Ensembles
Dr. Grier Williams School of Music performance ensembles.
UWF Singers
The University of West Florida Singers was founded in 1967 at the newly established University of West Florida. With frequent collaborative performances with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, the Pensacola Choral Society, and the Pensacola Children's Chorus, the UWF Singers have continued to be an example of choral excellence in the Northwest Florida region.
The UWF Singers is the flagship choral ensemble at the University of West Florida and requires an audition. Information is below. Two additional choirs make up the trifecta of choirs at UWF -- the non-auditioned soprano/alto UWF Concert Choir and the non-auditioned student-led tenor/bass Argo Chorus.
Contact Dr. Steenblik, director of choral activities, at psteenblik@uwf.edu or 850.474.2183.
MUN 3313. This SATB choir meets MWF 1:00-2:15 and performs 7-8 times per semester. Participation requires an audition. Auditions typically occur during the few days preceding each new semester. Additional information, including an informative audition video, can be found at uwfsingers.com/auditions.
MUN 3323. This soprano/alto choir meets Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-2:15 and performs 2-3 times per semester. No audition is required. This choir is designed with the busy student in mind, and we encourage participation from a wide variety of majors.
This student-led tenor/bass choir meets once weekly and performs 1-2 times per semester. Rehearsal times and location change each semester depending on the needs of those involved in the group. No audition is required. This choir is designed with the busy student in mind, and we encourage participation from a wide variety of majors.
UWF is committed to supporting students who wish to sing in the choirs. For scholarship consideration, contact Dr. Peter Steenblik, director of choral activities, at psteenblik@uwf.edu. Updated scholarship information is available at uwfsingers.com/auditions.
UWF Symphonic Band
The University of West Florida Symphonic Band is committed to performing the finest wind band and chamber wind ensemble repertoire—both traditional and contemporary. The Symphonic Band is composed of talented musicians from all majors on campus and is dedicated to providing an opportunity for musical growth. The band performs four concerts per year on campus in the Mainstage Theater of the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, with occasional concerts in other venues.
Contact Dr. Sean Kelley at skelley1@uwf.edu or 850.474.2483.
The UWF Symphonic Band is open to all wind, percussion, string bass, and piano players regardless of major.
Symphonic Band meets both Fall and Spring Semesters:
Fall Semester 2024
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Building 82 (CFPA) Room 140 (Rehearsal Room)
Spring Semester 2024
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Building 82 (CFPA) Room 140 (Rehearsal Room)
Credit Option
Students can select either 0- or 1-credit enrollment options. See registration info below:
- 0-Credit: 81220 - MUN 3133 UWF Symphonic Band
- 1-Credit: 80352 - MUN 3133 UWF Symphonic Band
How Do I Join?
Non-music majors may participate without an audition. Music majors must audition, and non-majors wishing to be eligible for solos, 1st part placement, and section principal (first chair) should audition. All students must complete the appropriate forms and enroll in the class. Please read the information sheet linked below for details.
View UWF Symphonic Band Information and Audition Instructions for more information.
UWF Runge Strings
The Runge Strings Orchestra was created in 2001. The Orchestra consists of undergraduate music majors and minors. The orchestra bears the name of the passionate and generous string music supporter, the late Mr. Paul Runge.
The orchestra’s repertoire includes music from the Baroque and Classical eras to the compositions of the 21st century. The ensemble typically presents four concerts per year as well as accompanying various other groups both on and off campus.
For more information about auditions or performance, please contact the Music Office at music@uwf.edu or 850.474.2147.
UWF Jazz Band and Combo
The UWF Jazz Program, under the direction of Dr. Joseph Spaniola, offers the student the opportunity to play jazz music and develop their skills in a variety of ensemble settings, from the traditional Jazz Big Band to medium sized ensembles ranging from septets to quartets to the classic jazz trio. Students are exposed to all facets of the art, from sectional playing to soloing, from sight-reading to improvisation. The repertoire focuses on the entire one hundred year history of the genre, enabling the student to become familiar with and authentically perform all of the broad range of styles in this music that we call jazz. Membership in these performance groups is also available to Music Minors and Non-Majors with the permission of the director (audition required).
Contact Dr. Joseph Spaniola, director, at jspaniola@uwf.edu or 850.857.6296.
UWF Argo Athletic Band
The UWF Argo Athletic Band is THE performing music ensemble at all home football and basketball games. As a UWF tradition, the Argo Athletic Band strives to instill pride in the University of West Florida students, faculty, alumni and fans by providing the highest quality of musical performance while creating an exciting atmosphere at university, athletics and community events
Learn more about band camp and audition requirements.
UWF Percussion Ensemble
The UWF Percussion Ensemble provides quality percussion music to UWF and the Pensacola area. The ensemble is a vital part of the study of percussion by performing a wide range of standard and new works for chamber percussion ensembles. The UWF Percussion Ensemble performs one concert each semester and has featured notable guest artists such as Blake Tyson, Peter Ferry, Elliot Cole, Benjamin Fraley, and many more. In 2017, the UWF Percussion Ensemble competed at the Chamber Percussion Ensemble Competition at PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention).
The UWF Percussion Ensemble is open to music and non-music majors with a background in percussion.
Email Professor Laura Noah at Lnoah@uwf.edu if you’d like to join!
Rehearsal Schedule: Monday and Wednesday: 1 PM - 2:15 PM in the Rehearsal Hall of the CFPA (Building 82).
Course: Percussion Ensemble: MUN3443, (1 or 0 credit hour).
