From string quartets to jazz bands, indie rock to progressive metal ensembles, McNally Smith has dozens of musical ensembles to help our students advance their essential performance skills and techniques.
Our ensembles come in a wide variety of musical styles and sizes. Nearly thirty faculty members direct over forty groups, with five touring ensembles. Our ensembles have traveled as far as Peru and have won awards at numerous national and regional festivals and competitions.
The Ensembles department at McNally Smith College of Music strives to bring together a diverse student body to broaden and develop their musical skill sets while exploring the wide range of contemporary music styles.
McNally Smith Ensemble 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.