Music Programs
Performing Ensembles Scholarship
Trine University is pleased to offer to eligible music students the Performing Ensembles Scholarship to all music ensemble performers regardless of major. To be eligible, complete the online Performing Ensembles Scholarship application.
There is no audition necessary. If you have had experience performing in a large ensemble at your high school and fill out the Music Scholarship Information form you do not need a letter from your director. If you have never played in a large ensemble please submit a letter of recommendation from a private teacher or contact our music department office for an interview. The amount of scholarship for each ensemble per year is listed below. Only one scholarship is available regardless of the number of ensembles taken.
The Ensembles at Trine University
All our ensembles meet at different times so individuals interested in more than one ensemble can schedule the ensembles of his or her choice.
Sound of Thunder Marching Band
The “Sound of Thunder!” is the Trine University Marching Band and one of only six private university marching bands in the state of Indiana. The Sound of Thunder performs “drum corps”-style marching at all home football games. Halftime shows feature special sections such as the color guard, drum line, front ensemble (pit percussion) and featured soloists. Emphasis is on energetic, entertaining music that gets the band and the crowd into the pre-game, the halftime show and the game. If you have an interest in marching band and color guard come and be a part of the Sound of Thunder! at Trine University. If you are concerned about the time commitment, the marching band rehearses three times a week, performs at five home games and is a great way to be part of a collegiate marching band you really will be proud of.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble meets spring semester and performs high-quality wind band literature for concerts. It is comprised of wind and percussion musicians. The Wind Ensemble performs the great concert works for wind band, movie soundtrack arrangements, orchestral transcriptions and Broadway music as well as other forms of fine music. The Wind Ensemble also doubles as the Pep Band at athletic events, where it brings the best of “pop and rock” to energize basketball and hockey fans.
University Jazz Bands
The University Jazz Bands perform a wide variety of styles including swing, Latin, bebop, rock and many other forms. The Jazz Bands, which include the University Big Band and the Jazz Combo, perform at concerts and other special events throughout the community. The Jazz Combo gives jazz musicians the opportunity to explore improvisation and perform in a smaller, less structured ensemble. Members of the Sound of Thunder and Wind Ensemble also can be in the Jazz Bands since they rehearse on opposite days of the week.
University Choir
The University Choir is open to all university students regardless of prior experience. However, previous vocal experience is desired. The choir performs at formal concerts, special events and other community outreach venues. It is a mixed ensemble with soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices and offers opportunities for beginning and advanced vocalists. The choir performs a variety of music in different forms, styles, genres and languages. The members of the University Choir learn important vocal techniques and are introduced to different cultures through experiencing a broad spectrum of literature.
Trine University Chamber Orchestra
The Trine University Chamber Orchestra is open to all university students and community members with experience playing orchestral string instruments. Wind parts will be auditioned if interest exceeds the instrumentation demands of a specific instrument. The Trine Chamber Orchestra performs a wide variety of music from autumn and Christmas concerts to a formal concert in the spring featuring the great works for chamber orchestra.
Applied Studies in Music
Applied Studies in Music is private lessons in voice, strings, piano, woodwind, brasswind and percussion instruments. Top musicians from the tri-state area are available to instruct students in their selected field to become better performers.
T. Furth Center for Performing Arts
The T. Furth Center for Performing Arts is the home of the Trine University Music Department. We are very excited that the music ensembles at Trine University are located in a grand, historic building that is a state-of-the-art performance venue and a cultural icon for northeast Indiana.