Make Music with Us

UWRF musical ensembles strive to build community, encourage growth and explore diverse musical traditions. Ensembles are open to UWRF students, alums, faculty and staff, friends and community members. Come make music with us!

UWRF Section Separator

Choral


University Community Chorus (UCC)

The University Community Chorus is a non-auditioned, mixed (SATB) choir. To join, you should have some prior experience in a music ensemble like school or church choirs, band or orchestra. If you're a current UWRF student, register for MUSE 160 to join the UCC. Not a student? Register through Continuing Education. You also have the option to apply to UWRF, register for MUSE 160 and audit the course.

Please contact Deborah Fristad at deborah.fristad@uwrf.edu for more information. 

UCC will rehearse on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room 134, Choir Room (Kleinpell Fine Arts) beginning Sept. 9 running through Dec. 9.

Regular attendance is required for making successful progress as a choir! Please notify the director in advance of any absence.

The following performances are scheduled for the UCC:

  • Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m.: Homecoming Concert
  • Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m.: Choral Concert, Abbott Hall

Instrumental

Six instrumental options are available through UWRF, including the New Music Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Band and the University Band during the school year, and the St. Croix Valley Community Band during the summer. Explore below to learn more about each ensemble.


New Music Ensemble

The New Music Ensemble is an inclusive, non-auditioned group that provides both music majors and non-music majors the valuable opportunity to explore and perform a diverse repertoire of compositions from the 20th and 21st centuries. This experience allows students to engage with contemporary and modern music, fostering a deeper understanding of recent decades of musical evolution and performance practices.

Contact Patti Cudd at patti.cudd@uwrf.edu for more information.

New Music Ensemble will rehearse on Tuesday/Thursday from 3 to 3:50 p.m. in Kleinpell Fine Arts, Room 129, beginning Sept. 3 running through Nov. 21.

The following performance is scheduled for the New Music Ensemble: 

  • Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Concert will be held in Abbott Concert Hall. 

Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble is an open, non-auditioned group that welcomes both music and non-music majors, offering the chance to perform a wide range of musical styles, including pieces written specifically for percussion and arrangements spanning from ragtime to jazz. For more advanced students, the Percussion Chamber Ensemble provides the opportunity to tackle more challenging music, fostering the development of style, independence, and musicianship.

Contact Patti Cudd at patti.cudd@uwrf.edu for more information.

Percussion Ensemble will rehearse on Tuesday/Thursday from 2 to 2:50 p.m. in Kleinpell Fine Arts, Room 129, beginning Sept. 3 running through Nov. 21.

The following performance is scheduled for the Percussion Ensemble: 

  • Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Concert will be held in Abbott Concert Hall. 

St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra (SCVSO)

The SCVSO provides an opportunity to gain knowledge about composers, styles and compositions through performance. Recruit a friend to join us!

Contact Kris Tjornehoj at kristin.tjornehoj@uwrf.edu for more information.

SCVSO will rehearse on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Abbott Concert Hall (Kleinpell Fine Arts Building) beginning Sept. 9 running through Dec. 9.

The following performances are scheduled for the SCVSO:

  • Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 17, 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.

Concerts will be held in Abbott Concert Hall. 

Symphony Band

The Symphony Band provides an opportunity to gain knowledge about composers, styles and compositions through performance. As a member, you'll have the opportunity to examine and research compositions, gain skills in critical listening, apply the elements of music to discussions and reflections and grow personally through rehearsals, sectionals and performances. Recruit a friend to join us!

Contact Kris Tjornehoj at kristin.tjornehoj@uwrf.edu for more information.

Symphony Band will rehearse on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. in Abbott Concert Hall (Kleinpell Fine Arts) beginning Sept. 4 running through Dec. 11.

The following performances are scheduled for the Symphony Band: 

  • Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m.: Homecoming Concert
  • Thursday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Concerts will be held in Abbott Concert Hall. 

University Band

The University Band is open to any student or community musician who enjoys playing in a concert band. No audition is required and a wide variety of band literature is performed. This ensemble is geared toward the adult musician who would like to continue his/her playing experience in a relaxed and productive environment. Recruit a friend to join us!

Contact Gary Bird at gary.bird@uwrf.edu for more information.

University Band will rehearse on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Abbott Concert Hall (Kleinpell Fine Arts Building) beginning Sept. 4 running through Dec. 11.

The following performances are scheduled for the University Band.

  • Thursday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Concerts will be held in Abbott Concert Hall.

St. Croix Valley Community Band (SCVCB)- Summer

Celebrating 42 years of service in our community, this ensemble provides a summer opportunity for local musicians (18 and older) to share their talents, develop their abilities, and make connections with other musicians. 

Contact Kris Tjornehoj at kristin.tjornehoj@uwrf.edu for more information.

St. Croix Valley Community Band will rehearse:

  • June 12 and 19, 7 to 9 p.m. in Abbott Concert Hall (Kleinpell Fine Arts Building)
  • July 17, 7 to 9 p.m. in Room 129, Band Room (Kleinpell Fine Arts Building)

The following performances are scheduled for the St. Croix Valley Community Band:

  • Thursday, June 20, 7 p.m.: UWRF Chill on the Hill, Melvin Wall Amphitheatre (Rain site: Falcon Center) Wear all black with an optional colorful scarf or tie.
  • Monday, July 8, 7 p.m.: Optional concert with the SLAC Concert Band, Shell Lake Bandshell, Shell Lake, WI (Rain site: Shell Lake Arts Center)
  • Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m.: Riverfest, Hudson Bandshell, Hudson, WI (Rain site: Bethel Lutheran Church or Phipps Center) bandshell is on the beach of the St. Croix River, park near Pier 500 restaurant

Arrive one hour early for warm up prior to performances.

  • Interested individuals please add your name here.
  • This drop box link is available to those interested under the umbrella of Three Rivers Concert Band.

Registration fees paid via link at bottom of page.

Additional Information

Costs for participating are as follows:

UCC, New Music Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, SCVSO, Symphony Band, University Band

  • $49/first ensemble
  • $69/two or three ensembles
  • $89/four ensembles

St. Croix Valley Community Band

  • $25/summer