Instrumental

Bands

Concert Band

A full band open to all students, the Concert Band rehearses and performs standard repertoire and allows music education students to work on secondary instruments and rehearsal techniques. The Concert Band is open to community musicians. Wind, brass and percussion music education majors are expected to participate every semester starting their sophomore year. String education majors are expected to participate starting their junior year.

Director

Dr. Gabe Southard

Course Listing

MUS 133

No audition required

Wind Ensemble

The Hope College Wind Ensemble, the premier wind group on campus, performs a wide variety of music, from standard works to cutting-edge 20th-century works to chamber pieces. Wind Ensemble performs several concerts each semester, including the DeVos Showcase, an annual Halloween Concert and off-campus concerts. The Wind Ensemble recently completed recording for a CD project, which included Wagner’s “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral,” Ticheli’s “Angels in the Architecture” and other works. Learn about our bi-annual tours.

Director

Dr. Gabe Southard

Course Listing

MUS 130

Audition required

Orchestra

Symphony Orchestra

The Hope College Symphony Orchestra is one of the premier ensembles at Hope College. While seeking the highest professional standards, the orchestra performs a diverse repertoire of music from the Western classical tradition, jazz and global music, and contemporary works. Symphony Orchestra regularly presents concerts during the academic year and features faculty and guest artists. One highlight concert of the year is the annual Concerto-Aria Competition that features student performances.

Director

Dr. Christopher Fashun

Course Listing

MUS 120

No audition required

Chamber Orchestra

The Chamber Orchestra is the touring chamber orchestra at Hope College and is selected each year from members of the Hope College Orchestra. The Chamber Orchestra has made numerous radio and television appearances and its performances for Hope College’s Vespers are featured semi-annually on PBS affiliates in Michigan and beyond. It presents a diverse array of  family and youth concerts in addition to its series of formal concerts.

The ensemble has performed at the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and the American String Teachers National Conference, and appears regularly in cities in Michigan. The Chamber Orchestra has appeared on the nationally televised Hour of Power from Garden Grove Church in California. Its annual tour has taken the group to most of the U.S. as well as two provinces in Canada and on several occasions to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Director

Dr. Christopher Fashun

Audition required

Faculty And Student Collaborative Ensemble (FASCE)

This ensemble was created in 2015 to showcase our top performers and music majors. Students involved with this group sit side-by-side with our own faculty members and perform advanced repertoire. Please contact Dr. Gabe Southard if you are interested in this ensemble.

Winds, Brass and Percussion

We offer several chamber ensembles including: woodwind quintet, woodwind trio, brass ensemble, flute choir, and percussion ensemble. Learn more about starting a chamber group.