At William Paterson University, students have the opportunity to join an array of dynamic music ensembles tailored to their interests and skills. These ensembles span across various genres, providing a rich and diverse musical experience. Whether students are passionate about jazz, classical, pop, or world music, there's a group for everyone. These ensembles offer a platform for students to hone their talents, collaborate with peers, and showcase their creativity on stage. William Paterson University's music program fosters a vibrant community where students can explore their musical passions and expand their horizons.
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The WP Jazz Orchestra is an 18-member big band that performs a wide variety of music from composers from the 1930s to today. The ensemble has existed since 1965, and performs with a well known guest soloist each semester; these concerts also feature premiere performances of arrangements from our graduate student arrangers.
The internationally-acclaimed WP jazz combos feature classic and new music for small jazz groups.
The WP Latin Jazz Ensemble is a group dedicated to the performance of music from the Latin Jazz tradition. The group varies in size from ten to sixteen members, and performs each spring with a major Latin jazz guest soloist, performing their music.
The WP Jazz Vocal Workshop is an auditioned group of 10-15 singers and instrumentalists rehearsing twice per week and focusing on standards & cutting-edge arrangements.
The WP Concert Choir is a mixed-voice choir of 60-80 students and faculty members that rehearses twice weekly, and performs multi-movement choral works with instruments.
The WP Chamber Choir is an auditioned mixed-voice ensemble that rehearses three times per week and focuses largely on a cappella works calling for tight ensemble precision.
Voxtet is a select vocal ensemble that performs advanced repertoire and numerous concerts throughout the year.
The WP Opera ensemble offers exposure to operatic literature, acting training, and participation in a performances of opera scenes and a fully staged opera each year.
The WP Musical Theatre Ensemble involves participation in fully staged musicals and reviews in a variety of performance spaces. We offer both student-led and faculty-directed shows.
The Prep Band is an open-call concert band designed to serve music majors and non-majors, with opportunities for music majors to play secondary instruments and conduct. The Prep Band explores a variety of repertoire and styles.
The Chamber Wind Ensemble is an advanced wind ensemble, available to students from any major by audition. The group features experienced woodwind, brass and percussion players, with spots for a pianist and a bassist. The group performs standard and contemporary repertoire.
WP Athletic Bands is open to music majors and non majors. The group performs at football and basketball games and at various public functions on and off campus.
The WP Symphony Orchestra performs classic works from the orchestral repertoire.
WP's acclaimed New Music Ensemble explores new contemporary music, including that of WP students and faculty.
WP's chamber ensembles include flute ensemble , percussion ensemble , saxophone and brass ensembles, and many mixed chamber ensembles.
The WP Pop Vocal Ensemble is a highly select commercial vocal ensemble that performs a wide variety of musical styles.
WP's pop bands cover a wide range of styles, including singer-songwriter , funk, rock, punk, metal, and much more.
WP's Electronic Music Ensemble features laptops, MIDI, and other digital/audio instruments.
The WP Global Music Ensemble explores music from various traditions around the globe, including West Africa, Peru, India, and more. Master teachers from these cultures direct the ensemble.
William Paterson University
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
973-720-2000
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