Department of Music Ensembles are open to any student regardless of major. It is possible to play or sing in more than one–many students perform in two or even three ensembles. Most ensembles are available for 1/4-credit, but it is possible to join an ensemble without registering. All ensembles (except Pep Band) perform once each semester.
Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra (MUS 153) is open to anyone playing an orchestral string instrument. The ensemble meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The Chamber Orchestra is directed by Dr. Lewis Baratz
Choirs
Lafayette has two choirs–Concert Choir (MUS 150) which is for anyone one on campus, and Chamber Singers (MUS 160) which is an auditioned ensemble for more advanced singers. Both choirs rehearse on Mondays and Wednesdays between 4:15 and 6:15 pm. Both are directed by Dr. Jennifer Kelly.
The Lafayette College Concert Band
Directed by Dr. Kirk O’Riordan, LCCB (MUS 154) rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:15 to 5:45 pm. The ensemble is open to anyone playing a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument and regularly performs top-level literature.
Pep Band
The Pep Band is a student-led athletic band that performs at all home football and basketball games as well as other special events. Pep Band’s season begins with an orientation camp in August and ends with the last basketball game, which if the team wins the Patriot League would be at the NCAA tournament. Contact Dr. Kirk O’Riordan.
Jazz
Performers interested in studying Jazz can play in either the Jazz Ensemble (MUS 151), a big band directed by Dr. Matt Vashlisan, or in a combo (MUS 155) coached by Tom DiCarlo. Limited spots are available for saxophonists, trombonists, trumpeters, and rhythm section players (piano, drum set, guitar, bass).
Marquis Consort
Specializing in early music (1500s – 1700s), the ensemble is typically open to singers, string players, guitarists, and performers on baroque instruments. Marquis Consort (MUS 161) meets Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and is directed by Dr. Jorge Torres.
Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble (MUS 158) performs music from all over the world on its large collection of authentic drums and instruments from Japan, Africa, South America, and elsewhere. Percussion Ensemble meets Monday evenings (7:00 – 9:00 pm) and Friday afternoons (4:15-6:00 pm) and is directed by Matthew Wells. Please contact Prof. Torres with inquiries.
Mostly Mbira Ensemble
Students perform on the traditional African thumb piano with a focus on Shona music from Zimbabwe. The ensemble meets Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and is directed by Dr. Akiva Zamchek.
Private instruction is available in voice and most instruments for those who wish to continue studying and also for beginners who wish to learn an instrument or how to sing. Our instructors are top-flight professional musicians who can help you learn a new instrument or get better on your current one. Students can take lessons without credit (MUS 140) or with credit (MUS 141). An additional fee is charged for 12 lessons of 45 minutes each.
You can sign up for lessons here during the course registration and drop/add periods. Contact Dr. Torres if you have any questions.
Every semester the Department of Music offers courses for students who are interested in music. These courses range from introductory courses that carry CCS attributes to advanced courses in Music Theory and Musicology (many with W credits). All Music courses are open to anyone, though some of the advanced courses do carry prerequisites. The selection of available courses changes each semester.
Please visit the Department of Music home page for information on majoring or minoring in music, a complete list of our course offerings, and biographies of our world-class faculty.