Musical Excellence for All Students
At Tougaloo College, we cultivate musical excellence for all students. Our diverse ensemble program welcomes both Music Majors and Non-Majors to participate in a variety of instrumental and choral ensembles that perform an array of musical literature, ranging from orchestral to jazz standards and arrangements.
Students acquire skills relating to current performance practices, etiquette, and knowledge geared towards building independent and collective musicianship. These ensembles perform for concerts, campus activities, civil functions, and community events.
Ensemble Life
Experience the energy, collaboration, and artistry of our music ensembles through performances, rehearsals, and community engagement.
Instrumental Ensembles
At Tougaloo College, Music Majors and Non-Majors have an opportunity to participate in a variety of instrumental ensembles. The instrumental ensembles at Tougaloo College perform an array of musical literature, ranging from orchestral to jazz standards and arrangements. Students acquire skills relating to current performance practices, etiquette, and knowledge geared towards building independent and collective musicianship.
Jazz Ensemble
Explore the world of jazz through performance of classic and contemporary jazz standards, developing improvisation skills and ensemble technique.
String Ensemble
Develop string technique and ensemble skills through performance of classical and contemporary repertoire for string instruments.
Chamber Orchestra
Experience orchestral literature in an intimate setting, performing works from baroque to contemporary composers with full orchestral instrumentation.
Choral Ensembles
At Tougaloo College, Music Majors and Non-Majors also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of choral ensembles. The choral ensembles perform a broad array of choral literature. Students acquire essential skills that are focused on developing both independent and collective musicianship. These ensembles perform at concerts, campus events, civil functions, and community activities.
Concert Choir
Our premier choral ensemble performing masterpieces of choral music from all periods, including touring opportunities and major concerts.
Chorale
A select vocal ensemble focusing on refined choral technique and performance of challenging repertoire from various musical periods.
Men's Chorale
An ensemble dedicated to exploring the rich tradition of men's choral literature, from classical works to contemporary arrangements.
Women's Chorale
Celebrating the beauty of women's voices through performance of literature specifically composed for treble voices.
Audition Requirements
Students must perform the following based on their instrument:
Brass
- All major scales with major arpeggios in a minimum of two octaves
- Chromatic scale within the full practical range of the instrument
- One solo movement or etude of contrasting styles
- Sight-reading at an appropriate level
- Additional material may be included if desired
Woodwind
- All major scales with major arpeggios in a minimum of two octaves
- Flute students should perform three octaves where appropriate; Clarinet students should perform two-three octaves where appropriate
- Chromatic scale within the full practical range of the instrument
- One solo movement or etude of contrasting styles
- Sight-reading at an appropriate level
- Additional material may be included if desired
Percussion
- Demonstrate basic percussion rudiments/scales of the student's choice
- Solos or etudes on one (required) or more (preferred): snare, timpani, and/or keyboard
- Sight-reading at an appropriate level
- Additional material may be included if desired
Keyboard
- Demonstrate major/minor scales and arpeggios (minimum of two octaves)
- Two prepared pieces of contrasting styles (memorization preferred)
- Sight-reading at an appropriate level
- Additional material may be included if desired
Students must complete the following requirements:
Vocal Requirements
- Vocalize within at least a two-octave range
- Sing one song of their choice
- Sing an agreed upon simple hymn or song "a cappella"
- Sight-read a simple hymn selected by the instructor in charge of the audition
What to Expect
- Warm-up exercises to demonstrate vocal range
- Performance of prepared solo piece
- Unaccompanied singing to assess pitch accuracy
- Music reading skills evaluation
Preparation Tips
- Practice scales and vocal warm-ups regularly
- Choose a song that showcases your vocal abilities
- Work on sight-reading simple melodies
- Be prepared to sing without accompaniment
Audition Format
- Individual auditions with music faculty
- Approximately 10-15 minutes per audition
- Friendly and supportive environment
- Questions about musical experience welcome