Ensembles
The Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Paul Satre, performs a wide range of choral music from the polychoral masterpieces of the sixteenth century to modern gospel, has published a few CD recordings, and regularly tours the US and Europe.
The Symphonic Band, currently under the direction of Prof. Stephen Posegate, has performed classics of concert band literature at TIU for 41 years, has published a few CD recordings, and regularly tours the US and Europe.
The Trinity Community Philharmonic Orchestra (TCPO), which includes TIU students, alumni, and faculty, as well as friends from the community, performs in on-campus concerts and accompanies musicals, operettas, and oratorios performed by the School of Music.
The Handbell Choir, under the direction of Ms. Debbie Gillette, makes excellent use of the College's five-octave set of bells. Though primarily a resident ensemble, the Handbell Choir also concertizes in local churches, where it is invariably well received.
The Jazz Ensemble varies in size from year to year, ranging from a combo to a "big" band. Though there is no jazz emphasis area at present in the SOM, the Jazz Ensemble's spring programs typically evoke an enthusiastic response.
The Pep Band is an ad hoc assemblage of members of the Symphonic Band and other players, usually directed by a senior student. Its purpose is to add life and color to fall football games.
Chamber Ensembles
The Men's (vocal) Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, Brass Quintet, String Quartet, Guitar Ensemble, and Flute Choir (offered on demand) are comprised of members of the larger ensembles, and they tour with those groups in addition to performing on their own on campus and in the surrounding area. All groups are selected by audition.
Ensembles outside the School of Music
The College's Student Life/Student Ministries department also sponsors both resident and touring music ensembles. The Gospel Choir is the best-known of these. Under the direction of Mr. Devlon Scott, its singers and players present energetic concerts of contemporary gospel music on and off campus. The Gospel Choir completed a highly successful tour of Japan in May, 2000. The Gospel Choir differs from SOM ensembles in that it requires no entrance audition, its members receive no credits or grades, and it does not count toward the ensemble class requirement for music majors and minors; participation is its own reward. In addition to the Gospel Choir, the Student Ministries office and the Office of the Dean of Chapel form chapel worship teams each semester; these smaller groups also carry no academic requirements.
