Aberdeen University Civic Symphony
Contact: Christopher Stanichar
The 50-member Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony (AUCS) performs 3 full orchestra concerts per season plus the fall musical and other concerts.
The AUCS provides an exciting and rewarding experience to NSU students and community musicians who are interested in performing great orchestral music. The history of the orchestra reveals the importance of featuring the rich talent of the area together with superb guest artists.
The AUCS has been a focal point of musical life in Aberdeen for more than a century. It was founded as the Normal Orchestra prior to 1910 under J.J. Cason, and became a college-community orchestra in 1920 under Howard Elson Goodsell. Dr. Christopher Stanichar became the orchestra's 17th conductor when he joined the NSU faculty in the fall of 2018. For more information about the AUCS or tickets for orchestra concerts, contact the NSU Fine Arts Office at 605-626-2497.
Chamber Singers
Contact: Dr. Timothy Woods
Twenty-four exceptional singers enjoy a diverse repertoire and an annual tour as members of the NSU Chamber Singers. Performing a capella and accompanied works, chamber singers rehearse two hours per week and perform in wonderful acoustic spaces on and off campus. Chamber singers tour with the NSU choir each fall. Potential performers audition with Dr. Woods at the beginning of the semester. Sight reading is a skill necessary to succeed in Chamber Singers.
Concert Band
Contact: Mr. Adrian Lowry
Performing a varied repertoire representing many styles and time periods, the NSU Concert Band is open to all students and community members.
The band rehearses Monday evenings, culminating with a performance at the end of each semester.
Students may register for 0 or 1 credit hour.
Concert Choir
Contact: Dr. Timothy Woods
Join the 130 members of the NSU Concert Choir and perform repertoire from the renaissance to today. The choir rehearses 3 hours per week, performs on and off campus, and tours each fall.
Formal attire is required for concert and tour performances. Tuxedos are available from the music department. Men are required to purchase a formal tuxedo shirt and tie. Women are required to purchase a formal black dress from the Fine Arts office.
Potential performers audition with Dr. Woods at the beginning of the semester. Your enthusiasm and willingness to work will lead to success in Concert Choir.
Marching Wolves
Contact: Mr. Adrian Lowry
With a rapidly growing membership of outstanding instrumental students and flag team participants, the NSU Marching Wolves has been a flagship ensemble for our comprehensive band program at NSU. Membership is open to all NSU students, regardless of major or status on campus. As one of the most visible ensembles at NSU, it attracts some of the most talented young musicians and participants its membership each year.
Two O'Clock Jazz Ensemble
Contact: Dr. Grant Manhart
The Two O'Clock Jazz Ensemble is the premier jazz ensemble at Northern State University.
With approximately 18 members, the band performs a wide variety of jazz repertoire and tours each winter throughout the region.
The band performs hugely popular swing dance events; performs a spring concert; and hosts nationally known artists each year in January at the South Dakota Jazz Festival.
Symphonic Band
Contact: Dr. Audrey Miller
The NSU Symphonic Band is the premier auditioned band at Northern State University. With approximately 45-50 members, it performs a varied repertoire of literature from transcriptions to the most current works, including commissions.
The ensemble is comprised of students representing different majors. It rehearses from 3-4 p.m on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and performs a minimum of four on-campus performances each year.
The ensemble tours each spring, and has been featured at the South Dakota Music In-Service and North Dakota Music Educators conferences.
NSU Basketball Pep Band
Contact to Mr. Adrian Lowry
The NSU Basketball Pep Band is a 15-25 piece elite pep/jazz/cheer ensemble designed to inspire the crowd, and spur Northern basketball teams to victory! The pep band has been an important part of men’s and women’s basketball games for many years. Playing exciting and challenging musical arrangements, the band is a popular part of Wolves Basketball and sets the tone for spirit at every game. Students look forward to the fast paced and challenging musical environment. Interested performers should contact Mr. Lowry before the season starts. Musicians in this band must have a fine sound and an eager and enthusiastic approach to band and athletics.
Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, and String Chamber Ensembles
Playing chamber music is a wonderful complement to private lessons and large ensemble experiences. These small groups provide a different way of listening, responding, and playing. Open to all musicians, groups are formed based on ability, experience, and instrumentation. All chamber ensembles meet for weekly coaching sessions and perform in recitals.