Performance Ensembles

The Major performing ensembles at UW-Eau Claire–Barron County are the Red Cedar Choir, Communiversity Band and Northwinds Brass Band. All of these groups take advantage of combining student performers with established community members, an enormous advantage for UW-Eau Claire–Barron County students. They are able to sing/play alongside professional and amateur musicians, and learn from the conductors and those performing with them - there is no better teaching tool available. All of these ensembles are recognized in the region for their excellence.

The Red Cedar Choir

The Red Cedar Choir is a joint effort of the Music Department and surrounding communities, giving UWECBC students the incredible chance to sing and be part of one of the best choirs in the area. The choir performs to full venues in Rice Lake throughout the year, with two highly-anticipated holiday concerts in December. Beth Joosten serves as the conductor of the choir. The choir dates back to 1932 when it was associated with the Rice Lake Federated Music Club. The group is open to all campus students (see MUSI 190--Symphonic Choir) and community members through a voice test process.

Communiversity Band

A joint effort of the Music Department and the surrounding communities, Communiversity Band is comprised of both students and area musicians, giving students the same opportunity to perform with professional players as The Red Cedar Choir gives singers. The band performs at several concerts throughout the year and is conducted by Mike Joosten. This ensemble is open to any student (see MUSI 180—Symphony Band) or community member instrumental musician.

Northwinds British Brass Band

Conducted by Ana Traicoff-Stratioti, Northwinds Brass Band has been a mainstay of the local music community since 1989. The band plays music in the British Brass Band tradition and has performed concerts in numerous venues. The band plays two or more concerts a year at area venues, and one concert in the Rice Lake Veterans Memorial Park during the summer as part of the Music in the Park series. For details, click here.

Here is the Spring 2023 Communiversity Band Video to enjoy Spring 2023 Communiversity Band Performance