Music Department Ensembles

Ensemble Audition Information

Auditions

General Distribution Requirements

Participation in the same ensemble for four consecutive semesters fulfills the Fine Arts general distribution requirement. See Majors & Minors page for more info.

African Music Ensemble

The Macalester African Music Ensemble, founded in 1987 and directed by Sowah Mensah, performs traditional African music primarily from Ghana, but also from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Guinea, The Gambia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Asian Music Ensemble

Directed by Chuen-Fung Wong, the Macalester Asian Music Ensemble performs traditional and modern music from East and Central Asia.

Chamber Music Program

The Chamber Music program at Macalester is coordinated by Mark Mandarano, and offers an opportunity to explore and perform repertoire for small ensembles.

Choral Ensembles

The Chorale is the large choral ensemble of Macalester College, directed by Michael McGaghie. The Concert Choir is the advanced, select vocal ensemble of Macalester College, directed by Michael McGaghie.

Early Music Ensemble

Directed by Brazilian recorder player Cléa Galhano, the Macalester Early Music Ensemble focuses on Renaissance and Baroque repertory.

Jazz and Pop Combos

Jazz and Pop Combos are forums for students to receive coaching in the performance of standards and/or original music, directed by Peter Hennig.

MacJazz

MacJazz, directed by Joan Griffith, is an 18-piece big band that performs and records classic and contemporary big band jazz.

Symphony Orchestra

The Macalester Symphony Orchestra is a select ensemble of 50-60 students conducted by Mark Mandarano.

Pipe Band

Directed by Mike Breidenbach, the Macalester College Pipe Band is comprised of students, faculty, alumni, and community members, who are all dedicated to playing the bagpipes and drums at the highest level.

Wind Symphony

The Wind Symphony provides an opportunity for Macalester students to rehearse and perform the concert literature for winds and percussion, under the direction of Shelley Hanson.

Student-run ensembles

A cappella groups are student-run organizations.  For more information about a cappella groups such as the Sirens, Trads, and Mac of All Trades, visit the Student Organization Directory.