Take the Stage with MacPhail Ensembles & Choirs
Perform, connect, and thrive through music.
There’s nothing like the energy of live performance. At MacPhail, our ensembles and choirs bring musicians together to rehearse, collaborate, and shine on stage. From jazz combos and rock bands to chamber groups, choirs, and full orchestras, we offer opportunities across genres, instruments, and experience levels. Whether you’re looking to jam, hone your craft, or share your sound with an audience, there’s a place for you in one of our dynamic performance groups.
Participation details vary. Some ensembles are open to all, while others require an audition or placement assessment to ensure the best fit. Check individual ensemble descriptions for specific requirements.
Financial assistance is available. If tuition is a barrier, we encourage you to apply. Learn More.
Already a MacPhail student? Students and families enrolled in at least 5 hours of Individual Lessons, Music Therapy, or Suzuki Talent Education in the same semester are eligible for our Music+ discount. Learn More.
Choirs
MacPhail offers a diverse range of choral ensembles for youth and adults, with both open and auditioned options to match every experience level. From introductory youth choirs to advanced ensembles, each group fosters musical growth, vocal technique, and a strong sense of community.
Chamber Music
MacPhail Center for Music is proud of our dynamic program dedicated to advancing the art of chamber music through education, master classes, performance, and community engagement.
Jazz
MacPhail Center for Music is proud to offer students exploration of the great Black American art-form, jazz. Our comprehensive, exploratory curriculum spans both grand traditions of the past and contemporary innovations, enhancing both student opportunities and the presence of jazz in the MacPhail community.
Specialty Ensembles
MacPhail’s Specialty Ensembles offer one-of-a-kind opportunities for musicians to explore diverse styles, collaborate in new ways, and engage with their communities through music. From best-in-class performing ensembles to community-focused programs, each group is designed to inspire connection and artistic growth through shared performance.
Explore by Instrument
Brass
Woodwind
Strings
Percussion
Voice
Piano
Explore by Age
Ages 8–12
Ages 13–17
Adult
Ages 55+
Ensemble & Choir Offerings
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Voices of Experience – FALL Semester
Celebrate Minnesota’s rich choral tradition and be a part of a partnership between MacPhail and the Minnesota Chorale. The Voices of Experience Choir is for adults over the age of...
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Youth Rock Band Program – Middle School – FALL
Attention: guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers, and singers! MacPhail’s newly revamped Rock Band program features collaborative rehearsals that are team taught by MacPhail faculty members whose credentials include years of...
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Youth Rock Band Program – High School – FALL
Attention: guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers, and singers! MacPhail’s newly revamped Rock Band program features collaborative rehearsals that are team taught by MacPhail faculty members whose credentials include years of...
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Sound Rebels Ensemble (ages 12-18) – FALL
The Sound Rebels Ensemble offers a judgment-free environment for instrumentalists and vocalists of all skill levels in their artistic development, to explore the heights and depths of creativity. Terrell X...
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Prelude: Singer/Actor Performance Lab – FALL Semester
Are you a highly motivated singer? The Prelude Program is a year-long program (September-May) for singers who seek an environment where they can experiment and discover new possibilities as a...
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MacPhail Community Youth Choir (MCYC)
Tuition: FREE! The MacPhail Community Youth Choir (MCYC) brings together youth in grades 6-12 throughout the Twin Cities area for music and friendship. The choir is led by Twin Cities...
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MacPhail Chamber Choir – FALL Semester
The MacPhail Chamber Choir is a choir experience for committed adult vocalists. A key aspect of this choir experience is to sing side-by-side with members of the esteemed Minnesota Chorale...
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Improvisation Ensemble (age 16+) – FALL Semester
Step into the world of creative music-making with MacPhail’s new Improvisation Ensemble, an offering designed for adult and advanced teen musicians who want to deepen their ability to create music...
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Harmonix: Youth A Cappella Ensemble (age 11-18) – FALL
Step into the world of vocal music—no instruments required! Harmonix is a dynamic a cappella group for middle and high school students who want to explore the music they love...
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Connecting Voices Chorus – FALL Semester
Connecting Voices offers a unique and joy-filled choral experience for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The chorus meets weekly in Antonello Hall at MacPhail’s Minneapolis location. Together, we...
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Chamber Music Trios, Quartets, Quintets – FALL Semester
Make playing an instrument even more exciting and enjoyable by joining one of MacPhail’s chamber music groups! Students are placed into small ensembles based on age and playing level and...
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Chamber Music Duos – FALL Semester
Make playing an instrument even more exciting and enjoyable by joining one of MacPhail’s chamber music groups! Students are placed into small ensembles based on age and playing level and...
