Black Hills State University offers numerous performing groups within the music program. The student ensembles offer concerts each semester, and Senior recitals are performed by individual music students each semester. In addition, faculty members perform regularly and the music program often sponsors concerts or workshops by well-known performers, both on and off campus. All performing groups are open to students from any area of study; however, admission to some is based on audition. For more details, click on the links below.
The BHSU Concert Choir is open to all Black Hills State University students and faculty. The choir performs a varied repertoire, both accompanied and a cappella, from Renaissance motets to American spirituals, as well as larger works. For more information, contact Jonathan.Nero@bhsu.edu.
Course information: MUEN300-B01, MWF 11:00 - 11:50am
The Northern Hills Chamber Chorale is a non-auditioned mixed ensemble that performs mainly large works and choral cycles. The ensemble comprises BHSU students and community singers from the area. For more information, contact Jonathan.Nero@bhsu.edu.
Course information: MUEN300-B02, Tues 7:00 - 9:00pm
A cappella repertoire that varies from 16th-Century madrigals to contemporary pop and jazz arrangements. For more information, contact Jonathan.Nero@bhsu.edu, 605.642.6628.
Course information: MUEN304-B01, MWF 3:00 - 3:50pm
Expand your skills in orchestral performance with the Dakota Chamber Orchestra. The Orchestra includes strings, winds, brass, and percussion, and performs everything from classical masterworks to popular music, often featuring guest soloists from the greater Black Hills region. The group meets Thursday nights from 7–9 pm and is open to students and the community. For more information about the Dakota Chamber Orchestra contact Skye.vanDuuren@bhsu.edu.
Course information: MUEN130-B01, Thurs 7:00 - 9:00pm
The BHSU Jazz Ensemble is a small, auditioned ensemble specializing in a wide variety of jazz and popular styles. The Jazz Ensemble is a versatile group and meets as a big band as well as small combos. For more information, contact Skye.vanDuuren@bhsu.edu.
Course information: MUEN380-B01, MWF 12:00 - 12:50pm
BHSU is home to several smaller chamber ensembles such as the Honeycomb Brass, Flute Choir, and Clarinet Choir. These groups serve as specialized training for the most advanced instrumental students at BHSU, and are a great resource for community outreach and live music for local events such as weddings, birthday parties, etc. For more information, contact Skye.vanDuuren@bhsu.edu.
The Wind Ensemble is an auditioned instrumental ensemble consisting of BHSU students whose focus is the performance of high-level wind band literature. The Wind Ensemble regularly performs for and works with instrumental music students at regional middle and high schools. For more information, contact David.Berberick@bhsu.edu or 605-644-2641.
Course information: MUEN130-B02, T/Th 2:00 - 3:15pm
The Concert Band is a large ensemble open to students of all majors and community members interested in enhancing their musical and performance skills. For more information, contact David.Berberick@bhsu.edu or 605-644-2641.
Course information: MUEN322-B01, Mon 7:00 - 9:00pm
The Black Hills State University Pep Band is a small ensemble that plays at BHSU sporting events. Drawing from famous band tunes, pop music, and even television themes, the Pep Band performs crowd favorites in a casual atmosphere. Students who participate in Pep Band are eligible for additional scholarship money. For more information, contact David.Berberick@bhsu.edu or 605-644-2641.
The Beeline Drumline is a group of percussion instruments that performs at many athletic events and other events throughout the year. Learn new techniques and broaden your musical experience by joining the Beeline. For more information, contact David.Berberick@bhsu.edu or 605-644-2641.