About Ensembles at Kalamazoo College
Any student may participate in a music ensemble, regardless of major, though some ensembles require an audition (see below chart for details). Music ensembles generally meet twice a week for 1.5 hours each time. Participation in a music ensemble does not conflict with the regular class schedule, and it is possible to perform in more than one ensemble in the same quarter.
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Kalamazoo Choral Arts – previously Bach Festival
International Percussion Ensemble
Bayati Ensemble
Improvisation Ensemble
Kalamazoo Philharmonia
Dynamic, adventurous, and thoughtfully-curated works.
Andrew Koehler, Director
Founded in 1990, the Kalamazoo Philharmonia (K Phil) brings together students, faculty, and amateur and professional musicians of all ages to perform great music, and has been recognized as an arts organization of major importance in the greater Kalamazoo area.
For more information on requirements, rehearsal schedule, and contact, please visit the K PHIL Ensemble page.
The Academy Street Winds (ASW)
Fun and challenging in equal measure.
Greg Bassett, Director
The Academy Street Winds (ASW), our symphonic band, functions as a beloved creative outlet for woodwind, brass, and percussion students. In addition, community musicians join the ensemble and further expand the sound and capabilities of the group.
For more information on requirements, rehearsal schedule, contact, and performance schedule, please visit the ASW Ensemble page.
Jazz Band
You will want your dancing shoes on for a concert with the Jazz Band!
Sandra Shaw, Director
Kalamazoo College’s Jazz Band pulls together an expansive collection of contemporary and classic jazz arrangements to provide both the students participating and the audience members with a truly electric experience.
For more information on requirements, rehearsal schedule, contact, and performance schedule, please visit the Jazz Band Ensemble page.
Kalamazoo College Singers
Join us for a wide and diverse array of repertoire!
Dr. Christopher Ludwa, Director
College Singers
The Kalamazoo College Singers – a mixed Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass choir – upholds Kalamazoo College’s goal of providing a unique and comprehensive span of informative education by performing a wide and diverse array of repertoire. The ensemble holds a major performance once per quarter. The Lux Esto Chamber Singers are a smaller group of students, many of whom come by invitation from College Singers, assembled ad hoc for various important events in the life of the College (e.g. graduation, homecoming, etc.)
For more information on requirements, rehearsal schedule, contact, and performance schedule, please visit the Kalamazoo College Singers page.
Kalamazoo Choral Arts
One of Kalamazoo’s longest running musical organizations, The College Singers were founded in 1946 by Henry Overley, Professor of Music at Kalamazoo College.
Dr. Christopher Ludwa, Director
The Kalamazoo Choral Arts – formerly Bach Festival Society – has approximately 65 singers who are both members of the Kalamazoo community and K-College students. The ensemble seeks to bring together people of all ages and diverse backgrounds and provide them with an opportunity to experience the joy of making music together by performing some of the best works in the choral repertoire.
For more information on requirements, rehearsal schedule, and contact, please visit the Kalamazoo Choral Arts Ensemble page.
International Percussion Ensembles
Come experience the music of different cultures!
Directed and managed by Carolyn Koebel, Kalamazoo College’s International Percussion Ensemble consists of Steel Pan, African, and Taiko drumming, all of which provide a unique percussion experience as they bring together individuals with varied musical backgrounds from Kalamazoo College, nearby institutions, and the greater Kalamazoo Community.
For more information on requirements, rehearsal schedule, contact, and performance schedule, please visit the International Percussion Ensembles page.
Bayati Ensemble
Tradition and beauty of the broader Middle East.
Ahmed Tofiq and Beau Bothwell, Co-Directors
The Bayati Ensemble is a joint community/student ensemble that explores and performs the music of the broader Middle East, including music from the Arabic, Turkish, Kurdish, Persian, and neighboring traditions.
For more information on requirements, rehearsal schedule, and contact, please visit the Bayati Ensemble page.
Improvisation Ensemble
Bring your musical skills and Jam with others!
Ron Di Salvio, Director
An ensemble with ever-changing instrumentation; everybody is welcome. This ensemble does not give public performances, but works on building improvisatory skill in weekly sessions led by virtuoso jazz pianist Ron di Salvio.
For more information on requirements, rehearsal schedule, and contact, please visit the Improvisation Ensemble page.