Performance Ensembles

Music students at HGP perform in a variety of settings on and off campus. We host a major concert at the end of each academic semester as well as recitals periodically. Our ensembles occasionally travel to perform at festivals, competitions, and community events. In addition to these ensembles, student musicians frequently have opportunities to perform in solo and small group settings.

The Firebird Pops

Comprising performers from every musical family, the Firebird Pops blends concert band, orchestra, jazz band, rock band, and choir into one comprehensive ensemble. In the style of professional studio and pops orchestras, this ensemble performs a broad range of repertoire that incorporates the American jazz, European classical, film score, contemporary pop, and world music traditions.

Our largest ensemble, the Firebird Pops represents students from a diverse background of interests and involvement around campus. An audition is necessary for part placement however, the ensemble welcomes all students with any performance background.

Rehearsals are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Holt Center music studios.

The Firebird Pops before Christmas Concert, December 12, 2023.

The Ghost Notes Jazz Ensemble

An elite group of musicians, the Ghost Notes are an auditioned ensemble focusing on the repertoire of the Great American Songbook, as well as contemporary jazz standards. The ensemble is a mixed instrumentation that performs in both the traditional big band and chamber jazz settings.

Formal auditions and interviews are held at the end of August with applications accepted throughout the school year as necessary. Preference will be given to students who are currently enrolled or have successfully passed the jazz improvisation course. Participation in the Firebird Pops is strongly encouraged.

Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 2:45 to 4:15 pm in the Holt Center music studios.

The Ghost Notes at the president's scholarship dinner, January 27, 2023.

The Spiritones Barbershop Chorale

A vocal ensemble performing primarily in the a cappella style, the Spiritones is an exciting group that employs traditional four-part barbershop repertoire in a chorus setting. Members sing a variety of parts within the ensemble as well as perform in smaller settings such as solos and quartets. The ensemble welcomes all students with any performance background and participation with the liturgical ensemble is encouraged. Auditions are necessary for part placement and held by the director on a rolling basis.

Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 2:45 to 3:30 pm in the Holt Center music studios.

The Spiritones at the Fine Arts Festival, April 28, 2022.

The Ghostriders Rock Band

HGP’s student led rock band, the Ghostriders perform exact transcriptions as well as their own arrangements of classic and contemporary rock tunes. A versatile group of musicians, members typically share parts between guitars, keyboards, drums, and vocals. Auditions are open to any student and held by the director on a rolling basis.

Rehearsals are Thursdays from 2:45 to 3:30 in the Cornwells Hall music studio.

The Ghostriders at Guitar Night, April 20, 2023.

Music Ministers Liturgical Ensemble

One of our most visible and active performance ensembles, the liturgical ensemble celebrates prayer through music at mass and other worship services. The music ministers work closely with the campus ministry team. Though primarily a vocal ensemble, the music ministers also welcome instrumentalists. All students and faculty are welcome to join. Rehearsals are held as needed prior to each service.

The Music Ministers after opening of school mass, 2022.