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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.
Learn more about 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.
Featuring the Madonna University Chorale and Jazz Ensemble
Friday, April 24 @ 7 p.m., Kresge Hall
*Free Admission
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.
Ph.D., Marquette University
M.A., College of St. Catherine
B.A., College of St. Scholastica
734-432-5307
Ian Bell, Ph.D., joined Madonna in 2022 as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences after 15 years as a Professor of Religious Studies during which he taught courses on Scripture, spirituality, theological ethics, and religion in film. His career in higher education has been marked by a keen interest in the value of the liberal arts and the importance of exploring questions of meaning and purpose in the context of a college education.
His research has focused primarily on the connection between spirituality and justice, especially within the framework of the theological method of the Jesuit theologian, Bernard Lonergan. More recently, he has been drawn to the writings of Henri Nouwen and studying biblical Hebrew and Greek.
