Vocal Ensembles
CONCERT CHOIR
Open to musicians of all levels, the Illinois College Concert Choir performs a wide range of choral styles. A focus on musical expression and unity make this ensemble a favorite around the community and state. The Choir’s annual tour takes them to locations both near and far. If you’re looking for a place to belong, make new friends, and challenge yourself to be more, the IC Concert Choir is the place for you. No audition required, just register for MU106 for one credit, and come to the first rehearsal - 2:40-3:50 p.m., MWF.
BELLAVOCE
By audition only, this advanced treble ensemble performs music of all eras, from Pre-Renaissance to Pitch Perfect! Are you looking for a musical challenge in an environment of true friendship and fierce loyalty? Then BellaVoce is for you. Join in and learn what excellence and passion really means! Auditions are held in the first week of each semester - check the choir board in McGaw music hallway for audition materials and sign-up.
CHAMBER SINGERS
By audition only, the Chamber Singers are IC's elite group of highly skilled and talented singers with a focus on vocal excellence. The Chamber Singers perform widely for campus and community events, and are sought after for performances near and far. If you've got what it takes, we invite you to be a part of the team and join in. Auditions are held in the first week of each semester - check the choir board in McGaw music hallway for audition materials and sign-up.
BLUE TIE AFFAIR
Illinois College's premier low voice ensemble invites you! Blue Tie Affair performs various popular and classical styles for campus and community events, community groups and other concerts. This is a volunteer group, so no class credit is given. There is no audition, but members are expected to work on their music outside of the once-a-week rehearsal time. Contact choirs@ic.edu for rehearsal times and more information.
JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY CHORALE
Community members and IC students make up this large ensemble, which performs twice a year with the Jacksonville Symphony. Members have the opportunity to perform a wide variety of major works for orchestra and choir. Past repertoire includes Bernstein's Chicester Psalms, Vivaldi's Gloria, Mozart's Coronation Mass, Fauré's Requiem, various Bach cantatas and much more. Rehearsals are once a week on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. Students should have basic music reading ability and must have instructor's permission to join. College credit is available. Contact choirs@ic.edu for rehearsal times and more information.
Instrumental Ensembles
WIND ENSEMBLE
Open to all instrumentalists regardless of major, the Illinois College Wind Ensemble is dedicated to ensemble unit while recognizing and nourishing the individual musician. Frequent tours and local performances highlight the year. No audition is required, but members must demonstrate proficiency on their instrument.
DRUMLINE
Founded in the Fall of 2020 and open to students of any major, the Illinois College Drumline is an exciting, high-energy group that brings spirit to each and every performance. All experience levels are welcome, from the most advanced performer to those who have never played percussion or have never played in a Drumline before. Auditions take place in early May for instrument placement (snare, quads, bass drum, cymbals), not for acceptance into the group. To prepare for a new school year, the Drumline moves in about 10 days before classes start for a pre-season camp and also has a weekend camp after the first week of classes. During the school year, the Drumline rehearses only on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:30. On campus, the IC Drumline performs for all home football games, select Men’s and Women’s basketball games, occasional softball and volleyball games, commencement, and many other on-campus activities. Off campus, the Drumline has performed as an exhibition group for the WGI Chicago Regional, has performed at several churches and high schools, and has provided entertainment for NHRA Midwest Nationals and for a wedding! Contact tyler.carpenter@ic.edu for more information.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
A different ensemble than the IC Drumline, the Illinois College Percussion Ensemble brings a wide variety of music to the IC campus and the Jacksonville community. The group is open to students of any major and musical background. Membership typically consists of traditional percussionists as well as piano, brass, and woodwind players and even some students with a vocal background only. Students perform music in a wide variety of genres, including works by contemporary composers such as John Cage, Steve Reich, John Luther Adams, Elliot Cole, and Jason Treuting. The ensemble also performs crowd-pleasing percussion arrangements of popular songs by artists such as Coldplay, John Lennon, and Alanis Morissette. The Percussion Ensemble typically performs two or three times per semester, with most being on campus in the chapel and one performance taking place at a local coffee shop. The group typically meets on Tuesday nights from 8pm-9:15pm, but can be changed based on members’ availability. There is no audition process and students register for MUS 113 PE for 1 credit hour. Contact tyler.carpenter@ic.edu for more information.
JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
String players (and other instrumentalists by audition) may receive Illinois College credit for joining the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, a long-standing and acclaimed Jacksonville institution. The JSO performs six concerts per season, and often combines with the Symphonic Chorale, a community chorus open to Jacksonville-area residents. Rehearsals are Thursday nights, 7 to 9 p.m. Those interested in membership should contact conductor Dr. Garrett Allman for openings at gnallman@ic.edu.
SMALL ENSEMBLES and COMBOS
Other small ensembles offer unique opportunities for True Blue Musicians. Currently, options include Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Flute Choir, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Woodwind Trio. Players of all ability levels are welcome. Groups general meet once a week for rehearsals and all offer college credit. To find out more, contact christian.secrist@.ic.edu.