The Division of Music offers opportunities for choral and instrumental ensemble participation to students of all academic majors at Samford. Students can enroll in one of our choirs, bands, orchestra, or chamber ensembles. Ensembles are taken as an academic course that counts toward general elective requirements for degrees offered throughout the university, or they may be taken for a 0 credit if the student is already at 18 credit hours. Orchestra, Jazz Band, LAKESHORE, Samford Worship Collective and the Marching Band will all host auditions on August 28 from 2-4 p.m. Click on the ensemble for details.
A Cappella Choir
Performs both regionally and internationally, as well as for important university functions throughout the year. Auditions for membership in the A Cappella Choir are held throughout the summer.
Contact: Philip Copeland
Chamber Ensembles
Gracenotes
Samford’s Vocal Jazz group is beginning its third year! We'd love to have you audition for this 8-12 member group that focuses on vocal jazz and contemporary a cappella music.
Jazz Band
Performs standard big band and small combo literature from various jazz styles. The performance season includes featured concerts that take place both on and off campus. Auditions August 28, 2-4 p.m. Brock 205 and 302.
LAKESHORE
Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Dave Mathews Band...LAKESHORE is Samford’s Commercial Music flagship band. Performing R&B, funk/soul, and pop hits from the 60s to today, this auditioned ensemble features a full rhythm section, horns, and vocalists. LAKESHORE also frequently performs original songs written in-house by Samford students.
Contact: Steven Potaczek
Marching Band
Performs at all home football games, one away game, and a high school marching exhibition in the Fall. Membership is open to all with previous band experience; marching experience is not necessary and no audition is required for the ensemble! Scholarships are available by audition. Auditions will take place August 28, 2-4 p.m.
Contact: Grant Dalton
Montague
AC/DC, Shania Twain, John Mayer… Montague is the newest Commercial Music ensemble here at Samford. Playing student originals in addition to rock, country, and pop’s hottest hits, Montague is a high-octane band that features several vocalists and a rhythm section.
Contact: Steven Potaczek
Orchestra
The Samford Orchestra performs throughout the year and features standard orchestral literature, operas, oratorios, concerti, and musical theatre shows.
Contact: Brian Viliunas
Pep Band
This ensemble performs at every home basketball game, volleyball games, and travel to any tournaments the teams go to in March! Membership is open to all with previous band experience! Scholarships are available to all who audition for one! The Band’s repertoire consists of top 40, jazz, big band, pop, and rock favorites.
Percussion Ensemble
Performs a wide range of works on various percussion instruments. Members must have considerable skill on percussion instruments ranging from drums and timpani to mallet instruments and some ethnic percussion. Members will also periodically be performing on steel drums, but prior experience on these instruments is not required for membership. Membership is by audition.
Samford Opera
Performs one mainstage production of opera or operetta each season. Auditions for fall productions typically are held the previous spring. All majors are welcome.
Opera Workshop
Performs scenes from operas and musical theatre each semester. No audition necessary for music or musical theatre majors. Students with other majors are welcome but will need to audition.
Samford Worship Collective
The Samford Worship Collective is a vibrant and varied group of musical worship leaders who present worship concerts and lead a variety of other worship gatherings on and off campus. Featuring 3 to 5 singers, a full rhythm band, and other creative expressions, they aim to perform diverse worship styles with quality artistry. Auditions will take place Sunday, August 20, 2023 2-5 p.m. Audition Information
Contact: Jonathan Rodgers
University Chorale
University Chorale is open to all Samford students. No audition is required. Before the beginning of Fall Semester, register for MUSC 1720-01. This ensemble performs a cross-section of quality literature in major concerts and university events each year.
Wind Ensemble
The Samford University Wind Ensemble is a traditional concert band that provides an opportunity for both music and non-music majors to participate. Participation in the Wind Ensemble provides exposure to diverse literature including chamber music and traditional and contemporary works for wind band. During each concert season, visiting conductors and composers interact with students as part of a comprehensive educational experience. The ensemble performs multiple concerts throughout the semester. There are no auditions to join the ensemble, only for part assignments and those will take place within the first week of class for each semester.
