The University of Scranton Bands, Choirs and String Ensemble offer high quality instrumental and choral performing ensemble opportunities in a variety of formats ranging from very large ensembles, to small ensemble and solo performing opportunities. Participation is open to any and all interested university students (as well as faculty, staff and administration) with no individual audition requirement nor enrollment or membership fee, in the finest liberal arts tradition.

The University of Scranton Performing Arts Series presents concert performances by outstanding and renowned musicians representing a variety of musical genres, and closely coordinates programming with the Bands, Choirs and String Ensemble to offer special masterclasses, workshops and lectures by our visiting artists.

All performances are free of charge and open to the public, and most take place in the magnificently restored concert hall of the Houlihan-McLean Center on our campus.

Our tradition of guest artists and clinicians has brought to our student musicians, our campus and our community the joyful experience of performing with and hearing a long list of musical masters, among them Wes "Warmdaddy" Anderson; Ohad Bar-David; Peter Bucci; Seneca Black; Richard Field; Wycliffe Gordon; Victor Goines; Bridgett Hooks; T. Terry James; Robert Kapilow; Joanne Lessner; Wynton Marsalis; Diane Monroe; Sam Pilafian; Marcus Printup; Eric Reed; Robert Rodriguez; Joshua Rosenblum; Loren Schoenberg; Robert Starer; Melissa Thorburn; Warren Vache; Lawrence Wolfe; George Young; members of the New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Boston, Minnesota, Dallas and Metropolitan Opera Orchestras and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; David Ostwald's Gully Low Jazz Band; "Travelin' Light"; The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra; members of the Empire Brass Quintet; Innovata Brass; and our late composer-in-residence Vaclav Nelhybel, whose long and productive relationship with the University continues to be honored through close cooperation between the University and the Nelhybel Estate through the establishment of "The Nelhybel Collection."

The programs include an annual World Premiere Composition Series performance, the only series of its kind in the nation, which has received honor and acclaim from artists throughout the world. Currently in its 22nd year, the series has provided our students with opportunities to work and interact with internationally renowned composers and conductors, and has made significant contributions to the wind and choral repertoires.

Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles every year, and are achieving their performance goals in the musical ensemble of their choice. For more information on any of the program offerings of the University Bands, Choirs, String Ensemble or Performing Arts Series, please call Cheryl Y. Boga, Musical Director, or Frank Torquato, Assistant Director, at (570) 941- 7624.