The Division of Music offers several large and small performing ensembles (instrumental, vocal, and mixed):
Instrumental
CU Brass
Brian Wagner, Director (See Touring Groups)
A quintet of trumpets, trombone, French horn and tuba. With a repertoire that spans the centuries, CU Brass ministers by sharing the melodic beauty of instrumental praise. The ensemble also performs many beloved hymns, including "Crown Him with Many Crowns," "All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name" and "The Lord’s Prayer." Membership by audition only.
Pep Band
Jared Heddens, Director
A highly energetic ensemble comprised of winds, bass and drums. Pep Band serves to enhance the atmosphere at Cornerstone University men's and women's basketball games, by performing rock, funk, jazz and traditional pep band cheers. Membership is open to all students.
Symphonic Winds
Dr. Joan VanDessel, Director
A large ensemble of woodwind, brass and percussion players committed to quality performance of wind ensemble and concert band literature. Symphonic Winds performs twice each semester including one full-length, formal concert. Every fall semester, a weekend retreat is held to foster musical growth and camaraderie among its members. Symphonic Winds is open to all full-time students by audition and requires a one-year commitment.
Woodwind Quintet
Dr. Joan Van Dessel, Director
The Cornerstone University Woodwind Quintet consists of flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon. Membership is determined by the director of Symphonic Winds at the university.
Vocal
Chancel Singers
Dr. Art Joslin, Director
A choir for full-time students interested in serving the Lord through the gift of singing. This campus choir typically presents two formal concerts each term. Emphasis is placed on voice building, teamwork and ministry to the campus community. Students sing a simple placement audition for the instructor during the first week of classes.
Credo
Dr. Kent Walters, Director (See Touring Groups)
An eight-member vocal ensemble specializing in sacred and secular a cappella music. The group enjoys an eclectic repertoire from Renaissance madrigals to contemporary popular songs, including hymn arrangements and vocal jazz. On the concert stage or singing in a worship service, Credo strives for excellence with the goal of glorifying God through music. Membership by audition only.
University Chorale
Dr. Kent Walters, Director
A select concert choir, open to full-time students by audition. Chorale provides exposure to outstanding choral literature from the sixteenth century to the present. The purpose of the Chorale is to explore and express beauty in choral art, both sacred and secular, in the context of Christian community to the glory of God and the joy and edification of singers and audiences alike.
Mixed
Contemporary Ensemble
Michael Stockdale and Matthew Westerholm, Directors
Ensembles comprised of bass, drums, guitars, keyboards and vocalists. Ensembles provide opportunity to perform from the broad umbrella of popular music (1950-present). Groups explore various textures, development of charts and arrangements, microphone techniques, lead and background vocals, improvisation and listening skill.
RED LETTER EDITION
Michael Stockdale, Director (See Touring Groups)
A contemporary ensemble comprised of six or more members. The band performs a wide range of worship music by artists such as Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Paul Baloche, New Life Church and Hillsong. The purpose of the group is to be musical ambassadors of Christ and serve the community as facilitators of worship, following David's example in Psalm 40:3, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." Membership by audition only.
Worship Ensemble
Matthew Westerholm, Director
A small ensemble comprised of drums, bass, keyboard, guitars and vocalists. Through this ensemble, students will prepare and minister music for congregational singing. Students will not only develop related musical skills, but also ministry skills such as calls to worship, scripture reading and public prayer. Primarily serving in the university chapels, the group may also perform off campus. Membership by audition only.