Ensembles

The UTRGV Brass Ensemble and Trombone Ensemble is open to any student that plays trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. The ensemble performs a variety of pieces from large original compositions for brass to transcriptions of some of the finest repertoire in all of classical music.

All students in the group perform in multiple ensemble settings from a full British brass band to small chamber groups and perform 1-2 concerts every semester and at special events on and off campus.

Please note Brass ensemble is offered only offered in Edinburg.

See the campus specific rehearsal schedule below: 

Brass Ensemble- rehearsal schedule is Fridays 2:00 pm- 4:45 at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.315 on the Edinburg campus. 

Please note Brass ensemble is offered only offered in Edinburg.

See the campus specific rehearsal schedule below:

Trombone Ensemble- rehearsal schedule is Fridays 2:00 pm- 4:45 at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.320 on the Edinburg campus.

Chamber music stresses the study, preparation and performance of small-ensemble music in like-instrument groupings, mixed-instrument ensembles and vocal ensembles. Many applied music studios have formed ensembles with their music majors. Many of the ensembles have performed at regional, national, and international venues such as the Texas Music Educators Association State Convention, the National Trumpet Competition, the Eastern Trombone Workshop, and the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference.

Current chamber music offerings include:

• Flautistas Flute Ensemble
• Clarinet Choir
• Saxophone Quartets
• Trumpet Ensemble
• Horn Ensemble
• Trombone Choir
• Tuba/Euphonium
• Percussion Ensemble
• Brass Choir Ensemble
• String Quartet
• Guitar Quartet
• Pep Band

The University Choir is the elite choral ensemble in Edinburg that studies and performs a wide variety of choral music, from madrigals and folk songs to modern arrangements and masterworks. Enrollment requires an audition, but is open to all university students regardless of major.
May be repeated for additional credit. Prerequisite: Audition required.

Master Chorale is a large choral ensemble that studies and performs outstanding choral literature of all eras and styles, but mostly major works with the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Enrollment requires an audition, but is open to all university students regardless of major.
May be repeated for additional credit. Prerequisite: Audition required.

Please note Choir is offered atboth locations, allowing students to register and rehearse close to home.

See the location specific rehearsal schedule below:

Chamber Choir- rehearsal schedule is Mondays and Wednesdays 2:00 pm - 4:45 pm at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.308 on the Edinburg campus. 

University Choir- rehearsal schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 pm - 3:15 pm at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.308 in Edinburg.

Master Chorale- rehearsal schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 pm - 3:15 pm at the BMSLC- Multi Purpose room in Brownsville.

Contact Information

Brownsville
Dr. Sean Taylor
sean.taylor@utrgv.edu  
956-882-7724

Flute Ensemble:

Please note Flute ensemble is offered only offered in Brownsville.

See the campus specific rehearsal schedule below:

Flute Ensemble- rehearsal schedule is Fridays 10:30 pm- 12:30 in BMSLC 3.204 in Brownsville.

Contact Information
Krista Jobson
Assoc. Prof., Winds: Flute, Flute Ensemble
School of Music
Email: krista.jobson@utrgv.edu
Edinburg: Performing Arts Complex B2.112
Phone: 956-665-7227

The UTRGV Guitar Ensemble is a group made up of students majoring in guitar at UTRGV. The UTRGV Guitar Ensemble performs at several events on campus and throughout the community.

Through performing in the UTRGV Guitar Ensemble students not only learn to be better musicians but also learn the important role music has in our community.

Please note Guitar ensemble is offered on both campuses, allowing students to register and rehearse on their home campus.

See the campus specific rehearsal schedule below:

Guitar Ensemble- rehearsal schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 2:00 pm- 3:15 in BMSLC 3.205 in Brownsville.

Guitar Ensemble- rehearsal schedule is Tuesday and Thursdays 2:00 pm- 3:15 at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.315 in Edinburg.

The UGRGV Jazz Ensemble provides students with the experiences necessary to learn the fundamental techniques of large ensemble jazz performance. There are weekly workshop-style rehearsals, culminating in at least one major public semesterly performance. The UTRGV Jazz ensemble will also be touring local high schools in the area and beyond to present various jazz ensemble concerts/workshops. They will also participate in local jazz festivals and celebrations. Ensemble meetings include sight-reading and detailed rehearsals of great works from the jazz canon as well as full-group, sectional, and individual ear-training, rhythmic, listening, and improvisation exercises. Participation in all ensembles is by audition only. The prerequisites for lessons include a passion for jazz and learning, a strong work ethic, and an open mind.

