From string quartets to jazz bands, indie rock to progressive metal ensembles, nearly every performing musician/student works with others in this experience. Thirty faculty members direct over forty groups, with five touring ensembles. These groups have traveled as far as Peru (X-Tet, Summer 2011) and have won awards at numerous national and regional festivals and competitions.

Requirements

McNally Smith students in all Music Performance programs are required to perform in an ensemble each semester they are enrolled at the college. Exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis with Department head approval. Ensemble credit for professional ensemble experience is also a rare exception and only approved through the Dean of Academic Affairs. Students enrolled in programs other than Music Performance are required to study in an ensemble for at least two semesters, and are encouraged to perform in an ensemble each semester.