Syracuse Music Community

Syracuse University’s six a cappella ensembles are entirely student-run and directed, performing with voice and vocal percussion. Groups perform contemporary songs using student-written arrangements for a wide array of audiences.

Each group hosts auditions at least once a year. The groups perform at their own invitationals, participate in community and student engagement performances and host a joint event every semester.

A Cappella Council at Syracuse University
Email for Inquiries: suacappella@gmail.com

All-Gender Groups:

• Groovestand
• Oy Cappella

Tenor/Bass Groups:

• Orange Appeal
• Otto Tunes

Treble Voice Groups:

• Main Squeeze
• The Mandarins

The Syracuse University chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) seeks to “promote excellence in choral music through performance, composition, publication, research and teaching” as recommended by the national organization.

The Syracuse University chapter fosters fellowship between aspiring and established choral professionals, organizes seminars featuring leaders in the choral field, creates opportunities to observe rehearsals and performances of the highest caliber and supports Setnor's choral studies area. Chapter members fundraise throughout the year in order to attend state, regional and national conferences. For more information, contact John Warren, chapter advisor.

The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble, a choir comprised of students at Syracuse University, performs contemporary Christian gospel music throughout the Central New York area.

Chimesmasters is a campus-wide student group that rings the chimes in Crouse College’s historic bell tower. Three times per day, Chimemasters ring bells that can be heard within a one-mile radius by an audience numbering in the thousands. The music ranges from Gregorian chant to songs by today’s most popular artists. For more information, email Michelle Taylor.

First Year Players is an entirely student-run organization that gives non-drama majors at Syracuse University the chance to get involved in student theater and so much more. First-year and transfer students are given the opportunity to perform in the cast, crew or pit of the annual spring musical, which is produced by a staff of upperclassmen.

The Setnor School is home to four professional and service fraternities and sororities devoted to music and musicians. They are not the kind of social fraternities and sororities depicted in movies! Instead, these organizations provide valuable service to the Setnor School and the community.

Sigma Alpha Iota promotes interaction among those who share a commitment to music. Members of SAI are active in all areas of music and campus life, working closely with faculty, administration and campus groups. Alumnae members are teachers, performers, professionals and patrons of local and national arts organizations. In addition to personal encouragement and support, members may receive scholarships, grants and awards in many areas of music-related study. Syracuse University’s Sigma Iota chapter is composed of both music and non-music majors. They are dedicated to serving the school through service projects and fundraising activities. Check out their Facebook page or email sigmaiota.sai@gmail.com for more information.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is a national fraternity for men of music and a service organization. Syracuse University’s Theta chapter welcomes all men of music both in and outside the Setnor School of Music. Service activities include singing for patients at local hospitals, helping set up for concerts in the Setnor School and providing Valentine’s Day serenades. For more information, contact President Josh Arndt or Kevin Galasso. 

Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma are the gender inclusive national honorary band fraternity and sorority. Membership is open to college students who have participated in a college band program. These groups’ common goals are not only to provide the band with organized service activities but also to give members quality experiences in leadership and social contacts while assisting the directors in developing quality ensembles.

The fraternity and sorority, founded in 1919 and 1946 respectively, are now present in over 100 major colleges and universities. Famous alumni include John Philip Sousa, Doc Severinson, Count Basie and Queen Latifah. The national aspect of the fraternity and sorority provides members with many contacts from other universities throughout the year. The Eta Phi and Eta Alpha chapters at SU serve a major role in all band activities. Brothers and sisters are always ready to assist the band in service as well as provide such intangible items as morale, spirit, enthusiasm and a positive attitude within the band. If you have any questions concerning the organizations, please contact Michael Dean, KKPsi president, and Abagail Sweeney, TBS president.

The Syracuse University chapter of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) seeks to “advance the value of music study and music making to society and to support the professionalism of independent and collegiate studio music teachers” as recommended by the national association. The Syracuse University chapter supports piano students in their professional and pedagogical development. The chapter organizes seminars featuring professionals in the field of piano pedagogy, invites guest artists to give master classes and concerts, serves the Syracuse community through public piano recitals and private piano lessons and creates opportunities for members to attend state, regional and national conferences. For more information, contact Ida Tili-Trebicka, chapter advisor.

Formerly known as CMENC, Syracuse University’s National Association for Music Education (NAfME) collegiate chapter is the student chapter for both NAfME and its state affiliate, the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). The chapter’s weekly forum is a chance for students to listen to guest speakers, participate in workshops and discuss current events related to music education. Along with weekly meetings, the chapter holds numerous fundraisers throughout the academic year to raise money for student scholarships, teacher grants and charities.

Every year, Syracuse University’s NAfME collegiate chapter awards one scholarship to an incoming first-year music education major and one grant to a local music educator to use for supplies. A signature annual activity is attending the NYSSMA Winter Conference to attend professional development workshops, hear outstanding concerts and network with music teachers and Setnor alumni from across the state of New York. The chapter is always looking to grow, improve and give back to the community. For more information, email David DeAngelis, chapter advisor.

The Setnor School is home to the first student chapter of the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA). The NYSBDA student chapter organizes lectures, events and visits with leading band conductors and composers for band. A key activity is attending the annual NYSBDA conference for professional development workshops to hear outstanding performances and to network with band directors from across New York State.

Pi Kappa Lambda is the national honor society for musicians with 205 active chapters across the country. Setnor School of Music faculty members of Pi Kappa Lambda select outstanding music majors each year for induction into the society.

Syracuse University Recordings (SUR) is a student-operated music company. The hands-on learning environment is the operational component of the Setnor School’s Music Enterprise Laboratory, a credit-bearing class. Students record and release music, promote live events, and market merchandise. SUR has negotiated, recorded, manufactured and marketed CD releases as well as numerous digital-only projects.

SUR is financially self-sustaining. Students use revenue from their activities to launch and fund new projects. SUR maintains standards of high-quality performances, production values and decency while being ever mindful of the bottom line.