School of Music & Theater

PSU Bands performing in Lincoln Performance Hall including winds, brass, strings, piano and percussion

Ensembles

At Portland State University, our ensembles are more than just performance groups; they are vibrant communities that reflect the creative pulse of our city. 

  • For music majors, participation in these ensembles is a required part of the curriculum, providing a professional-level training ground to hone technical mastery and stagecraft. 
  • For non-majors, they offer a vital creative outlet, fostering collaboration, discipline, and artistic growth regardless of your primary field of study.

By participating in these diverse performance types, students experience PSU’s inclusivity and world-class artistry. 

While we offer various inclusive options, most ensembles require an audition to participate. Select the ensemble you are interested in below to learn more about how to get involved.

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Portland State University Impro Ensemble black and white logo. A hand drawn pie with a slice cut out of it showing faces inside. The crust says P.I.E. and under the pie says PSU Impro Ensemble.

PSU THEATER ARTS IMPRO ENSEMBLE

Open to students of all majors, the PSU Impro Ensemble is a dynamic group dedicated to the art of theatrical improvisation. While you don't need to be a theater major to join, the ensemble requires a strong commitment to regular rehearsals and performances each quarter.

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MUSIC ENSEMBLES

PSU Wind Symphony performing on the Lincoln Performance Hall stage.

BANDS

Our concert band program offers ensembles for all experience levels. The Wind Ensemble performs masterworks and new commissions. The Wind Symphony gives advanced musicians a dynamic experience. The non-auditioned University Band welcomes all students and community members to collaborate and perform diverse repertoire.

A quartet playing violins and cello.

CHAMBER & SMALL ENSEMBLES

A unique collective experience, chamber ensembles are faculty-mentored student groups focusing on duets, trios, quartets and more. The goal is for you to study music alongside other student musicians, learning to delegate and collaborate in a small-group setting. Small ensembles are faculty-led groups, such as Clarinet, Trombone, Flute or Brass.

PSU Choirs performing in a church with Ethan Sperry conducting.

CHOIRS

We offer diverse choral ensembles for all students, from dedicated voice majors to those seeking a creative outlet. Choose premier auditioned groups for high artistic excellence, or join our non-auditioned choirs for inclusive, joyful singing.

A PSU Jazz Combo performing in Lincoln Recital Hall.

JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Join a dynamic urban music community through Portland State’s jazz and contemporary music ensembles. No matter your major, our ensembles bring your personal experience to the public stage.

Students sitting at tables with laptops and midi controllers and speakers in a circle on the floor as they perform in the Laptop Ensemble.

LAPTOP ENSEMBLE

PSU’s Laptop Ensemble (SAMPLE) is a group of humans, laptops, controllers, and speakers. You’ll compose and perform, exploring computer-mediated instrument design, sound synthesis, programming, and live interactive performance.

PSU Gamelan ensemble performing.

NON-WESTERN

Javanese Gamelan and Mariachi, our non-western ensembles, are known for their inclusive spirit and unique artistry. You’ll be part of an alternative large-ensemble environment and diverse cultural community, and expand your musical horizons.

PSU Opera students performing in "The Merry Widow" with a large winding staircase behind them on the Lincoln Performance Hall stage.

OPERA

PSU Opera is a nationally renowned training ground for vocal artists, offering three auditioned performances per year. From fall Chamber Opera to the spring flagship mainstaged production, our program bridges academic study and your future career through professional mentorship and early stage experience.

PSU Orchestra students playing violin in a concert.

ORCHESTRA

The PSU Orchestra is an award-winning ensemble known for adventurous programming and world-class guest artists. Performing across Portland, the orchestra collaborates with The Portland Ballet and PSU Opera on major works from Stravinsky to Mahler. Open to dedicated musicians, it offers professional-level performance experience.

PSU Percussion students performing on marimbas in Lincoln Recital Hall.

PERCUSSION

The PSU Percussion Ensembles explore and perform the most adventurous and innovative repertoire from the past century, as well as percussive traditions from around the world. Students work closely with faculty in a collaborative and professional environment that focuses on the development of shared musicianship and technical mastery.

PRODUCTIONS

Learn more about joining our Theater Arts and Opera productions on stage or behind the scenes.

 

PSU's Music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).