In addition to solo performing opportunities in recitals and master classes, the School of Church Music offers a variety of ensembles for students to gain experience in their performing areas and to acquaint themselves with a wide range of repertoire, from the masterpieces of oratorio literature to the latest in worship music for the church. Above all, the ensembles provide the opportunity for glorious moments of communal music making.
View the current concert schedule - includes major concerts including ensembles, guests, and Master Chorale (formerly Oratorio Chorus) - Updated 11 September 2009
View the current performance schedule - includes student recitals and Performance Lab dates
The 200-voice Master Chorale presents four major choral concerts annually with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, including a tradition of performing Handel’s Messiah every year since 1921. It is the resident chorus for the Fort Worth Symphony and frequently appears in its concerts at the acoustically superb Bass Performance Performance Hall in downtown Fort Worth. Currently under the direction of David Thye, the Chorale has recorded 12 critically acclaimed compact discs and presented two American premieres (Jonathan Willcocks's A Great and Glorious Victory and Alexander Grechaninov's Kvalite Boga) and a world premiere (Willcocks's From Darkness to Light). Click here for more information about upcoming Master Chorale performances.
Southwestern Singers is a mixed vocal ensemble of 40 auditioned members. The choir, directed by David Thye, sings in chapel, presents concerts 2 -3 times annually, and takes an annual tour to colleges, universities, and churches. Recently, the group performed a concert of contemporary music at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth as part of the series "Cliburn at the Modern." Southwestern Chamber Chorale is a select group of 12 singers chosen from the larger choir, and is directed by Tom Keumsup Song.
The Wind Ensemble, the principal performing organization of the instrumental studies area, is directed by William Mac Davis. The ensemble has performed in churches, schools, and colleges across the country and makes frequent concert appearances in the Fort Worth-Dallas area.
NewSound is a jazz lab band directed by Joe Hardin. NewSound provides an opportunity to explore new musical styles and to experience ways in which instrumental music can enhance corporate worship. Alhough most of its repertoire is sacred, the ensemble also performs secular jazz and popular selections. It performs regularly in chapel and concerts and has appeared at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. NewSound Praise, a smaller group comprised of members from NewSound, is a praise band that specializes in the performance of contemporary Christian music.
The Handbell Ensemble, directed by Laurie Cosby, seeks to demonstrate excellence in the art of handbell ringing. Its repertoire includes representative literature available to this rapidly growing medium of expression. There are two performing groups, one auditioned and one non-auditioned, playing five octaves of bells. Each choir is comprised of eleven ringers who rotate to different positions to gain experience in playing different sizes of bells and to take advantage of each person’s skills and strengths.
The Chapel Orchestra is directed by Joe Hardin and is open to the entire seminary community. The Orchestra leads the Seminary family in worship by providing music for Chapel each week.