Instrumental Ensembles

The Mercer University Instrumental Music Program provides a rich and varied music experience for the college instrumentalist. Instrumental ensembles include:

• Wind Ensemble
• Jazz Ensemble
• Marching Band
• Pep Band
• Jazz Combo
• Brass Band
• Percussion Ensemble
• Flute Choir
• Clarinet Ensemble
• Saxophone Quartet
• Woodwind Quintet
• Brass Quintet
• Horn Quartet
• Guitar Ensemble
• Harp Ensemble

Membership in any of these ensembles is open by audition/interview to all qualified students of the University; moreover, students receive academic credit for satisfactory participation in instrumental activities.

Mercer University Wind Ensemble & Chamber Music Groups

At the beginning of each semester, the Mercer Wind Ensemble divides into several small chamber ensembles such as woodwind quintets, flute choir, brass quintets, mixed instrumentations, and percussion ensemble. Each chamber ensemble is coached by faculty members in preparation for concerts throughout the semester.

The full ensemble program offers students a chance to perform with outstanding soloists and guest conductors from around the world. Past concerts featured performances with guest composer Lucidio Quintero from Venezuela, Brazilian guest conductor Dario Sotelo, and Costa Rican conductor Juan Battista.

The conductor of the Mercer Wind Ensemble, Dr. Brittan Braddock, is available for guest conducting, clinician, and adjudication engagements. Contact Dr. Braddock at (478) 301-2752 or braddock_ba@mercer.edu.

Jazz Ensemble

The Mercer Jazz Ensemble is a traditional 17-piece big band which honors America’s rich cultural heritage through performance of masterworks by Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Frank Foster and other luminaries from the golden age of jazz. Auditions for the Mercer Jazz Ensemble take place throughout the year. For more information on auditions, please contact Dr. Monty Cole at (478) 301-4134 or cole_mc@mercer.edu.

Jazz Combos

Jazz Combos at Mercer focus on the art of improvisation and arrangement. The Jazz Combos frequently perform in conjunction with the Mercer Jazz Ensemble, but also perform off-campus for regional tours of high schools and other venues. For more information on auditions, please contact Dr. Monty Cole at (478) 301-4134 or cole_mc@mercer.edu.

Flute Choir

The Mercer University Flute Choir performs an extensive and challenging repertoire representing some of the newest and most exciting original compositions available for the medium. In addition to the C flute (concert flute), the range of the choir is expanded to five full octaves with the addition of the piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute.

Membership in the Mercer University Flute Choir is open to all students (music majors and non-majors), as well as members of the community by audition. Students who wish to enroll in the flute choir as a class receive one hour of credit for their participation. The ensemble rehearses once weekly and presents a formal concert in the Neva Langley Fickling Recital Hall each semester. The ensemble also performs in off-campus venues in Macon as well as the Atlanta area. For more information about the Flute Choir, please contact Mr. Kelly Via at via_k@mercer.edu.