Marissa Schaeffer
Students at Missouri S&T wanting to get involved in the musical world, instrumentally or vocally, have a wide variety of options at the university. There are currently eight music ensembles directed by the university available to satisfy a wide range of musical talent, which include: Wind Symphony, Marching Band, University Orchestra, Instrumental Chamber Ensemble-Strings, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, University Choir, and Chamber Vocal Ensembles. There are two student founded and lead ensembles as well: Miner Key and Video Game Music Ensemble. The Wind Symphony and Chamber Vocal Ensemble require an audition, but the other ensembles accept all ranges of musicians and vocalists.
The Miner Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Samson, can be seen in the Allgood-Bailey stadium stands every home football game playing pep tunes and performing a halftime show to entertain the crowd and support the athletes. Students in this ensemble not only improve their musical ability, but also work on their discipline to play at superior level while marching in various formations. The marching band can also be seen participating in the Missouri S&T Homecoming and St. Patrick’s Day parades. For those who would prefer to enjoy a seat while performing, the Wind Symphony and Symphonic band are the preferred ensembles for wind instruments. These two ensembles have a performing arts concert each semester in Leach Theater here on campus. During the fall semester, a holiday concert is performed and during the spring semester these two ensembles accompany the 399th Army Band in a commemorative performance to honor all the active and veteran service members.
For students whose instruments are their voice, Missouri S&T has two vocal ensembles for students to join. Both ensembles put on a performing arts concert in the fall and spring. The ensembles also sing the National Anthem for the university’s home football games and at the St. Patrick’s coronation in the spring. For the St. Patrick’s coronation the vocalists learn the Irish national anthem in its original language; Gaelic. If just being in an ensemble isn’t enough, students at Missouri S&T can accomplish a music minor. The minor includes taking 2 courses in Music Theory, 2 courses in Music History and Literature, the participation in one or more major ensemble(s) each semester while working on the music minor, and receiving approval of a recital or other performance. The student must also complete four semesters of piano or be able to demonstrate adequate keyboard proficiency to obtain the minor.
All of the concerts, ensembles, and courses wouldn’t be available without the help of the university’s outstanding directors. A big thank you to Dr. David Samson (Band & Marching Band), Dr. Kyle Wernke (Orchestra & Jazz), and Lorie Francis (Choir) for instructing MS&T’s students to their musical limits. Consider supporting the Missouri S&T musical community by enjoying a concert or even joining one of the ensembles.
