Co-Curricular Opportunities

Music at BVU

Students in all majors feed their passion for music here at BVU. Whether you're into band or choir, we have a variety of ensembles built just for you. 

A student plays his trumpet.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to first-year Storm Lake campus students who participate in our music programs. 

Concert Choir Students

National Touring Group Performs, Records with BVU Students

Students in the BVU Concert Choir had the opportunity to perform with the nationally acclaimed men's a capella group, Cantus. After the performance students enjoyed a clinic led by Cantus where they learned from the group and recorded the BVU Alma Mater. Music production majors produced the song from the recording session. 

Check Out Our Flickr Collection

See the BVU Music Ensembles in Action!

BVU Performance Tour of the Baltics

In May 2025, BVU students in the Concert Band and Concert Choir embarked on an unforgettable tour of the Baltics. Performing on international stages across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, they had the opportunity to share their music with diverse audiences while immersing themselves in new cultures.

Relive the journey and see highlights from the tour on Flickr and by following us on Instagram. For more information contact Dr. Kyle Norris or Christopher Phalen.

Baltics

Let's Get Social

Follow our BVU Music account to see what our students are up to and more about our programs!

Marching & Pep Band

As a member of the Blue Steel pep band, you'll raise the excitement during Beaver basketball games. On the Marching Blue, you'll amp up the game day tailgate experience and enhance the lakeside stadium atmosphere. 

BVU students perform in the pep band at a football game.

Color Guard

Show your Beaver spirit as a member of BVU's color guard, part of the Marching Blue! You'll wow audiences as you add a visual element to performances on game day with colorful uniforms and the use of flags and other equipment. 

BVU's color guards performs at a football game.

Support BVU Music

Your gift will directly impact the quality of educational and performance experiences for our students. 

Choir

You’ll be able to enjoy your passion for singing in the BVU Concert Choir and Vista Singers. Meet other students who share your interests, and perform in a variety of settings from Schaller Chapel to venues around the country. 

A female student sings solo at a BVU Choir concert.

Band

BVU offers a variety of band ensembles for you to enjoy including jazz band, concert band, and a rock ensemble. Each group performs at a variety of venues and events on campus. Students can choose which group to participate in based on their interests. 

BVU's Jazz Band performs in Schaller Chapel.

BVU Music Events


 

BVU Treble Choir Festival Concert Featuring The Spencer High School Treble Choir

Choir

The BVU Treble Choir will present a special shared concert with the Spencer High School Treble Choir on March 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Schaller Memorial Chapel.

Admission is free and open to the public. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the posted performance time. For more information about this event, contact Director of Choral Activities, Christopher Phalen (phalenc@bvu.edu).

BVU Music Spring Concert (with special Alumni Choir)

Choir

The BVU Music Department presents its spring concert on April 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Schaller Memorial Chapel. The performance will feature the BVU Concert Band, Concert Choir, Vista Chamber Singers, and a special performance by a combined BVU Alumni Choir.

All are invited to attend a reception with light refreshments that will follow the concert in the Fireside Lounge (inside the Siebens Forum).

Admission is free and open to the public. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the posted performance time. For more information about this event, or to participate in the alumni choir, contact Director of Choral Activities, Christopher Phalen (phalenc@bvu.edu).

BVU Jazz Band - Spring Concert

Band

The BVU Jazz Band will perform at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Schaller Memorial Chapel. This concert will feature our student musicians performing a diverse selection of music composed and arranged for jazz band. Come support the BVU Music Department as we take the stage for a wonderful evening of music on campus at Buena Vista University!

Admission is free and open to the public. Doors will open 30 minutes before the posted performance time. For more information about this event, or to get involved, contact Director of Bands, Dr. Kyle Norris (norrisk@bvu.edu).

BVU Contemporary Rock Ensemble Spring Concert

Rock

Join the BVU Contemporary Rock Ensemble in concert on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Schaller Memorial Chapel, featuring music from the 1970s to today! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

BVU Piano Studio Recital

Piano

The BVU Music Department presents its spring piano studio recital on May 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edson Hall Choir Room. The program will feature solo and duet performances by our BVU piano students.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about this event contact piano instructor, Mrs. Barb Wells (wells4@bvu.edu).

2026 Music Production Album Drop

Rock

Join us for BVU Music Production's annual album drop on May 5, 2o26, at 6:00 p.m. in Cru5h Dining! Featuring original songs, music compositions, and performances by BVU Music Production students. This event is free and open to the public. Meal tickets are available for non-student guests.

 

 

 

View BVU's full event schedule at bvu.edu/events.

 

 

Meet the Faculty

Aaron Eastwood
Professor Aaron Eastwood
Assistant Professor of Music Production
Meet the Professor
Kyle Norris
Dr. Kyle Norris
Director of Bands
Meet the Professor
Christopher Phalen
Professor Christopher Phalen
Director of Choral Activities
Meet the Professor

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BVU's Victory Arch.