Specialty Ensembles
MacPhail’s Specialty Ensembles
Unique groups that celebrate culture, creativity, and community for performers of all levels.
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.
New Horizons Ensembles
Year-long strings ensembles designed for adults at a beginning to intermediate level who have never played in an ensemble or are hesitant to join. Our New Horizons ensemble programs complement individual instruction lessons and helps students learn the skills of ensemble playing. Orchestras and smaller ensembles are available.
Varsity Ensembles
The Varsity Ensembles feature highly motivated high school students throughout Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area working with distinguished MacPhail faculty members. Each student performer in a Varsity Ensemble will be an integral part of the ensemble learning leadership and communication skills in addition to developing as a musician in a small ensemble of student musicians with similar aspirations. Participation in the Varsity Ensembles will build friendships, create lasting memories, and make some terrific music along the way.
Northside Youth Orchestra
This tuition-free symphonic orchestra Program in North Minneapolis creates a welcoming space that encourages musical growth and development. Students audition by playing a scale of their choice and one piece (2-3 minutes).
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 artist J.D. Steele, of the famous Steele Family, who brings his dynamic style and passion for music to the group, which is free and open to students of all skill levels and talents. This group of energetic young people performs many styles of music including jazz, gospel, pop and East African. To join MCYC, contact Jon Iverson at [email protected] or 612.767.5506.
Prelude: Singer-Actor Lab
Prelude helps students prepare for a career in the performing arts. Students are guided and supported as they develop skills, gain confidence, learn to collaborate, tell their stories, and learn to trust themselves.
Connecting Voices Chorus
Connecting Voices offers a unique and joy-filled choral experience for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Together, we sing old and new songs, learn vocal technique and ensemble skills, share musical memories and build a community to support each other in life’s journey.