South Carolina State University Ensembles:
Brass Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble
Mallet Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble
Saxophone Ensemble
String Ensemble
University Bands
University Choir
Steven Reid, Director 803-536-7023
South Carolina State University Brass Ensemble, directed by Steven J. Reid is a performance based repertoire class that explores the diverse literature for various cultural, secular and sacred events within the university community. A major component of the ensemble focuses on the brass quintet, however additional attention is dedicated to mixed brass ensembles.
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Jonovan Cooper, Director 803-536-8993
The South Carolina State University Jazz Ensemble consists of approximately 30 members. It tours the Southeast performing a variety of traditional and contemporary jazz music. The ensemble in past years has been fortunate to perform with such outstanding professional jazz musicians as Clark Terry, Joe Sample, Kenny Barrell, "Dizzy" Gillespie, Max Roach, Johnny Williams, Horace Ott, and many others.
In the jazz ensemble, students are exposed to various styles of jazz music and are required to imitate these styles through performance. Students also learn the importance of communicating through music and are encouraged to hone their own communication skills via listening, ensemble participation, and solo improvisation.
The ensemble is currently under the direction of Jonovan Cooper and consists of an instrumental “Big Band,” a small jazz combo, and vocal jazz ensemble. Students from various majors make up the ensembles. Students are selected via an audition process which determines the placement of each student.
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James Orlick, Director 803-536-7124
The SC State Percussion Studio Mallet Ensemble, directed and conducted by James Orlick, focuses its' repertoire on the seminal mallet works. The mallet ensemble presents an array of works, marimba concertos, Trinidadian Works, transcriptions from all periods of music to premieres of marimba choir works. The SCSU Mallet Ensemble presents one major concert each semester. The ensemble meets for 3 hours during the concert preparation period, per week. Repertoire is far ranging including percussion ensemble classics, world premiers, experimental music, world music, commercial, with film, with dance and painterly.
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James Orlick, Director 803-536-7124
The SC State Percussion Studio Percussion Ensemble, directed and conducted by James Orlick, focuses its' repertoire on the seminal works of the 20/21st centuries. Although a relatively new art form, the percussion ensemble repertoire spans nearly 100 years. From the powerful works of iconoclast Edgar Varese to his modern day counterpart, Frank Zappa, to the cutting edge compositional styles of Philip Glass. The SC State Percussion Studio Ensemble explores the entire range of styles and mediums, including world music. Finally, the Percussion Studio Ensemble is a rich venue in which SCSU student and faculty composers' works are performed. Important theatrical/percussion works by such composers as Stockhuasen, Kagal, Henze and other influential composers of our time are also presented.
The SCSU Percussion Ensemble presents one major concert each semester. The ensemble meets for 3 hours during the concert preparation period, per week. Repertoire is far ranging including percussion ensemble classics, world premiers, experimental, world music, commercial, with film, with dance, painterly, and with mixed ensembles.
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The Saxophone EnsembleJonovan Cooper, Director 803-536-8993
The SCSU Saxophone ensemble is comprised of saxophone students that play soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone. The ensembles perform literature from baroque, classical, and romantic arrangements to 20th century European and American compositions. This group serves as an easily accessible recruiting tool for the music area.
As a result of participating in this group, students will learn: how to appropriately approach various styles of music; the wide spectrum of literature composed for the saxophone; the importance of educating audiences about the saxophone; and the importance of being an ambassador.
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Dr. Julie Quick, Director 803-536-8829
The String Ensemble’s repertoire extends from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century. Its members range from violin, viola, cello, bass, acoustic guitar, and other orchestral instruments. The String Ensemble presents major concerts on campus and within the community. The String Ensemble played at the Southern Conference of African American Studies (SCAASI) in Savannah, Ga. and in Charlotte, NC.
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Eddie Ellis, Director 803-533-3691 (band office) / 803-536-8570
The Concert Band
The Concert Band performs at university, community and other events. Membership is open to all university students by audition and is offered spring semester.
The Symphonic Bands
The Symphonic Bands membership is by invitation only. It engages in music ranging from medium advanced to advanced wind compositions. The Symphonic band’s campus performances are supplemented by periodic tours, convention and conference appearances.
The Marching “101” Band
The Marching “101” Band is comprised of approximately 380 students, that performs at all home and various away football games, parades, conferences, and events on campus and within the community. Students who wish to enroll must audition by attending a required pre-season training session prior to the fall term
The Pep Band
The Pep Band performs at all home men and women basketball games as well as the MEAC basketball tournament. They also perform for other activities.
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Dr. Richard Beckford, Director 803-536-8825
The University Concert Choir is a mixed choral ensemble that performs a variety of repertoire. It presents a major concert each semester and engages in performances on campus as well as within in the community.