Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Department of Performing Arts

The Department of Performing Arts consists of two primary areas: theatre and music. It offers four minors: the minor in performing arts, the minor in music, the minor in church music, and the minor in theatre.

The minor in performing arts has some specific requirements, but also offers choices in coursework by permission of the department chair. There is a balance between classes in history, theory and performance aspects of the requirement.

Thiel Bands

The Thiel Tomcat Marching Pride is open to any Thiel student with previous band experience and performs at all home football games and at several off-campus events during the fall.

The Thiel Concert Band, also available to any student with prior experience, performs a major concert during the spring. The Thiel Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Ensembles offer students further performance opportunities.

Scholarships are available through an audition process.

Learn more about Thiel Bands

Thiel Choirs

The Thiel Choir is a 40-voice auditioned choir that performs regularly on campus, in the community and tours annually. The choir tours internationally or on an extended domestic tour every four years.

The Thiel College Chamber Singers is a 16-voice auditioned vocal ensemble and performs at various events throughout the academic year. The Thiel College Handbell Ringers, a four-octave Schulmerich English handbell ensemble, performs major concerts on campus and throughout the community.

Choir scholarships are available through an audition process.

Learn more about Thiel Choirs

Thiel Players

The Thiel Players present two major productions each year, plus a freshmen orientation show, a student-produced musical revue and a children's theater production. All Thiel students are eligible to join.

Students can to earn a minor in theatre by enrolling in a variety of theatre classes, including: acting, directing, technical theatre and theatre history. All members may join Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honorary fraternity.

A scholarship is available for one first-year student every fall.

Learn more about the Thiel Players

The Symphony

The Greenville Symphony Orchestra (GSO) has been a staple in the community for more than 82 years. The 60 to 70-piece orchestra consists of professional musicians, college students and community members and performs a regular concert series each year, including three large performances and a youth concert. Conducted by Michael Gelfand, the orchestra consistently draws large audiences from a four-county area. Thiel students are guaranteed an audition. If accepted, they are paid to play with the orchestra.