There are a number of exciting performing opportunities in the department of Music:
Preparatory Department
The Preparatory Department provides opportunities for a large group of children both in public and private schools as well as home schoolers to be involved in music instruction in our facility each week. Private lessons and classes are offered as well as performance opportunities in string instruments, piano, voice, harp, and select other areas.
Vocal and Choral
Oratorio Chorus
A large choral union performing the choral masterpieces of the centuries, usually accompanied by orchestra. No audition required. Directed by Dr. Geoffrey Holland.
Concert Choir
A select chorus of highly specialized voices performing choral repertoire of all periods. Audition required; auditions are normally held in April for the following year. Purchase of concert attire is required. Directed by Dr. Geoffrey Holland.
PBA Singers
A select group of voices performing chamber choir repertoire, motets and madrigals, as well as popular music. Members also are required to be in Concert Choir. Auditions are normally held in April for the following year. Purchase of concert attire required. Directed by Dr. Geoffrey Holland.
Women’s Chorale
A female choral group performing standard and popular SSA and SSAA choral literature. No audition required. Purchase of concert attire required. Directed by Mr. Bryon Grohman.
Opera Workshop (not an ensemble)
A workshop setting that produces a small opera or operatic scenes; often produced with lighting and costumes. No audition required, although certain students may be assigned technical responsibilities for the class. Directed by Ms. Marilyn Mims.
Instrumental
PBA Symphony
A community orchestra of students and local semi-professional players performing standard symphonic repertoire. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Purchase of concert attire required. Directed by Dr. Lloyd Mims and Dr. David Jacobs.
Symphonic Band
A community band of students and local semi-professional players performing standard band literature of all periods. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Purchase of concert attire required. Directed by Dr. David Jacobs.
Jazz Ensemble
A community ensemble of students and local semi-professional players. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mr. Roget Pontbriand.
Brass Ensemble
Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Dr. Michael O'Connor.
Percussion Ensemble
Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mr. Owen Seward.
String Ensemble
Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mr. Ben Salsbury and Mr. Patrick Clifford.
Woodwind Ensemble
Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Ms. Sara Stout.
Guitar Ensemble
Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mr. David Skantar.
Handbell Choir
Ensemble(s) performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mrs. Patricia Holland.
Pop-Rock Lab Ensemble
A laboratory ensemble to perform music in contemporary popular genres; the ensemble will perform and record student projects as needed from courses within the popular music and mass media programs. Audition required. Directed by Mr. Don West.
Membership in ensembles is open to all PBA students. Contact the Department of Music for information on audition requirements for those groups requiring an audition. In order to maintain an annual calendar of performances, membership in an ensemble normally requires participation for both Fall and Spring semesters of an academic year.