Even though Stevens is primarily a tech-focused school, there is still a profound love for the arts. There are many organizations on campus that deal with the display of the arts and every student has the opportunity to see first-hand the amazing performances put together by their peers. One of the aforementioned organizations is the President’s Ensemble. The President’s Ensemble is a unique group of students who showcase their musical talents at the request of the President at large scale events such as Commencement, Admitted Students Weekend, Board dinners, and alumni events.
The Executive Director of University Events, David Zimmerman, was the founder of the President’s Ensemble. Zimmerman, who at the time was the Director of DeBaun Performing Arts Center, started the President’s Ensemble after Dr. Farvardin was appointed as the President of the school. Zimmerman brought to life President Farvardin’s vision of having “students present their musical talents at special events.”
The President’s Ensemble has a set of songs that they sing every year with several new songs added to the repertoire on a semesterly basis. The eligibility to audition for the President’s Ensemble is that a student must be an undergraduate who is not a senior. Other requirements include: ability to learn music quickly (knowing how to sight-read is a plus), being able to hold their part well while also blending into the group and having a strong voice. Currently there are 16 members of the President’s Ensemble, but not everyone is required to perform at every event. Similarly, due to the differences in everyone’s schedules, practice happens in smaller groups routinely but all members are expected to practice on their own time and learn the music.
Auditions for the President’s Ensemble typically happen in February, but due to the large number of seniors graduating this year, auditions will take place in the fall semester. Therefore, if you share a passion for music and performing, audition for the President’s Ensemble or stop by an event where they are performing and see them in action.
