Music Department
Ensembles
Explore Ensemble Opportunities at NNU
Perform. Belong.
At Northwest Nazarene University, music students don’t get
sidelined, they shine. Unlike larger institutions where students can feel “lost in the crowd,” NNU’s Department of Music ensures that every student is encouraged and enabled to participate in meaningful, high-quality ensemble experiences. These opportunities allow you to grow musically, perform collaboratively and experience firsthand how ensembles are directed and developed.
Whether your passion is singing, playing an instrument or exploring jazz, classical or contemporary styles, NNU offers ensembles that will challenge, inspire and prepare you for a lifetime of music-making.
Why Choose Ensembles at NNU?
- You’ll belong: You’ll be seen and heard. Every student has the chance to perform, whether you’re majoring in music or pursuing another field of study, and being part of an ensemble connects you with fellow students who share your passion.
- You’ll perform: From concerts and recitals to tours and festivals, NNU students regularly share their music with enthusiastic audiences on campus, including in the beautiful Brandt Center and throughout the region.
- You’ll find balance: Ensemble schedules are designed to complement your academic path, making it easy to fit rehearsals and performances alongside your coursework and campus activities.
- You’ll explore: From art music, classical and jazz to Christian worship and liturgical traditions, NNU prepares you to perform collegiate- and professional-level music.
How to join
All NNU ensembles require an audition for placement. If you are pursuing a music scholarship, your scholarship audition will also serve as your ensemble placement audition. Auditions are coordinated through each area coordinator, who will help guide you through the process.
Vocal Ensembles
For more information about vocal ensembles, reach out to Prof. Ron Curtis, Director of Choral Activities, at rdcurtis@nnu.edu.
University Choir & Orchestra (UCO)
This ensemble joins more than 100 students from across campus, uniting the University Choir and Symphony Orchestra in powerful performances. Their concerts feature everything from hymns and gospel to classical masterworks; and their tours throughout the Northwest make them outstanding ambassadors for NNU, the Church and the transformative joy of music.
Bella Voce
Led by Dr. Judy Marlett, Bella Voce is NNU’s women’s choir. Known for its diverse repertoire of classics, world music and sacred works, Bella Voce performs on campus, at churches and schools throughout the region and regularly hosts the annual Treble Choir Festival.
Chamber Choir
Directed by Prof. Ron Curtis, NNU’s Chamber Choir is a select mixed ensemble that performs a wide range of repertoire, from early music to contemporary works. With an emphasis on musical precision and expressive artistry, the choir offers singers the opportunity to engage in intimate, dynamic performances on campus and in the community.
Northwesterners
Directed by Quinn Van Paepeghem, the Northwesterners are NNU’s select vocal jazz ensemble. Known across the Northwest for vibrant performances, commissioned works and appearances at regional conventions, they bring jazz to life in venues ranging from community events to professional festivals.
UNIVERSITY CHOIR
Directed by Prof. Ron Curtis, the University Choir is NNU’s mixed concert choir, featuring 60–80 voices. The group performs a wide variety of choral repertoire, both accompanied and a cappella and is known for delivering moving performances that highlight the beauty and depth of the choral tradition.
Instrumental Ensembles
For more information about instrumental ensembles, reach out to Dr. John Dally, Director of Instrumental Activities, at jdally@nnu.edu.
WIND ENSEMBLE
Directed by Dr. John Dally, the Wind Ensemble performs a wide range of traditional and contemporary wind band repertoire, sharing music through concerts on campus, regional tours and community events. Open to all students by placement audition, the ensemble offers an exciting opportunity to make expressive music at a high level.
Chamber and Symphony Orchestra
Directed by Dr. John Dally, the Chamber Orchestra performs music spanning from the Baroque era to the 21st century. Each week, principal wind and percussion players join the ensemble to form the NNU Symphony Orchestra, exploring the richness of full orchestral repertoire. The orchestra also collaborates and tours as part of the University Choir & Orchestra (UCO).
Jazz Band and Combos
NNU has a strong tradition of jazz music, carried forward through both large and small ensembles. The Jazz Band celebrates the big band legacy through a wide range of styles, hosting the annual NNU Jazz Festival and performing with acclaimed guest artists such as Allen Vizzutti and John Fedchock. Our Jazz Combos, including the premier group Jazz Revival, emphasize improvisation and live performance, appearing on campus, at professional venues and festivals. Open by audition and coached by outstanding jazz educators, these ensembles are ideal for students passionate about jazz.
Chamber Ensembles
Small groups such as string quartets, brass quintets, woodwind ensembles, percussion ensembles and piano groups are formed each semester by audition. These ensembles provide personalized coaching and opportunities to perform in recitals, concerts and community events
