Ensembles

The Berkshire Symphony is a 75-member symphonic orchestra comprising, in roughly equal proportions, Williams College music students, Williams music faculty members, and area professionals.

The Brass Ensemble performs on and off campus in recitals, church services, and college and community events performing in standard brass ensemble configurations from large to small and using original scores when applicable, or arrangements as necessary.

Chamber Orchestra of Williams is a student-led, flexible-instrumentation ensemble dedicated to innovative programing and engaging performance experiences.

This faculty chamber ensemble presents concerts for the college and community throughout the academic year.

The Chinese Music Ensemble performs traditional and contemporary pieces.

The choral program has much to offer students interested in singing, with a number of performances throughout the year, a wide range of repertoire, recordings, and tours. The Concert Choir and the Chamber Choir are made up entirely of students.

This Christian-based, student-led group worships God through song and prayer.

The Handbell Choir is a student-led group of 12 that rehearses weekly on a five-octave set of Schulmerich handbells.

I/O New Music performs cutting-edge new music that explores the full spectrum of today’s most vital compositional trends.

The Williams Jazz Ensemble is the cornerstone of a large and vibrant community of faculty members and students interested in big band, small ensembles, and vocal combinations of jazz at the college.

The Williams Repertory Jazz Ensemble is devoted to the study and presentation of significant composers and movements in jazz history. WRJE is directed by Kris Allen. Rehearsals: Wednesday, 4:00-6:30pm

Kusika performs traditional African music, dance, and storytelling from Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Senegal. The Zambezi marimba band plays marimba music from Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Williams Opera Workshop pairs student singers with young professionals to prepare operatic scenes and partial operas or operettas.

The Percussion Ensemble performs new and adventurous music on a nearly limitless battery of instruments ranging from marimbas and drums to homemade instruments and found objects.

Small Jazz Ensembles emphasize improvisational interplay with original compositions and arrangements by the band members. In addition, musicians can explore the many genres of jazz while seeking to hone skills through close work with master musicians. Auditions are held concurrently with other jazz groups in the fall. Small Jazz Ensembles are featured in their own

This ensemble presents artistic programs blending traditional and contemporary wind band music. The ensemble often features adventurous programming, new music, and student conductors, composers, and soloists.

Students have many opportunities to perform in smaller chamber ensembles such as woodwind, string, and jazz groups, as well as individually. Please see course information about Chamber Music Workshop. Chamber Music Workshop groups are coached by faculty on a weekly basis and culminate in a performance. Students enrolled in Individual Vocal and Instrumental Instruction courses participate in