Upcoming Events 2022/23
| Open Auditions | |
|
Dec. 6th 4:00 Feb. 7th 4:00 March 7th 4:00 April 4th 4:00 *please email director to confim audition
|
Room 601 PAAAC
|
| Jazz and String Ensemble Concert | |
| Friday Jan. 27th 7:00pm | Kresge Hall |
Click above to hear Madonna's Fight Song "Here's To You"
Madonna University offers a variety of opportunities for undergraduate instrumental music students to perform while earning scholarship money. Continue to enhance your passion for instrumental music regardless of your chosen academic major. See below for more information regarding the co-curricular ensembles available for membership.
The Madonna University Jazz ensemble is a performance based instrumental music group that can fluctuate from 4-20 musicians and features piano/keyboard, bass, drums, guitar, brass instruments and saxophones. Performance opportunities include University concerts, various off-campus venues and fund raising events throughout the academic year. Music selections range from traditional big band charts to small ensemble improvisations. Participants will learn the jazz idiom, expand their musical ability and experience the joy of American jazz music while providing quality musical entertainment.
The Madonna University Pep Band is performance-based and open to all students. The band is responsible for providing spirit and entertainment at specific athletic events. Prior experience of playing a band instrument and the ability to read music at a fundamental-intermediate level is required, but marching skills are not necessary. If you play keyboard, bass, percussion, woodwind, or brass, and want to be part of a fresh, new, lively band, this is the ensemble for you! Most of the performances are at home (men’s/women’s) basketball games, various school functions and other athletic spirit-focused events. Selections will include a combination of traditional and modern music to present a popular, entertaining sound. It is recommended everyone has his/her own instrument; however, the university does have some instruments that can be utilized for the duration of the season. The director can also assist in locating the necessary instruments.
The Madonna University String Ensemble is a small performance-based group for musicians who have prior experience playing a string instrument and possess the ability to read music at an intermediate level. Participation is open to all Madonna students that are interested in actively playing and performing in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. You do not have to be a music major to become a member of the ensemble; however, a brief interview/audition is required, and an appointment will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time with the Director of Instrumental Music, Kevin Del Pup. Rehearsals are once a week with the opportunity to perform throughout the academic year. The repertoire will include selections from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. It is preferred that you provide your own instrument, but it is not a requirement for membership.
B.A. Western Michigan University
B.A. Wayne State University
734-432-5708, 1506G
Kevin Del Pup serves the University as Director of Instrumental Music, working with both the Jazz Ensemble and Pep Band. Kevin has had an interest in music his whole life. In high school he developed his skills on the drum set under the direction of well-known Detroit jazz artists, Jim Ryan and Dave Taylor. He continued to play semi-professionally while attending college and attained his degree in Music Education from Wayne State. Kevin comes to us with years of experience as a full-time teacher in the Redford Union School District.
In the past he has worked with middle and high school bands, but he has also directed a variety of performing groups to include jazz bands, pep bands, pit ensembles, and percussion ensembles. After seventeen years of teaching he continues to enjoy sharing his expertise and passion for music with such a wide array of students. He is always on the lookout for talented musicians to perform with while educating local young artists during the day.
