Performance, both individual and ensemble, is an integral part of the music program at Canisius. Options include chorale, jazz ensemble, chamber orchestra, and concert band and are taken for credit. Also offered are chamber music ensembles, Cantio Sacra (a sacred music vocal ensemble), Gospel Ensemble and Contemporary Music Ensemble (contemporary liturgical music performed at Masses).
Performing Ensembles
Gospel Ensemble
Chorale group which performs gospel and jazz on campus and in Western New York.
Canisius College Chorale
More than one hundred singers, under the direction of Frank Scinta, perform with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Ars Nova Musicians, Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and the Choir of Blessed Sacrament Church. Solo concerts performed at a number of colleges, universities, and churches throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario, including the prestigious St. John’s Lutheran Choral Series in Toronto. The chorale’s repertoire covers more than five centuries of composition and nearly every interpretive style of choral music. The group was awarded the Canisius College Student Association’s Lee F. Fassl Award for outstanding campus organization for 2001-2002. Rehearsals are held in the Montante Cultural Center on Mondays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Register for 0 or 1 credit (FAM 171 or 181). No audition required.
Jazz Ensemble
Under the direction of Craig Incontro, this group consists of 18 members and focuses on the genres of big band and swing. In March 2001, the Jazz Ensemble performed at the National Villanova Jazz Festival and took first place in the non-music major category, and placed fifth overall. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center. Register for 0 or 1 credit (FAM 172 or 182).
Cantio Sacra
A vocal ensemble comprised of students, faculty, staff and administrators which performs primarily sacred music for special events on campus.
Chamber Music Ensembles
For instrumentalists and vocalists interested in rehearsing classical chamber music in small groups. Students are assigned to ensembles based on the instrument they play and experience. Ensembles are coached by members of the Fine Arts Department music faculty. Possible ensembles include, but are not limited to, string quartet, flute ensemble, clarinet choir, cello ensemble, guitar ensemble, saxophone quartet, brass quartet, and other duets and trios.
Chamber Orchestra
Directed by Ansgarius Aylward, assistant concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, this string orchestra performs music from the Baroque period through the 20th Century. The ensemble has performed on campus and at Community Night at Kleinhans Music Hall. No audition is required. Rehearsals are held in Lyons Hall on Mondays, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register for 0 or 1 credit (FAM 174 or 184).
Concert Band
The Concert Band, directed by Paul Biddle, performs a wide variety of compositions including arrangements of Bach and Purcell, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Grainger and Bernstein and standard marches. The group has performed on campus and at Community Night at Kleinhans Music Hall. No audition is required. Rehearsals are held in the Montante Cultural Center on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Register for 0 or 1 credit. (FAM 175 or 185).
Contemporary Music Ensemble - Campus Ministry
Vocal and instrumental ensemble which provides contemporary liturgical music at Sunday 9:30 p.m. Masses. Contact Campus Ministry at 888-2420 for more information.
Other opportunities
The music program, as a part of the Fine Arts Department, also sponsors many concerts on campus. The ArtsCanisius cultural series features solo, chamber and orchestral performances, which range from classical to jazz and includes lunchtime faculty recitals, cabaret-style chamber concerts, guest musicians and student performances, many of which take place in the beautiful Canisius performance venue, the Montante Cultural Center.
The Arts Promotion Club is a non-performing organization whose members help enrich the cultural environment on campus by assisting in the planning and promotion of the ArtsCanisius series.