UAPB is home to world-class and nationally recognized ensembles such as our internationally recognized Vesper Choir, and the “Machine of the SWAC”, The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4). Our blend of technique and cultured sound make our music program one of the most recognized programs in the nation.
Organized in 1946 by Ariel M. Lovelace, the Vesper Choir is a service organization that has performed for significant campus and community events, schools, churches, and community organizations around the state of Arkansas and internationally. With a mission that is cultural, artistic and educational, the group has produced a long line of distinguished singers, performers and professionals in other work fields and academics including Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, prominent theologian, pastor and author; Smokie Norful, Grammy award-winning contemporary gospel artist and pastor; and the late James McKissic, internationally renowned concert pianist.
The UAPB Vesper Choir is a traditional college choir that performs repertoire from diverse stylistic periods; generally for experienced singers. The Vesper Choir performs classical choral literature, spirituals, contemporary choral literature, choral jazz and gospel selections. Participation is not limited to music majors and minors. Prerequisites: audition, interview, letter of recommendation from the student’s high school director, or other music professional and consent of the Director. Performance ensembles in the Music Department include: Vesper Choir, University Singers, Opera Workshop, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, String Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble and Wind Symphony. Membership in these ensembles is based upon audition and is not limited to music majors. Excluding the semester the student is registered for student teaching, senior project, or internship, students seeking the B.S in Music (Teaching or Non-Teaching) degree are required to register for an ensemble each semester depending on their degree. Students must pass a minimum of seven semesters of ensemble to meet graduation requirements. Students seeking a B.S. in Music Sound Recording Technology must enroll in a minimum of four semesters of ensemble.
The internationally recognized University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Vesper Choir, under the direction of Mr. Jerron Liddell,is nationally recognized among historically Black colleges and universities for its diverse repertoire and excellent performances. This 75-80 member select ensemble, founded in the 1940s by Professor Ariel Lovelace and conducted for more than 40 years by Professor Shelton J. McGee, has a rich choral tradition that includes numerous performances on radio and television, as well as performances in Italy and Spain.
Use this link to Join the Vesper Choir
The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) is the premiere band at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and is one of the most dynamic and recognized marching bands in the nation.
Founded in 1946 by Miss Alma L. Brown, the band is now currently under the direction of Mr. John Graham, with Assistant Directors Mr. Darryl Evans and Mr. Harold Fooster as well as Chief Arranger Ryan Harris, M4 energizes crowds at every Golden Lion home football game and travels to away games within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) to bring their signature distinct sound and unwavering spirit.
From performances at FedEx Forum for the Memphis Grizzlies and Caesar Superdome for the New Orleans Saints games to appearances at Mardi Gras and WWE Bad Blood, M4 continues to showcase excellence in musicianship and showmanship.
Highlights in M4’s storied history includes its unforgettable performance at the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands, as well as in the 2009 Inaugural Parade of President Barack Obama, marking its place in both musical and national history.
Click here to access the main M4 Website where you can discover more, or audition for M4.
The Jazz Ensemble is the premiere jazz group of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Founded by Mr. Odie E. Burris in 1975; This group is now under the direction of Mr. Darryl Evans. This group performs a variety of styles which include swing, contemporary, funk, progressive and the blues.
This ensemble consists of students of all kinds at the University, and takes annual tours both locally and nationally, performing in between.
The UAPB Wind Symphony, under the direction of Mr. John Graham, is an ensemble of select students that performs only the finest wind ensemble literature, features soloists, and commissions new works for wind ensembles.
This ensemble consists of the top skilled M4 Band members and primarily performs within the Spring, in the renowned Marches In March annual concert, featuring the classic patriotic piece Stars and Stripes Forever, as well as other concerts throughout the Spring.
The UAPB Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. Darryl Evans and Mr. Harold Fooster, is an ensemble of students that primarily play contemporary and classic concert literature from the works of John Philip Sousa, among other famous composers.
This ensemble consists of M4 Band members and primarily performs within the Spring, in the renowned Marches In March annual concert, as well as other concerts throughout the Spring.
The UAPB Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Harold Fooster, performs top concert and world percussion literature. This ensemble primarily consists of percussion music majors and is open by audition to other percussion students.
