At Western, you don’t have to be a music major to get involved in the music community. Join ensembles like the Symphonic Band, Steel Band, Drumline, and Jazz Band to perform a variety of musical styles while collaborating with fellow musicians. Events like the Music Cruise and Music in the Park offer opportunities to share your passion with the broader community.
Western also offers music scholarships open to all students, regardless of major. Getting involved in musical clubs and performances enhances your college experience, helping you build friendships, gain performance experience, and deepen your love for music.
Music Ensembles at Western are open to students of any major and community members. You can even earn a scholarship for participating! Contact the ensemble’s director or department chair for more information. These groups are for experienced musicians and may require a placement audition.
Open to experienced woodwind, brass, and percussion performers, this ensemble plays at on-campus concerts, All-Colorado Honor Band, and graduation.
Open to vocalists of all types, this ensemble sings at on-campus concerts, Western Slope Choral Festival, and graduation.
Be a part of Western’s exciting Athletic Bands initiative! The Pep Band and Drumline play at athletic events including football and basketball games.
The WCU Steel Band brings the sounds of the tropics to the Gunnison Valley! Traditional steel drums and percussion come together to play fun and funky concerts each semester.
Open to experienced wind players, pianists, guitarists, bassists, and percussionists, this group performs swing tunes, ballads, bossa nova and more.
Western’s elite a capella vocal ensemble performs concerts each semester alongside the Concert Choir. Auditions are required to join this group.
Open to experienced percussionists, this chamber ensemble performs ambitious contemporary repertoire.
This pop-oriented group plays concerts in the Gunnison Valley and is open to a variety of vocalists and instrumentalists.
Getting involved in Western’s music community is an opportunity to build performance experience, collaborate with fellow musicians, and share your passion with the broader community. Whether you’re majoring in music or just love to play, there are plenty of ways to participate.
Join groups like the Symphonic Band, Steel Band, Drumline, and Jazz Band, where you’ll explore different musical styles and refine your performance skills. These ensembles give you regular opportunities to rehearse, collaborate, and perform alongside talented peers.
Events like the Music Cruise and Music in the Park give you a platform to perform live, connect with audiences, and contribute to Western’s vibrant arts scene. These public performances help you build confidence and share your love of music beyond campus.
Playing in ensembles helps you grow as a musician, improving technique, stage presence, and ensemble collaboration—skills that are valuable whether you’re pursuing music professionally or as a lifelong passion. You’ll also develop discipline, creativity, and confidence that carry into any career.
Western offers music scholarships to students of all majors, making it easy to continue your musical journey while pursuing any field of study. Participating in ensembles and music activities strengthens your eligibility and supports your overall college experience.
Music ensembles are a vibrant part of the Western experience, giving students the opportunity to apply their talents in dynamic, real-world settings. From live performances to community events, these experiences build confidence, foster collaboration, and connect students with audiences on campus and beyond.
Here are just a few of the performance opportunities our music students have taken part in:
Performing in Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Steel Band, and Drumline
Showcasing talent at events like the Holiday Gala, Music Cruise, and Music in the Park
Rehearsing and performing in Kincaid Concert Hall and other local venues
Participating in music clubs and student-led ensembles
Engaging with the broader community through outreach concerts and collaborations
Join a community of passionate performers and take part in ensembles that bring music to life on campus and in the community. Explore how you can get involved—no matter your major.
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