Music Ensembles
Ensembles at SHSU
At Sam Houston State University, ensembles are at the heart of the School of Music experience. Whether you’re a music major or simply passionate about performance, you’ll find opportunities to make music, build friendships, and share your talent on stage.
Bearkat Marching Band
The Bearkat Marching Band brings energy and spirit to campus life, performing at football games, pep rallies, and community events. With powerful sound and bold visual performances, the band represents the pride of SHSU.
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is the premier concert band of the School of Music, performing masterworks and contemporary pieces. Known for its artistry and excellence, this ensemble often collaborates with guest artists and composers.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band explores a wide range of traditional and modern wind repertoire. Open to advanced musicians across campus, it provides students with valuable performance experience in a supportive setting.
Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensemble performs big band standards and innovative new works, giving students a chance to develop skills in improvisation and ensemble playing. Performances highlight the rich tradition of jazz at SHSU.
Chorale
The Choral Ensemble is the premier choir of the School of Music, uniting voices from across SHSU. This mixed ensemble performs a wide range of choral literature—from timeless masterworks to contemporary works—presenting concerts that inspire, connect, and uplift audiences.
Belles Voix Treble Choir
Belles Voix is dedicated to treble-voice repertoire, presenting music from classical to contemporary styles. The choir is known for its artistry, expressive sound, and dynamic performances both on and off campus.
Musikanten Tenor-Bass Choir
Musikanten is SHSU’s tenor-bass choir, offering singers the chance to perform music written specifically for lower voices. The ensemble fosters camaraderie while presenting repertoire that spans centuries and genres.
Symphony Orchestra
The Symphony Orchestra performs major orchestral works, operatic productions, and collaborative projects with choirs and soloists. Students gain professional-level experience in a full symphonic setting while sharing the power of orchestral music with audiences.
Program & Ensemble Auditions
There are two types of auditions in the School of Music. Program admission auditions are required for students who want to major in music, while ensemble participation auditions are held each semester for placement in performance groups.
For prospective music majors
To major in music at SHSU, students must complete an audition on their primary instrument or voice. This audition is required for admission into the School of Music and determines placement within the program.
For current and non-music majors
All music majors are required to audition each semester for placement in their assigned ensembles. Students from other majors who wish to continue performing during college are also welcome to audition. Ensemble audition details—including dates, repertoire, and sign-up instructions—are provided directly to current SHSU students by faculty directors.
If you’re not a music major and want to learn more about auditioning, contact the School of Music office for guidance.