Music

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The Music Department at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown encourages students to explore the world of music within a liberal arts education.

The curriculum is designed to provide students an opportunity to increase performance skills, music literacy, and critical thinking, both through performance and classroom instruction. 

Although the majority of courses offered are geared toward general education, students wishing to study music more intensely may pursue a minor.

The faculty of the music department participate in performance and research activities to keep abreast of the latest teaching methodologies in their fields.

Contact
Jeff Webb, MM (Master of Music) 
233A Biddle Hall
814-269-7155 | jeffwebb@pitt.edu

• Choral Ensembles Audition Information  »

Performance Ensembles

Concert Choir

The Pitt-Johnstown Concert Choir is the elite choral ensemble at the University.  The Concert Choir is an auditioned group of singers that performs a wide variety of choral literature in a variety of styles and from all historical periods. The group performs a cappella pieces as well as pieces accompanied by a variety of instruments.  Repertoire for the choir includes motets, madrigals, folk and part songs, occasional pop arrangements and spirituals. 

The choir performs at least once per semester in concerts both on the Pitt-Johnstown campus and off-campus.  The choir recently has performed in Altoona, Latrobe, and Pittsburgh and travels to area nursing homes in the fall to perform holiday carols for the residents.  The Pitt-Johnstown Concert Choir has also performed in concerts with the Blair Concert Chorale, the Penn State University Choir, the River City Brass Band and the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra.     

The Pitt-Johnstown Concert Choir rehearses Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m.-5:50 p.m.  Singers of all skill levels are encouraged to audition for the choir.  Auditions for the choir are at the start of every semester.  For more information about the Concert Choir and audition times contact Prof. Webb via e-mail at jeffwebb@pitt.edu.

Concert Band 

The Pitt-Johnstown Concert Band is a performance ensemble that provides the opportunity for continued musical growth to wind and percussion students through the preparation and performance of quality music. The ensemble is dedicated to excellent performance and diverse repertoire encompassing a wide variety of styles and composers. The Concert Band is open to all University students and community members without audition. . Participation in the ensemble allows for the continued development of secondary instrumental technique of both individual and ensemble performance skills. Opportunities are also provided for the study of music in a variety of cultural and historical contexts. The wide variety of music performed provides a rich service to the diverse campus community.  Concert performances include major concerts each semester in the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. There is potential for additional on-campus or off-campus performances. 

STUDENTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO BE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19.

Studies prove that instrumental music can lead to super spreader events.  In conjunction with the University's Covid guidelines, the music department feels this is the most prudent course of action to ensure a successful in-person experience during the academic year.

For more information on the Pitt-Johnstown Concert Band, please contact Prof. Mitch Custer at mic226@pitt.edu.

Jazz Ensemble

The University Jazz Ensemble is a performance ensemble that provides sectional and solo experience in a big band jazz and combo jazz setting.
The University Jazz Ensemble is open to all University students and community members including instrumentalists and vocalists, without audition. Students will develop musicianship and specific performance skills through group and individual settings for the study and performance of the varied styles of instrumental and vocal jazz. Idioms included are jazz, swing, shuffle, rock, funk, ballads, Latin, blues, and more. These idioms will be introduced as selected. Improvisation skills will be encouraged, but not required.
Students will be able to develop their creative skills through improvisation, arranging, performing, listening and analyzing jazz and popular music. Concert performances include major concerts each semester in the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. There is the potential for additional on-campus or off-campus performances.

Students who wish to perform with the Jazz Ensemble are highly encouraged to be FULLY VACCINATED against Covid-19. 

Studies prove that instrumental music can lead to super spreader events.  In conjunction with the University's Covid guidelines, the music department feels this is the most prudent course of action to ensure a successful in-person experience during the academic year.

For more information on the Pitt-Johnstown Jazz Ensemble, please contact Prof. John Bagnato at jfb30@pitt.edu

Chamber Choir

The Pitt-Johnstown Chamber Choir is a select group of singers that come from the larger Concert Choir.  The Chamber Choir typically sings more intimate and difficult material than the larger Concert Choir.  The Chamber Choir has performed in the past on concerts with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and the River City Brass.  Students interested in Chamber Choir can complete their audition for this group at the same time they audition for the Concert Choir.  For more information, please contact Prof. Webb at jeffwebb@pitt.edu.