Music Ensembles

The arts have been part of Western Carolina University's curriculum dating back to its founding.  Jackson County has a rich arts heritage and our founder, Robert Lee Madison, wished to provide a place where students would have a place to explore and develop their artistic abilities. In 1890 the Music and Arts Department was formed and was the first of its kind west of Asheville.  The first college band was established in 1935 with approximately 50 members and no experience necessary. The university continued to demonstrate its commitment to the arts through the years and following WWII began offering two concentrations for music education: general and instrumental.

Now, WCU is home to a nationally acclaimed marching band, three concert bands, basketball pep band,  and a multitude of other musical ensembles. Each ensemble contributes to the vibrant musical community of western North Carolina with every performance on and off campus.

Participating in Musical Ensembles

All students participating in a musical ensemble must be registered for the course.   To take an ensemble without receiving credit, a student must apply to have their status in the course changed to "audit" before the end of the first week of courses.  Contact the Registrar's Office to request "audit" status.

Music Ensembles Credit Policy

Performing Ensembles (MUS 371, 372, 373, 374, 375)

Laboratory courses for which one credit is received for a minimum of two 50-minute periods of rehearsal per week. Some ensembles have greater time requirements, so be sure to check the actual number of hours for a particular ensemble on the Schedule of Classes and the course syllabus. You should expect the possibility of an additional dress rehearsal of the full ensemble prior to a concert; these are generally scheduled outside of regular class time. Sectional rehearsals outside of regularly scheduled class time may be arranged, but attendance shall not be required. Some ensembles tour and perform off-campus as well, so be sure to read the syllabus carefully and make note of all time commitments in your personal calendar. Notify your instructors immediately if you discover a time conflict.

Large Versus Small Ensembles

MUS 371, 372, and 373 are categorized as large ensembles for the purposes of ensemble requirements related to the various music degree programs. MUS 374 and MUS 375 are considered to be small ensembles; only certain music degree programs require small ensembles.

Large Ensemble Requirement for Music Degrees

Every music major must take six semesters (not merely six credits) of large ensembles (MUS 371, 372, or 373) related to their performing area. Vocalists must take MUS 371 or 372; instrumentalists must take MUS 373. Please check the Undergraduate Handbook to find further stipulations regarding the requirements for a specific degree.  Some exceptions are made for certain students in the Commercial Music and Audio Production program; see your advisor or the program coordinator for details.

Two Credit-Option for Marching Band (MUS 373)

Because of the significantly greater time commitments for the Marching Band, students have the option to enroll for the course for two credits rather than one. This option is made available primarily for non-music majors, but music majors may also enroll for two credits. However, taking Marching Band for two credits does not count double for the music major's large ensemble requirement (see below).

Transfer of Ensemble Credits

Music majors who transfer from another school may transfer any number of semesters of large ensembles from the previous school to meet the large ensemble requirement, up to the number of semesters of lessons that are accepted in transfer (based upon the student's audition). For example, a student who is placed into the second semester of MUS 207 (sophomore-level lessons) may satisfy up to three semesters of large ensemble requirement with transferred large ensembles. However, a student who is placed into the first semester of freshman-level lessons (MUS 107) will not be given any credit toward the large ensemble requirement from the previous school. Any transferred large ensemble courses not used to meet the large ensemble requirement may be used to satisfy general elective requirements.