Unified Voices

Exploring Individual Experiences in Belmont's Vocal Ensembles

On any given day inside the Belmont world of commercial music performance, you may hear seven distinct ensembles rehearsing — each with their own sound, story and spark of student creativity. Together, they form a vibrant ecosystem where aspiring vocalists don’t just hone their singing skill; they learn who they are as artists.

They jump effortlessly between genres — pop to R&B, rock to jazz — learning to listen, adapt and create with musicians who think differently than they do. In these shared spaces, mentors emerge, collaborations spark and friendships grow into a tight-knit artistic community.

To understand how these ensembles shape students’ journeys, we spoke with performers across programs — each offering a window into how shared music-making becomes a powerful force for growth. 

The Vocal Collective: Creating Something New Together

Belmont's newest ensemble, The Vocal Collective, is built entirely on collaboration. Every member contributes to creating original covers, arrangements and brand-new songs. Member Lauren Powell calls it "a celebration of artists making music together."

Now in its second year, the group continues to debut student work, including original songs performed with a full band in the fall concert — a testament to the creative trust students build with one another.

Voxology: A Unified Sound of Worship

Voxology, Belmont’s largest Gospel and R&B ensemble, brings together musicians committed to creating a powerful, unified sound of worship.

For junior music education major Caroline Raus, singing soprano and leading her section has expanded her vocal versatility. Coming from a classical background, she says the ensemble has stretched her stylistically: “I’ve learned how to use different parts of my voice to convey different styles. The supportive atmosphere makes it easy to learn without judgment.”

Junior commercial piano major Isaac Moniz has grown through Voxology as well. Serving as the ensemble’s pianist strengthened his ear, chart-writing and professionalism. Performing with in-ear monitors and a large group for the first time “really pushed me to become adaptive,” he shared. A highlight for him was opening for PJ Morton earlier this year — a moment that showed “how far I’ve come with the opportunities I’ve been blessed to receive.”

Bluegrass: Fast-paced, Acoustic Storytelling

In Bluegrass, Belmont’s acoustic ensemble, students hone a fusion of tradition and innovation. Senior commercial voice major Ava Grace describes the group’s whirlwind schedule — from performing at the Dolly Press Conference to the Station Inn and the Tennessee Healthcare Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.

Even amidst the fast pace, she says the ensemble always finds time to slow down and refine its sound: “We bounce ideas off each other and discover little ways to make each song special.”

The Popular Music Ensemble & Phoenix: Versatility on Display

For students drawn to pop, rock and genre-blending performance, the Popular Music Ensemble and Pheonix offer expansive training grounds.

Senior commercial voice major Ella Buettner says the Popular Music Ensemble broadened her artistic perspective. "Being in an ensemble that’s so versatile has made me branch out from my own preferences and appreciate music more holistically,” she said.

Similarly, Phoenix fosters bold, solo-focused performers who refine their arrangements and learn to give and receive constructive feedback. Senior vocalist Elana Purvis shared that the ensemble has strengthened both her vocal health and leadership: “Being in this ensemble pushed me to research how to care for my voice and lean on my peers. Now, my vocal health is improving.”

Jazzmin: Discipline, Expression and Heart

As Belmont’s premier jazz ensemble, Jazzmin prioritizes its collective sound, finding musically conscious and creative ways to add expression and emotion to the tunes they sing.

Senior commercial voice major, Cameron Lewis shared how the ensemble challenged his discipline and musicianship. Though the work could be demanding at times, he looks back with gratitude, sharing, “Even though it is very involved, this ensemble is still a way for me to express my love for music and continue doing what I love: performing.”

Southbound: Honing the Craft of Country Storytelling

Belmont’s country vocal ensemble, Southbound, is dedicated to showcasing the best of today’s country music while training students to step confidently into the industry.

Third-year member Laurel Fallis says director Henry Smiley has shaped the way she approaches her craft. “Having the rehearsal schedule in Southbound showed me how important it is to block and prep rehearsals for performances,” she said.

These lessons, she adds, have translated far beyond the classroom and into her work as a commercial voice major preparing for junior and senior recitals.

Company: Where Music Meets Movement

In Company, the University's choreography-heavy pop ensemble, students blend singing, dancing and choreographing into high-energy performances.

Jo Meier, a third-year vocalist in the group, shares that the supportive environment is his favorite aspect of the group.  He said, “My favorite quality about Company is that we are extremely accepting of all people and have deep respect for all our differences.”

A Community That Shapes Artists

Across all seven ensembles, Belmont’s music community is defined not just by amazing talent, but by people who grow together. Guided by faculty who are active industry professionals, students receive a blend of rigorous training and real-world experiences needed to be successful in the industry.

Day after day, they craft their personal artistry, grow from the knowledge of their peers and step closer to the dreams that brought them to Belmont. Each ensemble becomes a meaningful chapter in their journey to becoming the musicians they aspire to be.