The Department of Music at Lake Forest College offers a variety of performance opportunities, open to the entire College community. Student-led ensembles are also encouraged by the department.

Men’s Chorus

The Lake Forest College Men’s Chorus (MUSC 104, .25 cr., meets TF 12-12:50pm) focuses on repertoire written exclusively for the male voice, from all genres and time periods. Performances often include collaborations with other ensembles. Membership in this ensemble is contingent upon a voice placement hearing, held at the beginning of the semester.

Women’s Chorus

The Lake Forest College Women’s Chorus (MUSC 105, .25 cr., meets MR 12-12:50pm) focuses on repertoire written exclusively for the female voice, from all genres and time periods. Performances often include collaborations with other ensembles. Membership in this ensemble is contingent upon a voice placement hearing, held at the beginning of the semester.

Concert Choir

The Lake Forest College Concert Choir (MUSC 106, .25 cr., meets Tues. & Thurs. 4-5:30pm) performs a variety of choral music, exploring classical, global, and popular repertoire for mixed chorus from the Renaissance through the 21st century. Concerts, both on and off campus, may include convention presentations, touring, and collaborations with other ensembles including the Lake Forest College Chamber Orchestra, other collegiate and community choruses, and a wide range of soloists. Membership in this ensemble is contingent upon a voice placement hearing, held at the beginning of the semester.

Chamber Singers

The Lake Forest College Chamber Singers (Co-requisite MUSC 104, 105, or 106, 0 cr., meets W 4-5:30pm) is a volunteer ensemble with membership drawn from the other three ensembles on campus. This ensemble focuses on special projects, such as Christmas caroling, African American spirituals, a cappella, and vocal jazz. Membership in this ensemble is contingent upon a voice placement hearing, held at the beginning of the semester.

Concert Band

The Concert Band (MUSC 107, .25 cr., meets Thurs. 7-9pm) performs marches, overtures, waltzes, and suites by such composers as Vaughan Williams, Holst, Sousa, and others. The band is open to all members of the community.

Chamber Orchestra

The Lake Forest College Chamber Orchestra (MUSC 108, .25 cr., meets Mon. & Wed. 4-6 pm) is an ensemble devoted to the performance of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Twentieth Century repertoire. The group performs two concerts each semester and is open to all members of the College and Lake Forest communities, by audition.

West African Drumming Ensemble

The African Drumming Ensemble (MUSC 109, .25 cr., meets Tues. 7-9pm) is a hands-on workshop for students of all levels interested in learning the basics of West African drumming. Students work on developing rhythmic skills using authentic instruments and learn about the role of music in the cultures of Guinea, Mali, and other countries. The ensemble is directed by Helen Bond. Please visit her website for more information. No prerequisite.

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble (MUSC 110, .25 cr., meets Mon. 7-9pm) performs music from big band classics and contemporary repertoire. The ensemble is open to all members of the College community and performs at least once every semester.

Experimental Music Group

The Experimental Music Group is open to all. Dedicated to musical creativity, all participants in the group take turns conducting, playing a wide variety of instruments (and, occasionally, found objects!), and composing original music for the group. Rehearsals are in Reid 100 on Tuesdays at noon.

Chamber Ensembles

Student ensembles may include a woodwind quintet, string quartet, brass quintet, and flute choir, directed by faculty members from the Music Department and open to all students.