The University of Dayton

UD's Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology program provides performances for the public, collaborations with local artists and professional companies, and programming that engages the community for the common good.

Established in 1961 as a speaker and performance series, ArtsLIVE now primarily presents concerts by visiting professional ensembles from around the world. Their mission is simple: to present outstanding arts experiences, and cultivate cultural curiosity. Each year, the series showcases a broad range of traditions - classical, jazz, and world music - and musicians may travel from as far away as Brazil and Pakistan, to as near as Michigan and New York. ArtsLIVE events are open to both campus and community.

The University of Dayton Ensembles perform regularly on and off campus and are open to students from all academic majors. Ensembles are featured in the annual Celebration of the Arts performances at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton's premier performance venue.

The Dayton Celebration Chorus offers adults who enjoy singing the opportunity to join music lovers from all over the Miami Valley in enhancing their vocal skills, expanding their repertoire of mostly American music, and performing at a variety of venues. In addition to two concerts annually, recent performances include Dayton's Grand Illumination in Court House Square to open the holiday season, Angel Night at Calvary cemetery, and a lunch at the Earl Heck Community Center in Englewood. During the summer, the chorus sang the National Anthem at a Dragon's game and at a summer concert at Stubbs Park in Centerville.

The University Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble that performs a broad repertoire for string orchestra in the fall semester and full symphony orchestra in the spring semester. In addition to four concerts presented each year, the orchestra regularly collaborates in choral and operatic performances with the University Chorale and Opera Workshop.

The Dayton Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned big band that offers a traditional and contemporary experience combining the skill of interpreting challenging written music with the art of improvisation. The ensemble performs at local and regional concerts, at high school and college jazz festivals, and other invited musical events, including the Ohio Music Education Association conference. DJE also performs frequently with local, regional, and internationally known jazz artists.

The University of Dayton New Horizons Music Program is an adult music education program founded in 2000. It currently has beginning, intermediate and advanced concert bands; beginning and intermediate string orchestras; intermediate and advanced jazz bands; and several small ensembles. Regular performances are shared with the public.

The UD Dance Ensemble embodies the essence of liberal arts education by providing students with a unique platform to delve deeper into dance's technical and performance aspects. The ensemble offers an enriching opportunity for students to refine their skills and expand their artistic horizons. Ensemble dancers will gain valuable insights and guidance that complement their academic pursuits. To ensure inclusivity and diversity, the ensemble embraces students from various backgrounds, levels of experience and academic disciplines.