Instrumental Ensembles

Chamber Ensemble is a one-credit course available for small (usually 3-8 members) ensembles of string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments; jazz combos can also apply. All chamber ensembles or combos are coached by music program faculty. Chamber ensembles perform concerts at the end of each semester.

There is no audition required for Chamber Ensemble. Scheduling is based on the availability of the players in each ensemble to allow for flexible rehearsal times.

Jazz Combo provides students with the opportunity to develop rehearsal and performance skills in jazz and related styles through interaction with other musicians in a small group setting. Emphasis will be placed on improvisation, arranging, ear training, and music theory. Jazz Combo culminates with an end-of-semester concert.

There is no audition required for Jazz Combo. Scheduling is based on the availability of the players in each ensemble to allow for flexible rehearsal times.

The Loyola University Chicago Jazz Ensemble is the flagship group of the Loyola Jazz Studies program. Comprised of music majors and non-majors alike, the group strives to perform music from the jazz big band canon in a way that is both challenging and educational for the students. Since its inception, the Ensemble has been under the direction of Scott Burns and Matt Ulery, two active members of the Chicago jazz scene, and is currently under the direction of saxophonist Dr. Chris Madsen who is the Coordinator of Jazz Studies at Loyola. The group meets twice per week and performs at least twice per semester on-campus and in the larger Chicagoland area.

For information about auditioning for Jazz Ensemble, click here.

The Symphony Orchestra is committed to the exploration and performance of major orchestral literature from the seventeenth century to the present. The symphony orchestra typically performs four concerts a year and collaborates with the University Chorus. The ensemble also works with an array of student, faculty and guest soloists, including Robert Hanford from the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra. Sectional coaches provide professional guidance and assistance.

For information about auditioning for Symphony Orchestra, click here. 

Percussion Ensemble provides students with prior percussive backgrounds the opportunity to develop rehearsal and performance skills through active participation in a small ensemble setting. Students are provided weekly coachings that encourage personal responsibility in the creation of polished artistic performances. Repertoire focuses on integrating and familiarizing students with standard percussion instruments as well as those that are unfamiliar and/or “found” objects.

There is no audition required for Percussion Ensemble. Scheduling is based on the availability of the players in each ensemble to allow for flexible rehearsal times.

Wind Ensemble provides an opportunity for students from a variety of majors and playing levels to perform in a college band. Performing two concerts per semester, Wind Ensemble plays works such as traditional transcriptions & marches (Wagner & Rossini); concert band classics (Holst & Grainger); contemporary works for winds (Mackey & Colgrass); and works for chamber ensembles (Gounod, Gabrieli, & Strauss).

For information about auditioning for Wind Ensemble, click here.