Musical Organizations
All MSU students, regardless of academic major, are enthusiastically invited to participate in one or more of the musical ensembles offered through the University Band, Choir, and Orchestra programs in the Department of Music. These ensembles offer diverse performance opportunities both on and off-campus. Membership is available through audition. Scholarships are available in each of the programs based on talent and experiences as demonstrated through audition.
Founded in 1902, the Maroon Band Program is one of the oldest and best-known bands in the Southeast. The Famous Maroon Band is at the center of game-day spirit, is one of the most visible groups on campus, and serves as musical ambassador for the university. The band appears at all home football games and travels to championship and bowl games. Interested members of the Maroon Band audition for placement in two Basketball Pep Bands to continue supporting the Bulldogs in the basketball season.
The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic, Starkville-MSU Community Band, and the Campus Band offer opportunities for students of all ability levels to pursue the study of the instruments through the performance of advanced ensemble literature, with the Wind Ensemble serving as the premiere instrumental concert ensemble. The Wind Ensemble conducts a regional performance tour annually. The band has been the featured university band at the Mississippi Bandmaster’s Convention and for the Mississippi All-State Concert Band. In addition to regular performances in the Mid-South, the Wind Ensemble frequently travels internationally. Recent performances have included the British Isles (2008), Germany and Austria (2011), and Italy (2014).
The Jazz Bands are offered for those with an interest in jazz, and numerous chamber ensembles for winds and percussion are offered through the Department of Music.
Mississippi State Singers. Designed to represent the choral area as the premiere vocal ensemble, State Singers study and perform complex repertoire from all stylistic genres, accompanied and a cappella. In addition to performing and touring, the daily curriculum challenges singers to hone their personal musicianship skills, apply and synthesize musical facts and concepts presented in their course work, and develop a professional work ethic. Comprised of 50 – 60 singers, State Singers perform full-length concerts, both on and off campus, numerous collaborative projects, and for a variety of University functions. Touring with the ensemble is mandatory.
The Women’s Chorale is a diverse group of talented women hailing from a number of different majors and departments on campus The choir performs a wide variety of repertoire representing all historical periods and styles. This group is comprised of 75 – 100 talented young ladies. Podium opportunities are afforded to qualified undergraduates.
Men of State. The most popular of ensembles on the MSU campus, Men of State offers opportunities for a brotherhood of singing and performance through the university community and beyond. Ranging from 75 – 100 members, the students in this ensemble represent nearly a century of history and music at MSU.
University Chorale. The largest of ensembles at MSU is the University Chorale (Concert Choir). The members of the Women’s Chorale and Men of State combine forces to create the University Chorale. This popular group performs with the Famous Maroon Band each fall semester as a part of the halftime entertainment during an MSU football game. The ensemble also performs large major works with orchestra, and presents two major concerts per semester. Members in this ensemble are expected to have above average musicianship skills. Touring with this ensemble is optional.
The Philharmonia is the MSU string orchestra and offers opportunities for students to pursue performance of string orchestral repertoire. The ensemble rehearses twice weekly and performs campus concerts each semester. Participation scholarships are available through audition, and students are encouraged to audition for the local professional ensemble, the Starkville – MSU Symphony Orchestra.
All musical ensembles are offered for academic credit and do not constitute an overload fee.
Contact information: Band – (662) 325-2713, Choir (662) 325-3490, Orchestra (662) 325-2873.