Ensembles
Participation in the university ensembles is part of the curriculum of all music degrees. A great variety of performance experience and training is available through ensemble courses offered by the School of Music. Enrollment in the School's ensembles is open to all students in the University. An audition is required for most of the organizations.
Band Program
The University of Tennessee Band Program is one of the most prestigious university band programs in the United States. Founded in 1869, the program is known for both its outstanding concert and athletic organizations. University of Tennessee Bands have performed across the country in a variety of venues. The UT Concert Bands have performed at conferences of the Music Educators National Conference, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, and the American Bandmasters Association, as well as in major concert halls across the country. - Band Program Website
Orchestra Program
The University of Tennessee Orchestra Program provides outstanding training and experience in concert performance, music education, ensemble pedagogy, and studio recording. The range of repertoire includes symphonic, chamber, operatic, choral-orchestral, educational literature and new compositions. The Orchestra Program also provides educational services, including an annual Audition Excerpt Workshop for high school students, and sponsors master classes with guest artists, often in collaboration with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. The ensembles of the Orchestra Program perform concerts on-campus, as well as off-campus through special events and outreach. Membership is by audition, and is open to all students. - Orchestra Program Website
Choral Program
Choral performances at the University of Tennessee have been a tradition for more than a half-century. UT students may be a part of a quality choral experience by participating in one or more of the University's choirs: Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Men's Chorale, UT Singers, Women's Chorale. - Choral Program Website
Jazz Big Band
The UT Jazz Big Band is a very active part of the Jazz program at UT. Students performing in this group become familiar with the playing styles of many of the classic bands from the past and also have a chance to work with compositions from today's leading writers. The band performs on campus and throughout the area. Small Jazz Combos are one of the Jazz program's greatest assets. These ensembles give the student an outlet to experiment with the material they are learning in other classes and to receive immediate feedback from the different ensemble directors. - Jazz Program Website
UT Opera Theatre
The UT Opera Theatre is part of the Vocal Studies program and is fast becoming one of the most successful programs of its kind in the southeast. The ensemble features the best of the School's undergraduate and graduate singing actors. The Opera Theatre stages at least two full-scale productions each year and has recently staged A Menotti Trilogy and Albert Herring. An important aspect of the program is the Knoxville Opera Studio, a collaboration between the Knoxville Opera Company and the UT Opera Theatre. - Vocal Studies Website
Other Ensembles
Other ensembles at the University of Tennessee, many of which have performed at regional, national and international events, include: Horn Ensemble - Clarinet Choir - Flute Choir - Trumpet Ensemble - Brass Chamber Ensemble - Strings Chamber Ensemble - Woodwinds Chamber Ensemble - Trombone Choir - Marimba Choir - Percussion Ensemble.
In addition to the performances sponsored through the School of Music, the University Center Cultural Attractions Events series brings concerts, dance troupes, theatre companies, and other professional touring groups to the campus.
The University of Tennessee's Frank H. McClung Museum, the Ewing Gallery of Art and Architecture, the Dance area, the Clarence Brown and Carousel Theatres, and International House also present many exhibits, performances and productions by students and faculty.
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Knoxville Opera Company, City Ballet, the Bijou and Tennessee Theatres, Thompson Boling Arena, The Arts Council of Greater Knoxville, The Knoxville Museum of Art, and the Knox County Tourist Commission supplement artistic activities in the area. The annual Dogwood Arts Festival sponsored by Knoxville brings more than 200,000 people from the city and surrounding area to see performances by many university and civic groups as well as to observe visual artists.