There are over 1,400 student organizations at Ohio State and over half of all students join more than one. Students who get involved attain many positive outcomes — leadership skills, better grades, friendships and mentors. Involvement can make a big campus seem small.
Visit Office of Student Life/Student Activities.
School of Music Student Organizations
Numerous student organizations are directly affiliated with the School of Music, or have close ties to its offerings. Students can join organizations to enrich their professional standing, extend their musical experience beyond their regular course of study, get involved with service groups, make friends and more.
Student org officers — find resources below.
SoM Ensembles/Studios
Buckeye Trombone Association
Purpose Statement
The Buckeye Trombone Association provides a direct community for those who play trombone at The Ohio State University. We strive to improve the artistic level of our performance together, as we learn from fellow trombonists and make connections nationwide. We function as a hub for musical information and support recruitment endeavors related to the University’s music program. We have a passion for trombone and aim to share it with the OSU and surrounding community.
CellOhio
Purpose Statement
We are an ensemble of Ohio State students and cellists who hope to engage our peers and the greater community through diverse programming and dynamic performances.
ClariNetwork Association at Ohio State
Purpose Statement
The ClariNetwork Association at Ohio State is an association of Ohio State students created for any educational purpose to support the vision and goals of the University set forth in the Academic Plan and Diversity Action Plan, to serve as a medium for academic discourse, personal growth, leadership development, intercultural understanding, community service and lasting friendships. This organization aims to engage all clarinet enthusiasts of The Ohio State University community, regardless of major, age, gender, race, and class. Enhancing positive educational environment, the ClariNetwork Association provides a community that is active and informative about the clarinet through performing, teaching/learning, discussing, listening, and reviewing diverse literatures and repertoires. This organization promotes the educational, research, and outreach mission of the University as well as provides musical activities and services to its members and to the general community with an emphasis on the clarinet. The organization acts as a resource of news from the clarinet community worldwide and enriches networking among the organization and beyond. Additionally, The ClariNetwork Association at Ohio State recognizes and advances the contributions members make to the global clarinet community at large.
Double Reeds at Ohio State
Purpose Statement
Double Reeds at Ohio State University pushes to create a community for bassoon and oboe players alike across campus. The organization itself will promote performance and learning through masterclasses, reed workshops, and conference attendance. The club also hosts The Common Thread, which is a double reed ensemble consisting of bassoon and oboe players in the School of Music. Through funding, the club will help support students in continuing their professional and musical journeys.
Men's Glee Club
Purpose Statement
The Ohio State University Men’s Glee Club is an inclusive community committed to enhancing the lives of its singers by developing musicianship skills through the performance of choral music for lower voices.
The New Music Collective
Purpose Statement
The mission of The New Music Collective is to engage in all aspects of the performance of a wide variety of Twentieth and Twenty-First Century music, with the main goal of the ensemble being the performance of selected works in concert and other performance venues. The New Music Collective holds it to be self evident that the performance of contemporary music of multiple styles, genres, aesthetics, instrumentation, notation methods, sound production methods, instrumental techniques, and performance practices is central to the development and education of the contemporary academic musician. The name of the ensemble reflects the underlying structure of the organization: a primary goal of the New Music Collective is to ensure that all members of the ensemble are involved in all aspects of its music production, from the basic acts of rehearsing and performing new and contemporary works, to concert planning, programming, repertoire choice, collaboration with guest performers, conducting, rehearsal management, writing program notes, and even composition of new works for the ensemble.
Symphonic Band
Purpose Statement
The overarching goal of this university concert band is to assimilate individual artistic elements into a collective musical expression of outstanding beauty and communicative clarity.
Women's Glee Club at The Ohio State University
Purpose Statement
The Women’s Glee Club at The Ohio State University, a vibrant ensemble of over 60 talented voices, welcomes members through a selective audition process. Representing a diverse array of majors and interests, our singers range from first-year through graduate students, all united by a shared passion for music. We bring joyful, evocative, skillful performances to both on- and off-campus venues, including fan-favorite tunes at tailgating events before home football games (Go Bucks!). We connect with our community through performance and service, partnering with local organizations to support arts and civic health in Columbus. Our musical repertoire is wide and varied, with special focus on works by women, non-binary, and BIPOC composers. Joining WGC means becoming part of a dedicated community committed to excellence in musicianship, outreach, and community building and maintenance.
Fraternities and Sororities
Kappa Kappa Psi
Purpose Statement
Kappa Kappa Psi is an honorary service organization whose purposes includes serving college and university band programs through service projects, fundraisers, social events and other projects.
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity
Purpose Statement
The Object of this Fraternity shall be for the development of the best and truest fraternal spirit, the mutual welfare and brotherhood of musical students, the advancement of music in America, and a loyalty to the Alma Mater.
Sigma Alpha Iota
Purpose Statement
- TO FORM chapters of women college students and alumnae who have a sincere interest in music.
- TO UPHOLD the highest standards of music.
- TO FURTHER the development of music in America and throughout the world.
- TO GIVE inspiration and encouragement to members.
