About the College of Arts and Media
The College of Arts and Media at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a collaborative venue where individual talents and ambitions are encouraged and nurtured. As a student within this college, you receive an opportunity to study in an open and stimulating environment, connecting the bridge between learning and performing.
In our engaged community of practiced artists and expert faculty, performance is a natural progression of classroom training. Learn more about the College of Arts and Media degree programs.
GCU Bands
The GCU bands offer you an opportunity to share your talent by performing at events like GCU basketball games and live concerts. Bands include the GCU Thundering Heard Pep Band, GCU Symphonic Band and GCU Thunder Big Band.
Auditions generally include:
- Performance of a musical selection (classical selections are highly preferred)
- Sight-singing
GCU Choir
GCU offers opportunities to participate in choral ensemble for students, faculty, staff and the Phoenix community. Additional audition times may be arranged by contacting Juan Hernandez, DMA, at [email protected].
The Canyon Choral Society is GCU's campus community chorus. It is open to GCU students, faculty, staff and the Phoenix community. This ensemble performs masterworks from choral-symphonic literature, with major productions in both fall and spring. Members have performed a Handel's "Messiah" concert with the Phoenix Symphony. Other repertory includes Beethoven's "Mass in C" and "Choral Fantasy," Brahms' "German Requiem," Vivaldi's "Gloria in D," Finzi's "Et In Terra Pax," Poulenc's "Gloria" and Mendelssohn's "Elijah."
The Canyon Chorale presents the best in choral masterworks from all stylistic periods and cultures, including Renaissance and contemporary opera, Broadway numbers and gospel music. Members are selected through an annual open audition for music and non-music majors. This chorale performs four to six concerts per year on campus. All members of the Canyon Chorale are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society.
Our traveling vocal ensemble strongly promotes Christian character, student leadership and musical ability as part of the university's mission and the music department's vision. Preparation and availability for touring is required. The ensemble is on the road year-round, representing GCU at churches, schools, special events and other venues. Focus is on musical excellence and individual commitment. All members of Critical Mass are required to participate in the Canyon Choral Society and the Canyon Chorale, as assigned by the department. Auditions occur each spring for the subsequent term, which are open to any GCU student to apply, but preference is given to music majors.