Academic Music Ensembles

For students interested in performing groups at Georgetown, we offer academic music ensembles (which award academic credit) and co-curricular groups (which do not award academic credit), including student-run vocal groups and pep bands.

For some groups, credit toward graduation is available, but optional. Students are given priority for some positions and some groups are limited to students, but all members of the Georgetown community are invited to join the Orchestra and Concert Choir. Auditions are required for all groups. 

GU Concert Choir

The Georgetown University Concert Choir is an SATB ensemble that performs sacred and secular works from all periods of music history. The Choir performs one major concert each semester (collaborating frequently with other campus ensembles and local artists) and at special ceremonies throughout the year.  Auditions are required. The Concert Choir is open to students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the University community.

GU Chamber Singers

The Georgetown University Chamber Singers, founded in 1992, is a select group of mixed voices organized to perform small choral masterworks from the Renaissance through the Twentieth Century.  Emphasis is placed on the art of singing a cappella, though at times the group performs with accompaniment.  Membership requirements include an audition.

GU Orchestra

Founded in 1980, the Georgetown University Orchestra is a large ensemble devoted to the study and performance of orchestral music, including repertoire composed for full orchestra and chamber orchestra.  Literature is selected from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods. Orchestra membership is open to all instrumentalists and requires an audition.

GU Chamber Music Ensembles Program

The Chamber Music Ensembles Program presents thematic concerts featuring instrumental groups composed of string, woodwind, brass, percussion, and keyboard instrumentalists. Auditions are required.
 

GU Jazz Ensemble

The Georgetown Jazz Ensemble is dedicated to promoting the American art of jazz.  The focus is primarily on the historical big band sounds of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, and other great bands from the 1930s to the present.  Concerts also include contemporary arrangements and classic tunes.  All participants develop jazz improvisation skills.  Georgetown Jazz performs in and around the Washington, D.C. area and at many university functions.

Guild of Bands

The Guild of Bands is an umbrella organization for small rock, jazz, and pop ensembles. Each year we work to improve our performing and songwriting skills, as well as hear from experts in the music business. The Guild of Bands holds auditions each fall, performs collective concerts at least twice a year, and provides music for on-campus events.