Information for Non-Music Majors
Please check back here often to find resources related to music ensembles, scholarships and more for non-music majors!
Non-major scholarships
Scholarships for students in majors other than music are sometimes available. These scholarships are for students that play certain instruments: bassoon, cello, double bass, euphonium, horn, oboe, tuba, viola and violin. If you would like to schedule an audition for a non-major scholarship, please contact Dr. Melinda Boyd at melinda.boyd@uni.edu .
Panther Music Awards
These awards are available to any non-music major students interested in Panther Marching Band or UNI Choirs. Click the links below to find out more and apply. Deadline to apply is February 7, 2025.
Panther Music Award application - BANDS
Panther Music Award application - CHOIRS
Cantorei
Cantorei is a small ensemble that specializes in Bach Cantatas and Renaissance literature. Its membership also serves as the soloists for the Northern Iowa Bach Cantata series.
- Meeting times: W/F 1-2 p.m.
- Contact: John Wiles, (319) 273-7142 | john.wiles@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Cecilians
Cecilians holds the distinction of being the longest ongoing performance tradition on campus. A treble singers chorus that tours internationally, Cecilians is available to all majors.
- Meeting times: M/W/F 3:30 – 5:20 p.m.
- Contact: John Wiles, (319) 273-7142 | john.wiles@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Concert Band
The UNI Concert Band consists of music majors and serious non-majors interested in expanding the artistic experience through the performance of challenging music for wind band.
- Meeting times: M/W 5:10-6:45 p.m. (spring only)
- Contact: Danny Galyen, (319) 273-2024 | danny.galyen@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Concert Chorale
Concert Chorale is a select mixed-voice ensemble open to all students on campus by competitive audition. Concert Chorale tours both internationally and domestically.
- Meeting times: M/W/F 2-3:20 p.m.
- Contact: John Wiles, (319) 273-7142 | john.wiles@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Jazz Bands and Jazz Combos
There are three jazz bands and several combos available to students. UNI’s jazz program is known throughout the country and has received multiple Downbeat awards.
- Meeting times: T/Th 1-2:50 p.m.; various times for combos
- Contact: Chris Merz, (319) 273-3077 | chris.merz@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra
The Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra is comprised of the finest undergraduate and graduate students at UNI. The ensemble tours internationally and performs opera, musicals and choral/orchestral works as well as the standard orchestral repertory.
- Meeting times: M/W/F 3:10-5 p.m.
- Contact: Erik Rohde, (319) 273-6272 | erik.rohde@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Opera
Offering several performance opportunities throughout the year, the opera program features an ensemble, as well as individual performance opportunities in full productions or scenes concerts.
- Meeting times: Every weekday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Contact: Kathryn Saulsbury, (319) 273-2706 | kathryn.saulsbury@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Panther Marching Band
The 315-member Panther Marching Band (PMB) combines Panther spirit, pride, musicianship, and more than 120 years of tradition to create renowned gridiron excitement. The PMB performs at all home games and select away games, and prepares five different field shows each season.
- Meeting times: M/W 6:30-8:30 p.m., F 3-4:30 p.m. (fall only)
- Contact: Justin Mertz, (319) 273-2024 | justin.mertz@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Symphonic Band
The UNI Symphonic Band consists of serious student musicians dedicated to the outstanding and artistic performance of the finest literature for band. The Symphonic Band commissions new works, collaborates with guest performers and conductors, and gives high-level performances each semester.
- Meeting times: T/Th 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Contact: Justin Mertz, (319) 273-2024 | justin.mertz@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Varsity Glee Club
The UNI Varsity Glee Club is a TTBB choir whose performances regularly sell out the Great Hall of the GBPAC. Every other year, the Glee Club tours internationally and its membership is drawn from all majors on campus.
- Meeting times: M/W 6-7:50 p.m.
- Contact: John Wiles, (319) 273-7142 | john.wiles@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is the premiere wind band at UNI, comprised of the highest caliber musicians committed to professional level study, rehearsal, and performance of traditional and contemporary wind literature of artistic significance.
- Meeting times: M/W 1-2:50 p.m.
- Contact: Danny Galyen, (319) 273-2024 | danny.galyen@uni.edu
- Audition Information
Additional Information
Please note: the repertoire and audition information listed at music.uni.edu/apply is specifically for students planning to major or minor in music, and for students wishing to audition for non-major scholarships.
In cases of departmental need, certain non-major instrumentalists may be considered for scholarship. Students wishing to be non-music majors who are interested in taking lessons and/or auditioning for scholarship should fill out the music supplement application, and should select NON-MUSIC MAJOR in the drop-down menu.
Vocal students interested in non-major lessons may contact the vocal division chair, Dr. Suzanne Hendrix-Case (suzanne.hendrix@uni.edu), regarding placement in non-major lessons; please note, there are currently no voice scholarships for non-major students.
Students wishing to be non-music majors who are interested in being a part of ensembles only (not taking lessons and not auditioning for scholarship) should contact: Dr. Danny Galyen (winds, brass, percussion) - danny.galyen@uni.edu or Dr. Erik Rohde (strings) - erik.rohde@uni.edu or visit the Ensembles Auditions page for more information.