Membership in the Marching Band is open to all MSSU students who enjoy the marching venue. The Marching Band performs at each home football game and marches in three area parades.
This is the largest choral-performing ensemble on campus. This lightly auditioned choir is made up of both majors and non-majors that demonstrate a love for choral music and have a willingness to strive for continued improvement of choral techniques and vocal skills. The Concert Chorale performs several concerts each semester with a repertoire that ranges from classical works to gospel and contemporary literature.
Membership in the Symphonic Band is open to all MSSU students who enjoy the rehearsal and performance of exemplary band music. The band performs a wide variety of music in an effort to meet the diverse musical needs and tastes of its members and the audiences for which it performs. Several University-owned instruments are available for use; and will be loaned to students. Instruments can be checked out with the Director of Bands. There is no student loan fee and minor repairs are made at the University's expense. Should serious damage occur to an instrument due to disregard, the student will be charged for the repairs.
Southern Symphony Orchestra provides all qualified instrumental students the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of orchestral literature from differenty periods. It consists of MSSU faculty members and students, selected high school students, and community members.
The orchestra meets every Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Scholarships are available. For further information, please contact the orchestra director, Dr. Kexi Liu, at (417) 625-9681 or liu-k@mssu.edu.
This vocal ensemble is the supreme ensemble that is chosen for their musicality and purity of vocal quality. This vocally mature, select choir performs extensively throughout the four-state area demonstrating a mature sensitivity of the blending of music and text. In addition to their many concert appearances, the Chamber Choir presents a Madrigal Dinner every other Spring semester. Auditions are open to both music majors and non-majors.
These big bands are open to all students via audition. Music of the Count Basie Band, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Woody Herman Herds and Stan Kenton Orchestra constitute the basis of literature. The jass studies program features a guest soloist at the Spring Concert.
All music majors enrolled in Jazz Orchestra must also be enrolled in the large instrumental performing ensemble at MSSU (Fall-Marching Band, Spring-Symphonic Band, Either semester-Symphony Orchestra).
Non-music majors may enroll in Jazz Orchestra under the following guidelines:
1. Receive no scholarship (exception would be the Jazz Orchestra scholarship, generally limited to rhythm section players: piano, bass, drums, guitar).
2. Audition and acceptance into the Jazz Orchstra by the Director of Jazz Studies.
Jazz combo is available to students who register for jazz improvisation. Emphasis is placed on jazz improvisation and understanding of chord structures as they relate to classic jazz standards.
This is an exciting Jazz/Show choir that is a delight to watch and listen to. This ensemble is chosen based upon their outgoing personalities, ability to dance, sing, and "sell" a song. Auditions are open to both music majors and non-majors.
The basketball pep band provides entertainment and support for the basketball teams at most home games. The enthusiasm is high, and so is competition to be selected. Members of this ensemble receive a monetary stipend for their performance.
All music majors who are a part of the Pep Band must also be enrolled in the large instrumental performing ensemble at MSSU (Fall-Marching Band, Spring-Symphonic Band).
Non-music majors may audition and be a part of the Pep Band under the following guidelines:
1. Have performed four (4) semesters in a large instrumental performing group at MSSU.
2. Receive no scholarship (exception would be the Jazz Orchestra scholarship generally limited to rhythm section players: piano, bass, drums, guitar).
3. Pep Band members will receive a stipend of $300. This will be paid at the end of the performance season. Should the student owe money to the University, this stipend will be deposited to their account through the business office.
4. Audition and acceptance into the Pep Band by the Director.
Both vocal and instrumental chamber groups may be made available should there be student interests. Ensembles have included: Trombone Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Choir, and Various Vocal Ensembles.