Ensembles

Cumberland Voices is our chamber choir (MUPR 111) including an auditioned ensemble of 14-16 singers.  The Cumberland Voices repertoire includes both sacred and secular selections representing all periods of choral music.  This touring ensemble performs standard classical music as well as spirituals, Contemporary Christian arrangements, and a cappella jazz repertoire.  

Cumberland Voices meets twice each week. All of the members of this ensemble receive one hour of course credit. 

For more information about Cumberland Voices, contact Dr. Jeff Smoak at (606) 539-4330 or jeff.smoak@ucumberlands.edu.

In addition to large ensembles, UC offers various smaller chamber ensembles for student participation. These ensemble vary from semester to semester depending on student interest. Past ensembles have included woodwind quintet, saxophone quartet, flute choir, clarinet choir, jazz combo, trumpet ensemble, brass quintet, brass ensemble and tuba/euphonium ensemble.

Chorale (MUPR 110) is considered the primary large choral ensemble and is open to all students on campus.  Admission to this ensemble is dependent upon a successful audition. The Chorale performs literature from all periods of choral music.  This touring ensemble performs regularly on campus and frequently represents UC at various state, educational and denominational events.  The Chorale recently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.  Membership in the Chorale ranges from 30-50 singers.  

The Chorale rehearses Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 1:00-1:50. All members of this ensemble receive one hour of course credit.

For more information about Chorale, contact Dr. Jeff Smoak at (606) 539-4330 or jeff.smoak@ucumberlands.edu. 
 

The Percussion Ensemble (MUPR 109) is designed to give the percussionist an intensive playing experience. In the fall semester, the Percussion Ensemble works on development of the rudimental-style of playing, focusing primarily on marching percussion and marching band music. The spring semester provides opportunities to play a wide variety of styles and pieces including solo, chamber, and ensemble literature, modern styles, rudimental and world music. This ensemble is open to interested percussionists according to the needs of the ensemble. Percussion Ensemble meets on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:30. Credit, one hour.

For more information about Percussion Ensemble, contact Jim Corcoran at (606) 539-4507 or james.corcoran@ucumberlands.edu. 

The UC Jazz Ensemble (MUPR 116) is an exciting ensemble that performs music from a variety of styles including swing, funk, latin, ballads, bebop and fusion. This entertaining band performs often on campus and throughout the region. Numerous guest artists have appeared with the UC Jazz Ensemble including Greg Abate, Dominic Spera, Rande Sanderbeck, David Ridenour, Rick Simerly, Bob Bryant, John Willmarth and Jamey Aebersold.

The Jazz Ensemble rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:40-2:55. All of the members of this ensemble receive one hour of course credit.

For more information about the Jazz Ensemble, contact David Threlkeld at (606) 539-4334 or david.threlkeld@ucumberlands.edu.
 

The Marching Band (MUPR 114) is the most visible part of the University of the Cumberlands Instrumental Music Program and is made up of students from all majors on campus.  The Marching Band provides musical entertainment and school spirit at all home football games and frequently performs exhibitions at area high school marching band competitions. The band's musical repertoire includes everything from jazz to pop to southern gospel and country.

Members of the band come from across the United States. Most are not music majors and participate in band just for fun. They share a love for making music and enjoy being around students with similar interests. Scholarships are available for all Marching Band participants. 

Marching Band rehearses MWF from 3:30-5:30 pm. Members of this ensemble receive one hour of course credit.

The Patriot Marching Band is directed by Mrs. Shawn Sudduth and Dr. Steven Sudduth. James Corcoran is the percussion instructor and Zach Shannon is the colorguard instructor. For more information, contact Shawn Sudduth at shawn.sudduth@ucumberlands.edu or call (606) 539-4337.
 

Concert Band (MUPR 115) performs concerts during the spring semester. Membership in the Concert Band is open to all students, faculty and community members. The Concert Band performs literature written for school bands, traditional military band literature, chamber music and exciting new works for college wind ensembles. Led by Director of Bands Dr. Steven Sudduth, the Concert Band is the primary large instrumental ensemble on campus during the spring semester. In addition to concerts on campus, the Concert Band frequently tours the area in the spring, playing at schools, churches and concert halls across the region. Scholarships are available for participation in Concert Band. Participants receive one hour of course credit. 

For more information, contact Dr. Steven Sudduth at steven.sudduth@ucumberlands.edu or call (606) 539-4331.
 

The Pep Band (MUPR 119), also known as The Mountain of Sound, is the primary athletic band for the spring semester. The Mountain of Sound brings a lot of excitement to the basketball environment providing a fun and entertaining experience for fans and players alike. Membership is open to all University of the Cumberlands students who play band instruments. Credit, 1 hour.

For more information, contact Mrs. Shawn Sudduth at shawn.sudduth@ucumberlands.edu call (606) 539-4337.