, sllawhon@samford.edu, 205-726-2498.
A CAPPELLA CHOIR – MUSC 1721
The historical flagship choral organization of the university since 1939, the A Cappella Choir tours both regionally and internationally. Auditions for membership in the A Cappella Choir are held toward the end of the Spring semester; though preference is given to upperclassmen, incoming students are encouraged to audition. Contact Dr. Timothy P. Banks, tpbanks@samford.edu, 205-726-2486.
MUSIC THEATRE ENSEMBLE – MUSC 1722
Features students in musical theatre shows, revues, and ensemble productions. Auditions are announced at the beginning of each semester. Freshmen are not allowed to participate until the spring semester of their freshman year. Contact Dr. W. Randall Richardson, wrrichar@samford.edu, 205-726-2505.
SAMFORD OPERAWORKS – MUSC 1723
The OperaWorks season includes a mainstage production complemented by scenes and one-act performances. Auditions for fall productions typically are held a year in advance. Contact Dr. G. William Bugg, gwbugg@samford.edu, 205-726-2504.
WIND ENSEMBLE – MUSC 1730
Open to all university students.  Composed of advanced wind and percussion players. Admission by audition or consent of director. Rehearses on Monday and Wednesday afternoons in the fall and spring semesters.  Please contact Dr. Jim Smisek, jjsmisek@samford.edu, 205-726-2485.
ORCHESTRA – MUSC 1731
Performs standard orchestral literature, operas, and oratorios.  Admission by audition only. Please contact Mr. Jeff Flaniken, jzflanik@samford.edu, 205-726-2500.
BELLS OF BUCHANAN – MUSC 1732
A member of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Inc., the choir performs original compositions, transcriptions, and arrangements on six-octaves of handbells. The performance calendar includes fall and spring concerts, convocations, and area festivals. Auditions for 13 ringers are held each August. Please contact Dr. Bill Strickland, bjstrick@samford.edu, 205-726-2826.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES – MUSC 1732
Flute Choir, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Woodwind Quintet, Horn Choir, Trumpet Choir, Trombone Choir, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, Brass Quintet, String Quartet. Please contact Dr. Jim Smisek, jjsmisek@samford.edu, 205-726-2485.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE – MUSC 1732
Performs standard big band and small combo literature from the jazz repertoire. The performance season includes a featured concert or other collaborative event. Admission is by audition or recommendation of the director.  Contact Dr. Brad Sargent, bksargen@samford.edu, 205-726-4188.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE - MUSC 1732
The Percussion Ensemble performs works that range from traditional chamber music to jazz to the avant-guard and world music; the Percussion Ensemble also includes the steel band ensemble, Samford Steel. The ensemble season includes on-campus and off-campus events. Membership is by audition and is open to all Samford students. Contact Dr. Grant Dalton, gbdalton@samford.edu, 205-726-2488.

SYMPHONIC BAND – MUSC 1733

Open to all university students.  Admission by audition or consent of director.  Rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons following the completion of marching season in the fall and on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the spring semester.  Contact Dr. Jim Smisek, jjsmisek@samford.edu, 205-726-2485.
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY “BULLDOG” MARCHING BAND – MUSC 1739
Become part of the tradition. Membership is open to all with previous band experience; marching experience is not necessary. Audition for band scholarships is mandatory. Please contact Dr. Jim Smisek, jjsmisek@samford.edu, 205-726-2485.