- TO ORGANIZE the cultural life of Sigma Alpha Iota members as a contributing factor to their educational growth.
- TO SUPPORT the ideals and goals of the member's Alma Mater.
- TO ADHERE to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community and fraternity life.
Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority
Purpose Statement
Be it known that Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Sorority for members of the college band, is an organization operating exclusively in the field of the college and university bands, for the following purposes:
- To promote the existence and welfare of the collegiate bands and to create a respect and appreciation for band activities and achievements among the listening public everywhere.
- To honor outstanding members of the band through privilege of membership, in the Sisterhood, extended in recognition of musical achievement, demonstrated leadership, and an enthusiastic approach to band activities.
- To develop leadership through active participation with the band, and through it, to strengthen those traits of conduct, thought, and idealism which characterize the responsible membership of the band.
- To encourage a close relationship between collegiate bands and promote a high average of attainment by the performance of good music and selection of worthwhile projects.
- To provide a meaningful and worthwhile social experience for all engaged in collegiate band work, and to cooperate with other musical organizations and societies in every manner consistent with our mutual purposes and those of the institution at which chapters are located.
Pre-Professional/Academic
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) at Ohio State
Purpose Statement
Educate members and future choral music educators on topics and resources related to the field of choral music education, and connect them with professionals in their field with special experiences and expertise.
American String Teachers Association at Ohio State
Purpose Statement
The American String Teachers Association promotes excellence in string and orchestra teaching and playing. ASTA pursues its mission through:
- an open sharing of ideas;
- benefits, services, and activities responsive to the needs of all members;
- development of strong state leadership and chapters;
- enhancing the image and visibility of string teaching and study;
- advocacy for string education; and
- an inclusive community of string teachers and players.
School of Music Double Major Alliance
Purpose Statement
The School of Music Double Major Alliance at Ohio State is an association of Ohio State School of Music Double Major students created to educate students and serve as a community for double major students. It serves as a medium for academic discourse, personal growth, leadership development, intercultural understanding, community service and lasting friendships. This organization aims to engage all double major students at The Ohio State University School of Music community. Fostering a positive and educational environment, the SOM Double Major Alliance provides a community that is active and friendly through social gatherings, team building activities, school and study workshops, and project building. This organization promotes the educational, research, and outreach mission of the University as well as providing activities and services to its members and the School of Music. All music students pursuing a major along with music or music students interested in double majoring are welcome in this student organization.
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
(formerly OCMEA)
Purpose Statement
It shall be the purpose of this organization to make available to members opportunities for professional development; to acquaint students with the privileges and responsibilities of the music education profession; to provide all members with the opportunity to become acquainted with leaders in the music education profession through participation in programs, demonstrations, discussions, workshops, and performances planned by this chapter, the state music educators association, and NAfME; to assist the school in various projects throughout the year; and to provide the opportunity to have contact with collegiate members from other schools.
Special Interest
Buck That! A Cappella
Purpose Statement
Buck That! is established for the expressed purpose of developing, promoting, and teaching musicianship through the use of all-male identifying a cappella music. No person is excluded from this group based on gender, and those that feel comfortable being included in the group's identity, are encouraged to participate. As a member of The Ohio State University, we recognize our role as a student lead group and are fully committed to those responsibilities and policies.
The Buckeye Philharmonic Orchestra
Purpose Statement
This ensemble is created to serve the community of The Ohio State University by providing an outlet for orchestral musicians who wish to continue playing in college, and for those who wish to broaden their orchestral repertoire, should they also participate in another similar ensemble. In being a student-run organization, we strive to promote the communal efforts that an ensemble of this size demands by giving every participant a voice. We hope to create lasting bonds of friendship and musicianship within our organization, as well as fulfilling the creative desires of the ensemble. We fulfill the desire for creativity by performing intermediate to high level standard orchestral literature in concert at least two times per academic school year. We believe that participating in a group with cultural and artistic focus is beneficial for the well-rounded individual.
Buckeye Reading Band
Purpose Statement
The Buckeye Reading Band aims to improve the level of conducting ability among Ohio State music education students. We are committed to providing all who are dedicated to fine ensemble leadership with the skills and experience necessary to excel in our field and to providing an enjoyable experience for lab ensemble members.
Central Ohio Flute Association (COFA)
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Central Ohio Flute Association at The Ohio State University is to promote music within the arts community and to provide professional and volunteer services.
Chamber Music Club
Purpose Statement
Chamber Music Club is created at Ohio State to provide instrumental students with the opportunity to play and learn about ensemble music in smaller groups. The smaller group environment will also allow musicians to have the opportunity to develop deeper connections with other musicians. Chamber Music Club aims to hold performances before the end of the semester and provide volunteering opportunities by taking on gigs at hospitals and nursing homes for students who wish to share their music playing with the community.
Graduate Student Interest Group for Expressive Culture (EMIC)
Purpose Statement
EMIC exists as a scholarly and social interest group for students involved in the study of expressive culture at the Ohio State University. Our organization is historically rooted in ethnographic research. Our primary activities include sponsoring speakers and performers, supporting research in expressive culture, and facilitating collaboration among scholars and practitioners. As researchers, educators, artists, performers, and cultural workers, we aim to promote critical engagement with music, sound, and expressive culture and to facilitate inter-departmental and community collaborations at OSU and beyond.
