Ensemble participation is an important part of student life at USAO. All ensembles are open to music majors, minors and the general student population. Additional ensembles such as Opera Scenes, Music Theatre Workshop or Chamber Music are periodically offered. Each trimester the performing ensembles present at least one major concert and may also perform for campus events or area schools.
Concert Choir is an ensemble of men’s and women’s voices open to all majors. The ensemble performs a variety of literature from numerous periods and in various styles. The Concert Choir has appeared as an invited honor choir at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association conference and regularly performs for special events on and off campus. The choir presents annual performances in the fall and spring trimesters and has performed in collaboration with local public schools and regional universities.
Concert Band is the principal instrumental ensemble at USAO. This ensemble performs a variety of literature ranging from classical to contemporary. Students wishing to enroll in Concert Band must have previous instrumental experience and a seating audition is required.
Chamber Choir is an auditioned choral ensemble of 12-15 voices. It is in constant demand to perform for university and local events. Although primarily consisting of music majors, non-majors may also participate. The Chamber Choir presents music in original languages, including repertoire written for the small, vocal ensemble, from the Renaissance to Contemporary periods. A cappella choral selections are featured in all performances. Members of the USAO Chamber Choir participate and perform with the Oklahoma Choral Directors Association's Collegiate Honor Choir each year.
Music Theatre Workshop presents scenes from musicals. The workshop is open to all USAO students, though is generally comprised of theatre and music majors.