Instrumental Music

The University Orchestra provides students with the opportunity to join with instrumentalists from the community and professional players in the performance of a wide variety of orchestral literature. The orchestra presents at least two concerts on campus throughout the year. Students in the String Orchestra occasionally take tours. One of the highlights of each year is the Concerto-Aria Competition in which W&L students are chosen by audition to perform as soloists with the orchestra on its winter term concert. The orchestra is under the direction of Christopher Dobbins.

The University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Terry Vosbein, was formed in 1996 and has grown steadily since its inception. The repertoire of the ensemble ranges from classics from the glory days of the big band to world premiere compositions.

The University Wind Ensemble is a symphonic band that is open to students and area residents. The Wind Ensemble presents at least two concerts on campus each year and takes tours in the US and abroad. Christopher Dobbins is the director.

The Department also offers a variety of Chamber Ensembles depending on student needs. Past and current ensembles include a string quartet, piano trios and the Bluegrass Ensemble.