Instrumental Music

Morningside University offers a wide array of instrumental opportunities for students, ranging from small groups to participation in full band ensembles. As a fixture at Morningside athletic events, Christmas at Morningside, and many other performances throughout the year, our instrumental programs are an important part of campus life.

Ensembles are open to any student, regardless of major. You have the opportunity to be apart of a tradition that began over 100 years ago with the opening of the Conservatory of Music. Scholarships are also available upon audition!

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Instrumental Music Options

Morningside's instrumental programs are designed to allow you experience both large and small ensembles, pep band, marching band, jazz and classical music, and different festivals to foster your musical talents.

THE SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs music written for winds and percussion. Previous band experience is recommended for membership, and students must audition at the beginning of each semester to determine seating placements and soloists. All students enrolled with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble also perform with the Marching Mustangs.

The Symphonic Wind ensemble performs in regular concerts throughout the year, including in the annual performance of Christmas at Morningside. This ensemble also tours regionally in the spring performing at high schools and other events.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

The Jazz Ensemble is an audition-only music group that performs various jazz styles through the use of big band and combos. As a member of this ensemble, you will rehearse two days per week in the fall and spring semesters.

This ensemble also performs at regular concerts throughout the academic year and has been known to compete at competitions throughout the Midwest.

THE MARCHING MUSTANGS AND COLOR GUARD

The Marching Mustangs and Color Guard is Morningside’s high energy marching band and guard that welcomes all students, though previous membership in band is recommended. Winds, color guard, pit and marching percussion, synthesizers, and bass guitar are some of the Marching Mustangs’ key components.

This ensemble performs at home football games with drum corps style halftime performances. This group has also traveled with the football team to National Championships games, most recently to Daytona, Florida for the 2018 NAIA National Championship game.

THE MUSTANG PEP BAND

The Fever is Morningside’s pep bad that is responsible for performing at men’s and women’s home basketball games. In addition to traditional pep band instrumentation, Fever also uses electric bass and drum set.

Membership is determined by audition, but is open to any student regardless of their major. Rehearsals usually start in November in preparation for regular and postseason performances.

THE SIOUXLAND YOUTH SYMPHONY

This ensemble consists of college string, wind, brass and percussion players, as well as top high school instrumentalists in the area. Students also may be offered paid positions in the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, providing valuable professional work experience and additional income.

CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

Morningside’s chamber ensembles offer you a unique opportunity to perform and explore literature for your respective instrument. Morningside currently offers Brass Quintet, Brass Choir, Woodwind Ensemble, Flute Choir, Trombone Choir, and Percussion Ensemble.

Membership in these ensembles is determined through audition and/or invitation by the ensemble’s director. Each ensemble holds its own rehearsal schedule, but students are normally expected to commit two hours a week.

Excellence In Performance

The Morningside University School of Visual and Performing Arts is proud to provide opportunities for students, Siouxland, and beyond to be engaged with our musical community. Whether you're looking to attend a performance or be a part of the production, there's something for everyone at Morningside.