Develop your musicianship through performance and study at USI.
Minors in general music and applied vocal music performance offer valuable experiences for performing arts students eager to build their musical knowledge and performance skills within the theatre arts major, while applied vocal music education coursework provides a solid foundation for music teaching in elementary schools. All music programs include coursework in music theory, music history, aural skills and piano. The applied vocal music performance and education minors include four semesters of applied voice, culminating in a second year recital. All music minors complete four semesters in a USI music ensemble.
Various music ensembles at USI, including the Women's Choir, the Chamber Choir and the Jazz Band, perform regularly on campus and in the community, as well as offer a number of performance-based scholarships.
There is no additional admission requirement or application process for the Music Program beyond acceptance into the University.
Elementary, Early Childhood and Special Education
The applied vocal music education minor provides a solid foundation for music teaching in elementary schools.
Students planning to teach music in elementary schools (pre-kindergarten through grade six) should seek teacher licensure through a major in early childhood education, elementary education or special education, offered through the Teacher Education Department.
Secondary Education
In addition to a teaching minor in music, in order to teach music in Indiana secondary schools (grades five through 12), a student must have a teaching major in another discipline and a secondary education licensure minor.
Programs and Degrees
Music Ensembles at USI
Students may join the Chamber Choir, the Women's Choir or the Jazz Band to earn credit towards a music minor. Auditions are required.
The USI Chamber Choir puts on the Madrigal Feaste each winter, the University's most enduring musical tradition. The Madrigal Feaste is a reenactment of a 15th-century royal feast, the entertainment also includes dancing and merriment on a grand scale. A collaborative effort, the Madrigal Feaste partners talented faculty and students with University Dining Services to choreograph an evening fit for a king.
Additionally, students may join Designed by Grace, USI's gospel choir. Designed by Grace is a cooperative program of the Multicultural Center and the College of Liberal Arts.
The USI Chamber Choir was established in 1996 as a part of the continual growth of music at the University of Southern Indiana. This ensemble, a combination of the USI Mid-America Singers and Band, and the USI Madrigal Singers Show Choir, is dedicated to performing the very best choral literature for the American Chamber Choir. This ensemble has performed through out the Tri-State Area and has toured through Europe. In 2001, the USI Chamber Choir became the sole mixed voice ensemble at USI. This change enabled this new ensemble to fully focus on a wide variety of eclectic repertory.
Made up of students from all disciplines of study, the USI Chamber Choir promotes the quality performance of exquisite choral music in an artistic setting. The repertory of this ensemble ranges from Medieval Carols and secular pieces to more contemporary settings of liturgical and secular choral music.
Admission into the group is by audition only.
Regular Performances
Each fall semester, the USI Chamber Choir produces USI's oldest tradition, the USI Madrigal Feaste. This reenactment of a 15th-century English feaste is a delightful event combining period costumes, music, great food and lively farces.
Each spring semester, the Chamber Choir prepares concerts for the University community and performs throughout the Tri-State for civic functions and corporate parties. As an outreach, this group tours annually throughout the United States and Europe to promote the University of Southern Indiana through the performance of fine choral music.
The USI Jazz Ensemble was created in 2001 to represent the University through outstanding performances of jazz and contemporary instrumental music. This group has provided music to specific venues on campus and continues to offer students from several areas of study the opportunity to develop their performance skills. Included in the plans for this ensemble are future recordings and performances throughout the university community and the Tri-State area.
The Jazz Ensemble's repertory includes familiar jazz standards as well as more progressive styles. We perform music suited specifically to the size of the group. Ranging from styles for the jazz combo to the music of the Big Band era, we offer each student a broad area of opportunities. From the styles of Ellington to the sounds of modern groups like Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, our ensemble works to create a well-rounded jazz experience.
Admission into the group is by audition only.
Events
Holiday Jazz Bash
Each winter, the USI Jazz Ensemble and Tom Drury Jazz join forces to perform a free holiday concert for the public. Follow the USI Jazz Ensemble on Facebook for more information on this and other events through the year.
The USI Women's Choir is an auditioned group which specializes in the performance of women's choral music from every period of music history. The women's choir was founded in 1995 as a mixed voice group, but was changed to the current format in 1999 in an attempt to offer a different type of choral music to the University community.
The USI Women's Choir sings a concert at the end of each semester, and tours to local high schools to perform when the academic schedule allows. Membership is open to all women who are interested in creating eclectic music in an artistic environment.
When may I audition?
Auditions are offered throughout the year. It is best to audition before your semester advising and registration session but we will be happy to hear your audition and help you change your schedule. Contact Daniel Craig at 812-464-1736 or via email to sign up for an audition.
What am I required to do for an audition?
Chamber Choir and Women's Choir Auditions
You will need to prepare a piece of any style of music. The goal is to sing something that you feel most comfortable singing. You will be judged on vocal tone, diction and the interpretation of your piece. You will also be tested for sight reading and music theory background. The best singers will then be invited to join at the end of the spring semester for the following fall year.
This choir requires a two-semester obligation. Other singers will be auditioned on an as-needed basis.
Jazz Band Auditions
Each student must pass an audition involving the performance of a solo piece and a sight reading evaluation.
Chamber Choir, Women's Choir or Jazz Band
To book a performance by the Chamber Choir, the Women's Choir or the Jazz Band, contact director Daniel Craig.
Gospel Choir
To book a performance by the USI Gospel Choir, Designed By Grace, please visit their website.