Music Opportunities

a student in the popular music degree holds a trumpet

As a student in the Music Department at Palm Beach Atlantic University, you’ll have opportunities to join and vocal and instrumental performances, find internships and partnerships to launch your calling!

Join a Performance
or Chapter

PBA Oratorio Chorus

The Oratorio Chorus has a proud tradition of musical excellence at PBA. Open to all students, regardless of experience or ability, this welcoming community invites you to share in the joy of singing. No audition is required—just a passion for choral music. The diverse choir consists of music majors and non-majors from across the university. Join us to perform timeless masterpieces and be part of something extraordinary!
For information please contact Professor Sonia Santiago, Director of Choral Activities. Sonia_Santiago@pba.edu 

PBA Concert Choir

The Concert Choir is a dynamic ensemble of high-caliber musicians that performs at both campus and community events. This chamber SATB ensemble explores diverse repertoire, spanning all genres. While the group primarily consists of music majors, advanced vocalists with prior choral experience are encourages to audition for this select group. Join a talented community of music majors and skilled vocal artists to create beautiful music and inspire audiences of all ages!
For information please contact Professor Sonia Santiago, Director of Choral Activities. Sonia_Santiago@pba.edu 

PBA Jazz/Pop Vocal Ensemble

The PBA Pop Vocal Ensemble is a vibrant group of vocalists who perform both a cappella and with a full rhythm section, exploring a range of genres from classis vocal jazz to contemporary pop and Christian music. This auditioned group is open to all PBA students regardless of major. For information please contact Professor Sonia Santiago, Director of Choral Activities. Sonia_Santiago@pba.edu 

Opera Workshop

(not an ensemble) – Opera Workshop is a unique, hands-on course that brings small operas or operatic scenes to life each Fall semester, often complete with lightning and costumes. No audition is required, though some students may be assigned technical roles as part of the class. This workshop provides an excellent opportunity to delve into operatic performance in a collaborative setting. For information please contact Professor Mark Aliapoulios, Associate Dean and Voice Area Coordinator. Mark_Aliapoulios@pba.edu 

Become a Member

Contact the College of Arts at (561) 803-2400 for information on audition requirements for those groups requiring an audition. In order to maintain an annual calendar of performances, membership in an ensemble normally requires participation for both Fall and Spring semesters of an academic year.

PBA Symphony – A community orchestra of students and local semi-professional players performing standard symphonic repertoire. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Purchase of concert attire required. Directed by Dr. Lloyd Mims.

Symphonic Band – A community band of students and local semi-professional players performing standard band literature of all periods. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Purchase of concert attire required. Directed by Dr. Dennis Hayslett.

Early Music Ensemble – The Early Music Ensemble performs music composed before 1750, using period techniques and instruments. The group consists of the Early Music Singers and the Early Music Instrumental Ensemble. Directed by Dr. Michael O’Connor.

Jazz Ensemble – A community ensemble of students and local semi-professional players. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mr. Roget Pontbriand.

Brass Ensemble – Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Dr. Dennis Hayslett.

Percussion Ensemble – Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mr. Seth Waxler.

String Ensemble – Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mr. Patrick Clifford.

Wind Ensemble – Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Dr. Dennis Hayslett.

Guitar Ensemble – Ensemble(s) of varying sizes and design performing chamber music for the concert hall and church. Auditions are required at the beginning of each semester for new members. Directed by Mr. David Skantar.

Pop-Rock Lab Ensemble – A laboratory ensemble to perform music in contemporary popular genres; the ensemble will perform and record student projects as needed from courses within the popular music and mass media programs. Audition required. Directed by Mr. Roget Pontbriand and Mr. Mark Aliapoulios.

Become a Member

Contact the College of Arts at (561) 803-2400 for information on audition requirements for those groups requiring an audition. In order to maintain an annual calendar of performances, membership in an ensemble normally requires participation for both Fall and Spring semesters of an academic year.

Music Education Students subscribe to the Collegiate Music Educators National Conference (CMENC) chapter on campus and promote events of value in the world of music education. Membership is open to all music education students. CMENC provides resources, training, conferences and support to prospective music educators.

Partnerships

PBA is within walking distance of two major performing arts venues in downtown West Palm Beach.

The Kravis Center

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is second only to New York’s Lincoln Center for the number of performances that are produced during the year. There are three major halls in the Kravis Center and a number of smaller venues as well. PBA students frequently receive free tickets to attend many of the world-class events that appear there.

Local Arts Organizations

  • Palm Beach Opera
  • Palm Beach Symphony
  • Palm Beach County Cultural Calendar

Professional Arts Organizations

Many of the faculty belong to Professional Organizations that foster the development of musicians and musical careers:

  • National Association of Teachers of Singing
  • Sigma Alpha Iota Professional Music Fraternity
  • Music Educators National Conference
  • Music Teachers National Association

Internships

Music Education Majors

Music Education majors are assigned student teaching placement in Palm Beach County upon the recommendation of the Teacher Education Committee of PBA. In addition to the completion of the curriculum, you are required to pass First Screening and Second Screening before being submitted by the Teacher Education Committee to the Palm Beach County School Board for placement as student teachers.

Popular Music Majors
(Worship Leadership Track)

Worship Leadership track students are expected to find paid or unpaid internships in local churches to fulfill final requirements for their degree. Opportunities are posted frequently in the student lounge of Vera Lea Rinker Hall (the music building) and in the Chapel offices.