The WVU World Music Ensembles give students the opportunity to explore and perform musical traditions from around the world in a collaborative and engaging environment. Through hands-on music-making, students experience different cultural perspectives while developing their skills as performers and ensemble musicians.
Open to students of all majors and experience levels, these ensembles foster creativity, community, and cultural understanding through performance. Whether you are looking to broaden your musical skills or simply try something new, the World Music Ensembles offer a unique and rewarding experience. Members of all ensembles draw from personal experiences and international traditions, creating a vibrant global soundscape that celebrates the diversity of WVU.
World Music Ensembles we offer include:
WVU African Music and Dance Ensemble
The WVU African Music and Dance Ensemble brings together drumming, singing, and dance traditions from throughout Africa with an emphasis on West and East Africa. Check out the African Music and Dance Ensemble.
WVU Steel Band
The WVU Steel Bands perform music on the steel pan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. With both beginner and advanced ensembles, students of all experience levels can take part in this vibrant musical tradition. In 2025, the Advanced Steel Band earned 4th Place at the Virginia International PanFest, competing alongside collegiate and community ensembles from around the world. Check out the WVU Advanced Steel Band and the WVU Beginner Steel Band.
WVU Taiko Ensemble
The WVU Taiko Ensemble performs Japanese drumming music. Students develop ensemble skills while learning the techniques and performance practices of taiko and its related music. Check out the WVU Taiko Ensemble.
WVU Gamelan Ensemble
The WVU Gamelan Ensemble performs traditional music from Indonesia on a collection of Javanese and Balinese instruments. WVU is one of the few universities in the United States to have both a Javanese and a Balinese set of instruments. Check out the WVU Gamelan Ensemble.
WVU Brazilian Ensemble
The WVU Brazilian Ensemble explores the musical traditions of Brazil through hands-on performance. Past repertoire has drawn from the traditions of samba, blocos afro, capoeira, and more. Check out the WVU Brazilian Ensemble.
WVU Celtic Ensemble
The WVU Celtic Ensemble performs traditional music from Ireland and other Celtic regions. Check out the WVU Celtic Ensemble.
WVU Latin American Music Ensemble
The WVU Latin American Music Ensemble explores musical traditions from across Latin America. Students engage with a wide range of styles with repertoire drawing from the music of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and more.
WVU Middle Eastern Ensemble
The WVU Middle Eastern Ensemble introduces students to the music of the Middle East through traditional instruments, rhythms, and repertoire. Ensemble members gain experience with musical practices found across this region. Check out the WVU Middle Eastern Ensemble.