The UTRGV jazz combo program provides students with the experiences necessary to learn the fundamental techniques of small ensemble jazz performance. There will be weekly workshop-style rehearsals, culminating in at least one major public semesterly performance. Ensemble meetings will include song memorization, sight-reading, and detailed rehearsals of great works from the jazz canon as well as full-group, sectional, and individual ear-training, rhythmic, listening, and improvisation exercises. Participation in all ensembles is by audition only. The prerequisites for lessons include a passion for jazz and learning, a strong work ethic, and an open mind. Previous experience with jazz improvisation and/or enrolling in other jazz courses (Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Theory, Jazz Pedagogy) is strongly encouraged to best prepare students for jazz combo.

Please note Jazz Combo is offered only offered in Edinburg.

See the campus specific rehearsal schedule below:

Jazz Combo- rehearsal schedule is Fridays 2:00 pm- 4:45 at the Performing Arts Complex C – C1.129 in Edinburg.

Contact Information

UTRGV Mariachi Aztlán

Mariachi Aztlán has traveled throughout Mexico and the United States as musical ambassadors representing the beauty of the Hispanic music and cultural traditions. Recognitions for performance excellence initiated an invitation from the White House to perform at the signing ceremony of an Executive Order.  

In collaboration with the Houston Grand Opera, Mariachi Aztlán premiered the stage production of Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, the world’s first "Mariachi/Opera" in December, 2010.  Mariachi Aztlán also premiered the mariachi opera El Pasado Nunca Se Termina with the Chicago Lyric Opera in 2015. Other national performances include the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, San Diego International Mariachi Festivals, Santa Barbara Bowl, CA, Chicago Mariachi Festivals, Mariachi Spectacular, Albuquerque, NM and the Mariachi Extravaganza Competition in San Antonio. 

Other national performances at prestigious venues include Hollywood Bowl, the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Mariachi Aztlán has toured with the “The Queen of Mariachi”, and esteemed figure in Mexico, Aida Cuevas, throughout the U.S., performing at more than 20 distinguished venues across America.

Mariachi Aztlán released a CD, Mi Nombre Es México to commemorate their 25th Anniversary.

UTRGV Mariachi Ensembles: Mariachi Aztlán, Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán, Mariachi Espuelas, and Mariachi Vaquero

For more information, please contact Francisco Loera at francisco.loera@utrgv.edu. 

Contact Information

Francisco Loera
School of Music
EPACB B2.133
Email: francisco.loera@utrgv.edu

music@utrgv.edu 
956-665-3471

The New Music Ensemble performs contemporary chamber works that embrace experimental performance techniques and sonic textures. Students who participate in the ensemble perform works on both electronic and acoustic instruments, with a focus on using computers, synthesizers, mobile devices, homemade electronic instruments, and expressive digital interfaces.

The ensemble serves as a vehicle for premiering compositions by students within the Music Technology or Music Composition areas. The ensemble fosters opportunities for multimedia interdisciplinary collaboration by joining forces with groups within the UTRGV community and at universities across the world.

Contact Information

Jason Mitchell
jason.mitchell@utrgv.edu
EPAC C1.107

UTRGV Opera Theatre presents multiple performances throughout the ear, including programs of mainstage productions, opera scenes, and community outreach performances. The Opera Workshop ensemble is open to all university majors by audition and offers UTRGV students the opportunity to explore and perform works drawn from the vast operatic and musical theatre repertoire as they learn first-hand about opera productions, costuming, set design, stagecraft, and direction. Recent seasons have included mainstage productions of Die Fledermaus (Strauss), Orpheus in the Underworld (Offenbach), Street Scene (Kurt Weill), Die Zauberflote (Mozart), and Cosi fan tutte (Mozart). To audition for the Opera Workshop ensemble in Brownsville or Edinburg, please contact the appropriate campus director (see contact information below). Visit utrgv.edu/patron/ for tickets to upcoming UTRGV Opera Theatre events. 

Please note the Opera Workshop is offered on both locations, allowing students to register and rehearse on their home campus.

See the location specific rehearsal schedule below:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 pm - 3:15 pm at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.308 in Edinburg

Mondays and Wednesdays 2:00 pm - 4:45 pm at the TSC Performing Arts Complex Red Room 1.025 in Brownsville

Contact Information

Brownsville
Shayna Tayloe
shayna.tayloe@utrgv.edu
956-882-7768

Edinburg
Rebecca Coberly
rebecca.coberly@utrgv.edu
956-665-7154

The UTRGV Symphony Orchestra is a campus-wide ensemble, membership is open to the entire University student population. Under the direction of Dr. Norman Gamboa, the UTRGV Symphony performs a diverse array of orchestral literature, including standard repertoire, new compositions as well as opera, film, and educational works. Every year the Orchestra features numerous guest soloists, including members of the UTRGV music faculty, student soloists chosen through the annual Concerto Competition, as well as distinguished visiting artists. Concerts are held both in Edinburg and Brownsville campuses as well as in other cities through the Rio Grande Valley and neighboring communities.

