Student Ensembles

Choral Music

UB Choir is an auditioned ensemble, though the choir is open to all majors.  The choir performs once each semester and rehearses twice a week. Recent concerts by the Chorus include In the Beginning by Aaron Copland, Magnificat by J.S. Bach, and Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi, performed in Carnegie Hall, last April with UB Chorus and 4 other choirs.

UB Chorus is the vocal ensemble for students who (a) like to sing in a large chorus often accompanied by orchestra, (b) are free to sing only after 5 p.m., and (c) might be apprehensive about auditioning for a smaller ensemble. Recent concerts by the Chorus include The Creation by Haydn, German Requiem by Brahms, Carmina Burana by Orff, and Requiem by Fauré.

UB Opera Studio provides an opportunity to sing in a partially or fully staged opera. In the past, the Opera Workshop has presented works by Mozart, Britten, Cage, Menotti, and Handel.

Large Ensembles

UB Concert Band presents a diverse repertoire during two concerts each year.  Recent concerts have featured works by Bach, Wagner, Ellington, Zappa, Shostakovich, and others.  The ensemble is open by audition to students of all majors.

UB Symphony Orchestra is a full-sized orchestra with approximately 70 members, primarily composed of UB students of a variety of majors, but also includes members of the UB faculty and the Buffalo community. The orchestra performs at least twice each year in Slee Concert Hall.  Recent concerts have included major works by Berlioz, Brahms, and Handel.

Thunder of the East Marching Band  Note: this site is not maintained by the Department of Music and will open in a separate browser window.

Chamber Ensembles

PLOSION Flute Ensemble is a registered course offered by the Music Department in the Chamber Music category. The ensemble is directed by faculty member Cheryl Gobbetti-Hoffman.  Recent performances include WBFO-FM Radio's "OPUS: Classics Live", the Albright-Knox Art Gallery Monet Exhibition (Gala Openings), Baird and Slee Recital Halls, and concerts for William Christie (Les Arts Florissant). 

UB Contemporary Ensemble is devoted to the preparation and performance of music from our time, under the leadership of conductor and composer Christian Baldini.  Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester. The course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.  Instrumentation varies from semester to semester based on the makeup of the ensemble.

UB Jazz Ensemble offers opportunities for both small combo lineups and big band groups.  Instrumentation and repertoire varies by semester.

The Genkin Philarmonic is an ensemble class which provides a uniquely challenging opportunity for students to study and perform contemporary music that draws on musical genres spanning rock, jazz, improvised and chamber music.

UB Wind Ensemble and Wind Chamber Music Program offers students the opportunity to perform and rehearse in small ensemble settings.  The specific makeup of these ensembles changes by semester based on the instrumentation available.

UB Percussion Ensemble regularly performs both on and off campus, including at a number of major festivals and conferences. 

UB Saxophone Ensemble  Note: this site is not maintained by the Department of Music and will open in a separate browser window.