Real future makers don't choose between their talents — they integrate them. Whether you're on the field with the Marching 97, Lehigh's entirely student-run band that's performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to international venues since 1906, or rehearsing with the Philharmonic Orchestra alongside faculty from across campus, you'll find a community that values both excellence and belonging.
Our four Choral Arts ensembles — including the historic Glee Club in its 137th year — have built a multigenerational family of singers. The Jazz Ensembles program offers rare opportunities to perform with professional New York musicians in an environment where learning happens through doing, not just observing.
Join us and make something unforgettable. Your voice matters here. Your instrument has a place. Your passion has a home.
Bands
Lehigh's music ensembles welcome students from all majors to experience the joy of performance. The Marching 97, one of the few entirely student-run bands in the country, has brought spirit and pride to Lehigh since 1906, with performances at Carnegie Hall, bowl games, and international venues. Named for our formation of twelve ranks of eight musicians plus one drum major, we're known as "The Finest Band East of All Points West." The Lehigh University Philharmonic Orchestra unites passionate music lovers across campus to study exceptional repertoire, functioning as both an educational ensemble and vibrant club. With predominantly non-music majors performing, both groups prove that dedication to music transcends any single discipline, offering community, growth, and unforgettable experiences.
Choral
Lehigh University Choral Arts is a home for students and community members from all walks of life, a tight-knit family extending back through generations of Lehigh singers. Four ensembles comprise Lehigh Choral Arts: Choral Union, University Choir, Dolce, and the historic Glee Club, which is enjoying its 137th year.
Jazz
The Jazz Ensembles program, under the direction of Bill Warfield is comprised of a number of groups, including several combos coached by professional New York jazz musicians, the Lehigh University Jazz Ensemble, the Lehigh Funk Band, and the Lehigh University Jazz Repertory Orchestra, which combines students with local jazz musicians. Participation is open to all students by audition. In addition, the New York Jazz Repertory Orchestra performs two concerts each year, and the Jazz Faculty do a concert in the spring. There are many opportunities for students to perform with the professionals in a unique environment.
Orchestra
The Lehigh University Philharmonic Orchestra is an extraordinary group of music lovers of all ages, coming together to study and perform great music. The Lehigh Orchestra is a student ensemble first and foremost. In addition to the student body, the orchestra could not exist without other help. First, several community members augment various sections. They also provide an important “glue” of continuity – some of them have been members of the orchestra for the past ten years. We are also fortunate to have in the orchestra several members of the LU faculty and staff. Some faculty come from other disciplines, such as English, Economics, Engineering and Chemistry; but, we also have Music Department Faculty performing side by side with their students. This provides a unique hands-on training that is vital for a student’s experience. In addition, we sometimes hire additional players from the pool of professionals in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.