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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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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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 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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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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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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American Bluegrass Ensemble – SUMMER
Open to students age 16 and up with 2+ years of experience playing their instrument. Experience reading staff notation and/or tablature is preferable. This ensemble focuses on the traditional folk...
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Adult Classical Guitar Ensemble – SUMMER
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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Rock Band Experience – Austin – Spring Semester
Attention: guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers, and singers!Rock Band Experience is for EVERYONE ages 10-110 years old. Musicians will work both independently and collaboratively towards an end of semester rock...
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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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Chamber Music Trios, Quartets, Quintets – SPRING 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 – SPRING 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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Adult Jazz Combos – Minneapolis – SPRING Semester
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