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Brass Consort (ages 10+) – FALL Semester
For ages 10-adult. In the MacPhail Brass Consort, students challenge one another throughout the term to form the best ensemble possible. Under the guidance of low brass instructor Karl Wiederwohl,...
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Beginning Jazz Ensemble – Youth – FALL
This ensemble introduces young musicians to the fundamentals of jazz in a fun, supportive small-group setting. Designed for students who are curious about jazz or looking to expand beyond solo...
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Beginning Jazz Ensemble – Adult – FALL
This ensemble introduces students to jazz in a small combo setting, building confidence through weekly rehearsals focused on core skills like improvisation, jazz phrasing, rhythm, and ensemble listening—no prior jazz...
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American Bluegrass Ensemble (ages 16+) – FALL Semester
Open to all students ages 16 through adults with 2+ years of experience playing their instrument. Experience reading staff notation and/or tablature is preferable. This ensemble focuses on the traditional...
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Adult String Orchestra: Daytime – FALL Semester
Fill your life with music, new friends and fun! New Horizons String Orchestra is perfect for the developing string musician who wants to play in a small ensemble. New Horizons...
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Adult String Orchestra: Evening – FALL Semester
Fill your life with music, new friends and fun! New Horizons String Orchestra is perfect for the developing string musician who wants to play in a small ensemble. New Horizons...
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Adult Small Strings Ensemble – FALL Semester
Are you an adult string player who has always wanted to play in an ensemble, but was always a little hesitant? Did you ever feel the urge to make music...
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Adult Rock Band – FALL
This 12-week immersive transforms individual practice into the excitement and collaboration of playing in a real band. Designed for adult drummers, bassists, guitarists, keyboardists, and vocalists, the workshop helps musicians...
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Adult Latin Ensemble – Apple Valley
This 12-week immersive ensemble invites musicians to explore the rich rhythms, traditions, and collaborative spirit of Latin American music. Open to percussionists, bassists, guitarists, pianists, wind instrumentalists, and vocalists, the...
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Adult Jazz Combos – Minneapolis – FALL
Jazz is a uniquely American art form that is treasured around the world. Jazz is spontaneous and fun; it expands the imagination and sharpens the mind. The positive environment of...
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Adult Harp Ensemble – FALL Semester
Adult Harp Ensemble will be the highlight of your week. We’ll improve sight-reading, build ensemble skills and perform new music. A fun, social setting to expand your harp horizons!
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Adult Classical Guitar Ensemble – FALL Semester
This ensemble will focus on learning and performing pieces written and arranged for guitar ensemble from a variety of time periods and styles. It will focus on building reading and...
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Adult Cello Choir – FALL Semester
What’s more beautiful than the sound of a cello? How about a dozen cellos! Add your “voice” to the Cello Choir, an ensemble exploring repertoire written and arranged for cellos...
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Youth Cello Choir – SUMMER
What’s more beautiful than the sound of a cello? How about a dozen cellos! Add your “voice” to the Cello Choir, an ensemble exploring repertoire written and arranged for cellos...
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Ring Out! Handbell Choir – Summer
All teenagers and adults are welcome to join the Ring Out! handbell choir. This is an inclusive group that requires no previous musical abilities or knowledge. Participants will have an...
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New Horizons Adult Cello Choir – SUMMER
What’s more beautiful than the sound of a cello? How about a dozen cellos! Add your “voice” to the Cello Choir, an ensemble exploring repertoire written and arranged for cellos...
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Connecting Voices Community Sing
Connecting Voices is a unique and joy-filled experience for people living with dementia to participate alongside a care partner or companion. This summer we welcome singers to join us as...
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Chamber Music Trios, Quartets, Quintets – SUMMER
Make playing an instrument even more exciting and enjoyable by joining one of MacPhail’s chamber music groups! Students are placed into small ensembles based on age and playing level and...
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Chamber Music Duos – SUMMER
Make playing an instrument even more exciting and enjoyable by joining one of MacPhail’s chamber music groups! Students are placed into small ensembles based on age and playing level and...
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Brass Consort – SUMMER
For ages 10-adult. In the Brass Consort, students challenge one another throughout the term to form the best ensemble possible. Under the guidance of low brass instructor Karl Wiederwohl, students...
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Adult Jazz Combos – Minneapolis – SUMMER
Jazz is a uniquely American art form that is treasured around the world. Jazz is spontaneous and fun; it expands the imagination and sharpens the mind. The positive environment of...
Questions?
Contact the Director of Group Instruction, Jon Iverson