Hip Hop Club
Purpose Statement
Hip-Hop Club is established for the purpose of allowing all Ohio State students to exercise their love for such genre of music. In this club, students will be able to express and showcase their fandom of certain hip-hop songs, albums, artists, time-frames, sub-genres, etc. Thus, through this club members will also be exposed to many new ideas in hip-hop, and may even possibly discover their new favorite artist. Meetings will be held in a variety of formats, including presentations from the members, listening sessions where we analyze music, debates, freestyle competitions, field trips (such as local rap concerts), and more. Overall, we want to spread our admiration for hip-hop with others and give students a medium to express their own appreciation for it as well.
Jazz Club at Ohio State
Purpose Statement
The Jazz Club at Ohio State serves the greater Columbus community by achieving three goals. The first initiative is to spread awareness and appreciation for jazz music, history, and culture among non-musicians. The second initiative is to further the careers of aspiring jazz musicians by providing them with educational and performance opportunities, as well as assist in developing marketing and entrepreneurial skills. The third initiative is to build partnerships with other student organizations on campus to promote mutual artistic goals through events.
Jazz Saxophone Club
Purpose Statement
To further development of jazz saxophonists at Ohio State, and provide access to world-renowned musicians and clinicians to further pedagogy development and increase networking opportunities.
Majors and Minors
Purpose Statement
To provide musical entertainment to the Ohio State and Columbus communities and offer a fun and creative outlet to any and all students across campus, regardless of rank or discipline.
Music Industry Club
Purpose Statement
We are passionate about music and careers in the music industry. Through discussions, guest webinars, and workshops for cover letters, resume, music production, intellectual property and more, we'll show you how to succeed in this exciting business.
Music Producers Club
Purpose Statement
To encourage the creation, collaboration, and production of both digital and analog music through discussion, meetings, and events. Join our GroupMe with this link to get instantly involved with the group and get up-to-date information about meetings! Visit GroupMe.com
Musicians' Collective
Purpose Statement
To support and provide a social medium for musical expression within the Ohio State community.
The Ohio State of Mind a cappella
Purpose Statement
The Ohio State of Mind is a competitive a cappella musical group at The Ohio State University and offer students an opportunity to grow as musicians through various performance opportunities. The primary purpose of The Ohio State of Mind is to practice and perform a wide variety of a cappella music.
Percussion Club at Ohio State
Purpose Statement
The Ohio State Percussion Club will create events where students can perform for each other, bond, and discuss percussion-related activities. A member can expect to attend fun meetings where we can play and discuss music together. Post-COVID we hold performances for the public. We also provide avenues for members to receive positive feedback towards their professional playing. Outside of class, we like to play fun pieces within everyone’s talent range, without the stress of perfection.
Piano Club at The Ohio State University
Purpose Statement
A casual club for any and all who enjoy playing or listening to piano.
Professional School Orchestra
Purpose Statement
To allow inter-professional students and members of the medical community to have a musical outlet, to provide orchestral performances for the Ohio State community, and to encourage humanism and a life-long relationship with musical performance.
Scarlet and Grace Notes
Purpose Statement
Scarlet and Grace Notes is an entirely student-run a cappella group that strives to practice and perform a wide range of music for the students of Ohio State and the surrounding community.
Scarlet Guitarists
Purpose Statement
Scarlet Guitarists (formerly known as Scarlet and Pick Guitarists) is THE premier guitar group at Ohio State! Any guitarist, pro or newbie, is welcome to join our armada (even if you only have an air guitar or appreciate guitar music). Students of all fields are welcome to jam with us and learn how to strengthen their skills with the six-string.
Scarlet Fever a cappella
Purpose Statement
Scarlet Fever was created to provide a low-key outlet for a cappella musical expression. It exists to provide the chance for students to get involved in a cappella music in a non-competitive and highly social environment.
Symphonic Pioneers
Purpose Statement
Symphonic Pioneers aims to provide underprivileged youth with free musical education, unlocking their creative potential and fostering a lifelong love for music. Through the dedication of college student volunteers, we aim to break down barriers and spread musical access, empowering young learners to thrive and make a positive impact in their communities.
Vinyl Club
Purpose Statement
Vinyl Club aims to introduce people to the vinyl medium, teach people how to work with vinyl related equipment, form friendships, and to listen to some good tunes.
Student Council
Graduate Music Student Association
Purpose Statement
As the representative body of the graduate students enrolled at The Ohio State University School of Music, elected members will serve as the basis of communication between the faculty and graduate student population by representation on committees in the School of Music. GMSA will also provide a forum for the presentation of research, compositions, performances, guest lectures, and graduate student issues related to academic and non-academic aspects of the University community. In addition, GMSA will sponsor social events which serve as a means by which graduate students of widely divergent specialties within the field of music may interact with one another.
Undergraduate Music Student Council
Purpose Statement
Watch for updates.