Membership is through audition and is open to all students regardless of major. Auditions are held early in the fall semester. For more information regarding participation in the UTRGV Symphony, please contact Dr. Norman Gamboa at norman.gamboa@utrgv.edu.

Contact Information

Please note Percussion ensemble is offered on both campuses, allowing students to register and rehearse on their home campus.

See the location specific rehearsal schedule below:

Percussion Ensemble- rehearsal schedule is Friday 9:00 pm- 12:00 in BMSLC 3.205 in Brownsville.

Percussion Ensemble- rehearsal schedule is Friday 9:00 pm- 12:00 at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.315 in Edinburg.

For information regarding the upcoming events please visit: https://www.utrgv.edu/arts/ 

Contact Information

The Salsa/Latin Band performs for numerous events on campus in addition to various events throughout the community.

The ensemble plays Latin music in the style of Salsa, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Bolero and many more. The band performs 4-5 concerts per year in the Performing Arts Complex.

Please note Brass ensemble is offered only offered in Edinburg.

See the rehearsal schedule below:

Salsa Band- rehearsal schedule is Fridays 2:00 pm- 4:45 at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.320 in Edinburg.

Contact Information

A select wind band ensemble, modeled on Frederick Fennell’s Eastman Wind Ensemble concept from the 1950s, designed for high-level, artistic, public performances of major literature for winds and percussion. Sensitivity to outstanding musicianship, historical styles, and appropriate performance practices is required. In addition to the highest expectations as an instrumentalist, your ability to apply intellect and spirit in meaningful ways during rehearsals and concerts is also demanded. The UTRGV Wind Orchestra was an invited performer at the 2023 TMEA conference and regularly hosts national and international guest soloists and enjoys highlighting our top-notch applied faculty as featured soloists each concert season. The ensemble performs a wide variety of wind band repertoire covering standards and classics, but also championing new band works that propel the medium forward. Membership in the Wind Orchestra is open to any student (major or non-major, undergraduate or graduate) who qualifies through auditions each semester. Concerts are held at both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses as well as in other cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Please note: Wind Orchestra is open to students from both campuses. Credit and zero- credit class options are available.

Wind Orchestra- rehearsal schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30pm - 3:15pm at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.308 on the Edinburg campus. 

For questions or additional information, please contact Prof. Jerianne Larson at jerianne.larson@utrgv.edu).

Open to any student at UTRGV, the Concert Bands represent the instrumental musicians at each campus. Performing a diverse array of wind band literature, the ensembles regularly program standard repertoire and new works.

Both campus hosts their own Concert Band, with each ensemble performing different works every concert. Enrollment is required and auditions needed, but is open to all university students regardless of major.

Please note: Concert Band is offered on both campuses, allowing students to register and rehearse on their home campus. Credit and zero- credit class options are available.

Edinburg Concert Band- rehearsal schedule is Mondays and Wednesdays 12:30pm - 3:15pm at the Performing Arts Complex A – A1.308 on the Edinburg campus. 

Brownsville Concert Band- rehearsal schedule is Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 - 3:15pm at the TSC Performing Arts Complex Red Room 1.025 on the Brownsville campus. 

For questions or additional information, please contact Prof. Jerianne Larson at jerianne.larson@utrgv.edu).

Established in Fall 2023, the Vaquero Marching Band is the flagship musical ensemble of the student spirit organizations. Performing at UIL festivals, community events, holiday parades, and campus events, the marching band will take the field in 2025 for the inaugural football season at the Robert and Janet Vacker Stadium.

The Vaquero Marching Band represents students from both campuses and contains learners from all different majors and degree programs. The Sound of South Texas performs a variety of music and creatively cultivates a unique musical experience for everyone!

Please note: Concert Band is offered for students from both campuses, and zero- credit class options are available. Scholarships are available. 

Marching Band-rehearsal schedule is Monday from 5-7:30pm at Brownsville, Wednesday from 5-7:30pm at Edinburg, and Thursday from 5-7:30pm at your home campus.

Interested in joining?  Please visit www.utrgv.edu/marchingforward/. 

For questions or additional information, please contact Prof. Jerianne Larson at jerianne.larson@utrgv.edu).

Consisting of students across all majors, the Pep Band performs at all home Volleyball and Basketball games, along with various other campus spirit events. During the basketball season, the Pep Band has the opportunity to travel with the Men’s and Women’s teams to tournament games.

Please note: All games occur at the Edinburg campus. Students register for a zero-credit class. Scholarships are available.

Pep Band-rehearsals vary depending on the needs of the ensemble. All rehearsals occur at the Edinburg campus. 

For questions or additional information, please contact Prof. Jerianne Larson at jerianne.larson@utrgv.edu).