Clayton State University is Calling for Musicians and Singers to Audition for One of Our Community Music Ensembles This August for the Fall and Winter Concert Seasons

(July 29, 2026) - As we kick off our fall semester in August, Clayton State University is calling for skilled instrumentalists and singers in Clayton County, Henry County, and Fayette County to audition for one of our community music ensembles. Clayton State sponsors the following opportunities for experienced and talented instrumentalists and singers: Clayton State Jazz Ensemble, Clayton State Pep Band, Clayton State Concert Band, the Spivey Hall Masterworks Chorus, and the Southern Crescent Symphony.

Register for an audition online.  Note for Clayton State students: If you want to get course credit for being in an ensemble, you will need to audition by August 11th – email Dr. Bell at richardbell@clayton.edu to schedule an earlier audition.

View a video of a recent graduate from the music program at Clayton State University sharing his experience at Clayton State as a student and musician on YouTube: Malique Holmes, BA in Music student at Clayton State University.

The Clayton State Jazz Ensemble is a traditional jazz band performing standards from the jazz repertoire. The group presents two concerts each year in Spivey Hall. Rehearsals: Mondays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The Clayton State Pep Band plays for select Clayton State home basketball games and other university events. Rehearsals: TBD

The Clayton State Concert Band is made up of Clayton State students and members of the community. The group presents two concerts of traditional concert band music in Spivey Hall each academic year. Rehearsals: Thursday, 6:30— 8:30 p.m.

The new Director of The Clayton State Concert Band is Dr. Joshua D. Blair, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Clayton State University. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director of Bands in Florida public schools for 18 years, most recently at Plant City High School. Under his direction, his ensembles received numerous superior ratings and performed at Carnegie Hall in 2009, 2012, and 2024. While at Plant City High School, the Wind Ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall and for the Music for All Orlando Regional in 2022, 2023, and 2025.

The Masterworks Chorus is open to anyone who can sing in tune. The choir sings a wide array of literature spanning all time periods, in addition to performing major works in collaboration with the Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra. Rehearsals: Sunday nights 6-8pm

Enjoy excerpts from the "Light Beyond Shadow" concert on November 13th, 2025, in Spivey Hall on YouTube.

The Southern Crescent Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra devoted to meeting the cultural needs of audiences and performers in the Southern Crescent area of Metro Atlanta. Members of the orchestra include professional musicians, music educators, amateur musicians, and students, all of whom strive to utilize their full potential in presenting a quality musical product. The group presents four concerts each year in Spivey Hall and other area venues. Rehearsals: Tuesdays from 7:15 – 9:15 p.m.

Richard Bell said, “The Southern Crescent Symphony has been around for 37 years. A full symphony orchestra that does four concerts a year. We have about 65 members, ranging from college students and practicing musicians to retired musicians and folks who play at a high level but may not be in the music area at all. The audience that attends these performances regularly fills Spivey Hall to capacity.”