Ensembles and Studios

Schwob Choral Activities and Vocal Arts

Choral Ensembles are under the direction of Dr. David Hahn, the Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Distinguished Chair in Music and Director of Choral Activities. All choral ensembles are open to all students at the university regardless of major and works performed include repertoire from the standard canon as well as modern, cutting-edge works. For more information about our Choral Ensembles or how to audition for Schwob Singers or join the CSU Choral Union, please visit Choral Activities.

For more information on the BA, BM, or MM in voice, please visit: Vocal Arts or contact Dr. Michelle DeBruyn.

For information on opera theatre, please visit: Schwob Opera Theatre

Schwob Contemporary Ensemble

Schwob Contemporary Ensemble - This adventurous group is directed by Professor Paul Hostetter the Ethel Foley Distinguished Chair of Orchestral Activities, and performs music by composers of the 20th and 21st century. It sometimes uses multimedia including sophisticated electronics and film, and it hosts composers including Shulamit Ran, Mathew Rosenblum, Bruce Reiprich, Lewis Spratlan, Andrea Luque-Karam, and many others. This ensemble presents the most advanced musical challenges in the Schwob School of Music.

Schwob Guitar Division

The Schwob Guitar Division is directed by Dr. Andrew Zohn. The Guitar Division offers extensive study in classical guitar performance with emphasis on both solo and ensemble repertoire. Students participate in multiple recitals throughout the course of each year. Guitar students may seek a Bachelor Degree of Music in Performance or Music Education, and Master of Education. Current and former students of CSU have been awarded prizes from several major national competitions including the American String Teachers' National Association, The South Carolina Guitar Competition, The Georgia Music Teachers Association, and the CSU Guitar Symposium. CSU guitar students have also been featured on the nationally syndicated radio program "From the Top," which showcases America's finest young classical musicians.

Schwob Jazz Ensemble

Schwob Jazz Ensemble - Under the direction of Dr. Jordan Vanhemert, the Schwob Jazz Orchestra is the flagship ensemble of the Schwob Jazz Studies Program. This 17-piece large jazz ensemble focuses on presenting the best in contemporary and classic big band music. Comprised of many of the finest musicians at the CSU Schwob School of Music, the group actively performs for diverse audiences in Columbus and throughout the southern United States.

Schwob Opera Theatre

Schwob Opera Theatre - Schwob Opera Theatre is directed by Dr. Joshua May. This ensemble provides a comprehensive program of training and performance experiences for our singers. Undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to perform in full opera productions, chamber operas, scenes, and concert events across our community. Schwob Opera Orchestra collaborates with our ensemble as part of our mainstage productions in Bill Heard Theatre.

Schwob Orchestral Activities

Schwob Orchestral Activities - Orchestral Activities at Columbus State University is directed by Professor Paul Hostetter, the Ethel Foley Distinguished Chair of Orchestral Activities. The Schwob Philharmonic is the primary ensemble, performing two programs or more per semester. The repertoire is formed from the standard canon, a mix of contemporary music, and concerti performed with internationally acclaimed artists, esteemed faculty, and student concerto competition winners. The Philharmonic works with the chorus, serves as the orchestra for both operas and musicals, and is open to qualified students by audition only.

Schwob Percussion Studio and Ensemble

Schwob Percussion Studio and Ensemble is directed by faculty artist Dr. Paul Vaillancourt. The ensemble is very active, performing, touring, premiering and recording new works. Students also perform regularly in solo recitals and chamber music concerts.

Schwob Wind Ensemble Activities

Schwob Wind Ensemble Activities - The area of Wind Ensemble Activities at Columbus State University is directed by Dr. Jamie L. Nix, the Hal J. Gibson Distinguished Chair in Conducting. This area includes the nationally-acclaimed Schwob Wind Ensemble and the Schwob Wind Orchestra. All ensembles perform wind band and chamber winds repertoire from the standard canon to the cutting edge of contemporary art music.

Small Ensemble Opportunities

The Schwob School of Music provides extensive opportunities for chamber music. For more information on these chamber ensembles, contact your applied professor.

• Bassoon Quartet
• Brass Trio/Quartet/Choir
• Clarinet Quartet/Choir
• Double Reed Ensembles
• FluteTrio/Quartet/Choir
• Guitar Duo/Quartet
• Horn Quartet/Choir
• Mixed Ensembles
• Piano with Brass/Strings/Winds/Voice
• Popular Music Ensemble
• Saxophone Quartet
• String Duo/Trio/Quartet/Quintet/Sextet/Octet
• String Virtuosi
• Trombone Quartet/Octet/Choir
• Trumpet Quartet/Ensemble
• Tuba-Euphonium Quartet/Choir
• Viola Ensemble
• Vocal Chamber Music
• Woodwind Trio/Quartet/Quintet