Ensembles

The Union College Japanese Drumming Ensemble (Zakuro-Daiko) rehearses weekly on a variety of Japanese drums and other forms of global percussion. The ensemble regularly performs both on- and off-campus. No previous musical experience is required, though members need to audition/interview to determine participation at the discretion of the instructor.

The Union College Choir performs works from a broad chronological and stylistic range, including western and non-western traditions. The ensemble performs at least once each term and normally performs at one off-campus venue each year. In the Spring 2022 term the Union College Choir went on tour to New York City and Washington D.C. This tour marked the ensembles first ever performance at Carnegie Hall. This ensemble is open by audition to all students and prior experience is not necessary.

The Jazz Ensemble meets weekly and performs throughout the year in both formal and informal settings. Experience in improvisation is desirable but not required. Instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome to audition.

The Union College Camerata Singers is a select vocal ensemble that performs music from a span of five centuries. The ensemble performs one concert a year.

The orchestra meets once a week and presents at least one concert each term. The orchestra is open by audition to all students and members of the community. Section and principal chairs are assigned according to the audition results.
Heather Chan, concertmaster
Teresa Gatta-Norton, assistant concertmaster
Brian Quiara, assistant concertmaster
Andre Snow, principal violist
André O'Neil, principal cellist

The Early Music Ensemble, open to both singers and instrumentalists, is devoted to the study and performance of music from the Middle Ages through the Early Viennese Era. Participants play on both modern instruments and reproductions of historic instruments, including the harpsichord. Emphasis is placed upon historical performance practices, as described in music treatises and other documents and as understood by scholars and performers today. The ensemble, open by audition, rehearses twice a week.