The Department of Music is committed to providing meaningful educational and artistic ensemble experiences. We invite all students from other academic disciplines who wish to continue their involvement in music performance to participate. Our ensembles are also open to qualified community members, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Continue below for more information about ensemble auditions/registration, applied music lessons, and practice room access.
Blending Traditional and Contemporary Ensemble Experiences
Large performing ensembles include concert choir, symphony orchestra, symphonic winds, jazz ensembles, and marching band. Students may choose to participate in small single-instrument or mixed groups in traditional or contemporary styles, jazz combos, vocal groups, various woodwind/brass or piano/string chamber music ensembles, and period (Historical Performance) ensembles. Studio classes in flute, horn, saxophone, guitar, and brass are also available to interested students taking lessons.
Visit the Ensembles List page for a full list of ensemble offerings.
Ensemble List by Category
|
Bands and Orchestras |
Choirs |
Historical Performance |
Single-Instrument or Mixed Groups |
|
Symphonic Winds Spartan Marching Band Jazz Ensemble I Jazz Ensemble II Symphony Orchestra Camerata Chamber Orchestra |
Case Concert Choir Case Glee Club University Chorale |
Baroque Orchestra Baroque Chamber Ensembles Baroque Dance Collegium Musicum Early Music Singers |
Flute Choir (sub-group of Symphonic Winds) Percussion Ensemble Keyboard Ensemble Klezmer Music Ensemble Popular Music Ensemble String/Piano Chamber Music Mixed Chamber Music Miscellaneous Ensembles |
Miscellaneous Ensembles
A handful of affiliated CIM faculty within the Joint Music Program coach additional studio classes. Students are typically enrolled in applied music lessons while enrolled in the corresponding studio ensemble. These classes do not fulfill primary ensemble requirements.
CIM Ensemble Offerings
Auditions and Registration
Full auditions take place the first week of the fall semester. New members can also audition the first week of the spring semester. Audition and registration requirements are outlined on each Ensemble page.
The Spartan Marching Band starts rehearsing during orientation. Visit the SMB page for the Pre-Season Information Packet.
Audition Schedule
Auditions for the Fall 2022 Semester take place during the first week of classes:
- MON, AUG 29: music majors as assigned
- TUES, AUG 30: new or returning members (non-majors)
- WED, AUG 31: new or returning members (non-majors)
- THUR, SEP 1: new or returning members (non-majors)
New Members
Please make sure to attend our Ensembles Overview during Discover Week. Follow the audition information for each ensemble by clicking on the group name from the Ensemble List menu option.
New ensemble members can audition the first week of the fall or spring semester. Audition and registration requirements are outlined on each Ensemble page.
Returning Members
Follow the audition information for each ensemble by clicking on the group name from the Ensemble List menu option.
Music Majors (new and returning)
Undergraduate music majors auditioning on wind, brass, percussion and string instruments will receive an assigned audition time (held on Monday of the first week of class). Music majors auditioning on voice or piano should follow the audition information for each ensemble by clicking on the group name from the Ensemble List menu option.
Did you know?
Most ensembles have variable credit units between 0.00 and 1.00 credit units, which allows students to participate without exceeding 19 units per semester.
Registration
Enrollment permissions are granted in SIS following a successful audition or after the first week of class. Once course permissions have been granted (before the drop/add period ends) students should return to their SIS account to register in the appropriate MUEN course.
Applied Music Lessons
All CWRU students can take applied music lessons (MUAP) for academic credit with affiliated CIM faculty members through our Joint Music Program.
- Incoming undergraduate music majors will receive notification of their studio placement from the music office in August. Each music major (new/returning) will register for primary applied music lessons and Recital Class1. Students interested in secondary lessons should complete the Pre-Registration Form: Secondary Applied Music Lessons.
- Graduate or professional students in music must receive a lesson assignment from their faculty advisor before meeting with Jennifer Wright during orientation to register. Students interested in secondary lessons should complete the Pre-Registration Form: Secondary Applied Music Lessons.
- Non-majors and music minors should complete the Pre-Registration Form: Secondary Applied Music Lessons prior to Aug 15 (fall term) or Jan 5 (spring term).
- Students should make every effort to register for lessons in SIS and contact their CIM Instructor to schedule their weekly lessons time before the first week of class.
1 Recital Class, a required component of primary lessons for undergraduate music majors that meets every Wednesday, 3:20-4:10 PM in Harkness Chapel. Course delivery: in-person and asynchronous instruction. Students are required to perform once during the academic year and serve as stage managers the week following their performance.
Helpful Resources
Policies and Operating Procedures
The Case Western Reserve University Department of Music strives to maintain a safe, secure and productive environment for musical creation by university groups and individuals. The following policies and procedures describe which spaces are accessible and for what purpose. Every effort is made to meet the needs of all parties as equitably as possible while preserving the integrity of our facilities.
Please review our Policies and Operating Procedures.
Practice Rooms
CWRU music majors and students enrolled in music ensembles (MUEN) or applied music lessons (MUAP) are provided access to Haydn Hall and/or Denison Hall practice rooms. Please review our Policies and Operating Procedures for more information.
Building After-Hours Access
All music majors and CWRU students enrolled in ensembles or lessons will automatically be activated for card swipe access to Denison Hall and Haydn Hall. Card swipe access will begin the first day of orientation for music majors and the Monday after drop/add for non-majors. Denison Hall operates on extended hours (8am-10pm, every day) during the first two week of each semester. Please check in with the building monitor on staff if you have questions.
Individuals who require building access but do not fall into the above categories can request card swipe access to Haydn Hall or Denison Hall by submitting the Music Building Access Request.
Borrowing an Instrument
Your Guide to Borrowing an Instrument
The Department of Music maintains a limited inventory of instruments for student use. Our instruments are not available for public use. A policy has been put in place by the Ensembles Committee to have students complete and sign a contract when borrowing school-owned instruments or equipment for very special circumstances.
Instrumental Lockers
Instrumental Locker Policies and Requests
The Department of Music will make instrument storage lockers available to music majors and non-majors currently enrolled in official CWRU Department of Music ensembles, following established university guidelines and policies.