Ensembles

The Hurley School of Music offers a variety of ensembles for both music majors and non-music majors.

You can schedule an audition for an ensemble or read frequently asked questions for more information about the ensembles and the Hurley School of Music.

Choirs

Centenary College has three Choirs:

Camerata

Julia Brasher Thorn, Conductor (email)

Camerata, founded in 1983, is the primary academic choral ensemble from the Hurley School of Music. This SATB group of 40 singers is dedicated to quality artistic performances of choral repertoire from all historical periods to the highest musical standards. The composition of the group is primarily voice majors, though membership is open to all Centenary students by audition.

Camerata presented an Ensemble Debut Concert at Carnegie Hall in 2007 and was one of nine featured choirs at the National Collegiate Choral Organization Conference at Yale University in 2009. They have been invited to perform as a featured choir at the Southern Division Convention of the Music Educators National Conference, the Spivey Hall Educational Concert Series and the Louisiana Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. Camerata continues to premiere and record various projects for the Santa Barbara Music Publishing Company.

Camerata performances are lauded for technical excellence combined with genuine understanding of musical expression.

Centenary College Choir

David Hobson, Conductor (email)

Centenary College Choir is the primary touring choral ensemble and musical ambassador for Centenary College. Established in 1941, the Choir is the oldest and largest ensemble at Centenary College, made up of 55-65 singers. The group sings a diverse repertoire of music, from classical to casual, making an international tour every other year. Nicknamed "America's Singing Ambassadors" by the press, the Choir has toured throughout the world, bringing the name of Centenary College to audiences in 32 countries on 6 continents. The Choir is well-known for its engaging visual and aural appeal, and for its heart-felt connections to audiences. The group makes two weekend tours each semester and a longer tour in January, in addition to traditional performances such as the Easter Sunrise Service at Hodges' Gardens in Many, Louisiana, and choral major works with orchestra. Despite an extensive performance schedule, Choir students miss very few classes. The group has the high distinction of having performed seven times at the White House, two lengthy engagements at Radio City Music Hall, for American Choral Directors and International Lions Club conventions, for numerous conferences of the United Methodist Church, at famed cathedrals such as Notre Dame in Paris and St. Peters in Rome, and in renowned concert venues such as the Sydney Opera House.

Membership in the Centenary College Choir is by audition only. The group is made up of both music majors and non-majors, and thrives under a vibrant system of teamwork and student leadership.

Chorale

Julia Brasher Thorn, Conductor (email)

Chorale is the most select choral group at Centenary College. Members of this 16 voice chamber singer ensemble are selected from within Camerata. Entrance is based on an extensive audition consisting of sight-reading, tonal memory and vocal development. The level of commitment to the choral program is a major consideration in selection for membership in this choir.

Chorale has recently been named Ensemble in Residence at the St. John Berchman Cathedral in Shreveport, where they give a variety of performances throughout the year. In March of 2011, Chorale sang at a featured event of the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Chicago. Chorale specializes in sensitive performances of contemporary composers.

Instrumental Ensembles

Centenary has two major instrumental ensembles:

Hurley Orchestra

Hurley Orchestra Todd Gabriel, Conductor (email)

The Hurley Symphony Orchestra maintains an active schedule of performances and guest clinicians. The ensemble is open by audition to all wind and string players.

Wind Ensemble

Thomas Stone, Conductor (email)

The Wind Ensemble performs both traditional and contemporary band literature. The group is open, by audition, to all Centenary students.

Opera Workshop

"Gianni Schicchi" in 2010

The Opera Workshop provides students with the opportunity to participate in fully staged and costumed productions of operas, operettas, or musicals. Recent productions have included "The Medium" in 2009, "Gianni Schicchi" in 2010, and a double bill of "Trouble in Tahiti" and "The Old Maid and the Thief" in 2011.

More Ensembles

Other opportunities for ensemble participation include Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Flute Choir, and String Chamber Music. Email email for more information.