Varsity Ensembles
MacPhail Center for Music’s Preeminent High School Music Ensembles for Talented & Highly Motivated Students
MacPhail is pleased to announce the application and audition process for several high school student performance ensembles beginning in Fall of 2025. The Varsity Ensembles feature highly motivated high school students throughout Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area working with distinguished MacPhail faculty members. Ensembles will rehearse and perform for the entirety of the school year, September – June. Benefits include audio and video recording, working with guest artists, and building portfolios for college/conservatory auditions. 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. Interested students should be open to learning and sharing, and well-prepared and committed to strive for excellence. Participation in the Varsity Ensembles will build friendships, create lasting memories, and make some terrific music along the way.
Varsity Ensembles:
- Woodwind Quintet with Carrie Vecchione
- Brass Trio with Karl Wierderwohl
- Rimshots! (Percussion ensemble) with Paul Babcock and Mary Emmons
- The Dakota Jazz Ensemble
MacPhail Center for Music’s Varsity Ensembles are a FULL-SCHOLARSHIP program for accepted students.
The Varsity Ensembles feature top student talent from around the area. MacPhail esteemed faculty provide superior technical, musical, and performance instruction as well as coaching and mentorship.
Membership in these ensembles is based on the ability of a student who performs music of above-average difficulty and their demonstration of a high level of commitment and responsibility. An application and audition is required for Varsity Ensembles selection.
Varsity Ensembles:
- Provide challenging opportunities to grow as a musician in a supportive environment
- Unique performance opportunities and tours
- Access to audio & video recordings
- Work with featured guest artists
- Build portfolios, resumes, and/or dossiers
- Train and prepare for college/conservatory auditions
- Learn to be a team player and build leadership & communication skills
All students interested in MacPhail Varsity Ensembles are required to apply and attend a placement audition.
Varsity Ensemble Details:
Ensembles will rehearse and perform for the entirety of the school year, September 2025 – June 2026 at MacPhail Minneapolis.
The Dakota Jazz Ensemble
The Dakota Jazz Ensemble at MacPhail is a premier, audition-based jazz group for outstanding high school musicians across the Twin Cities. Relaunching as a Varsity Ensemble, the combo offers students the chance to develop their skills in a professional-level small group setting. Members explore a wide range of jazz repertoire, refine improvisational and ensemble techniques, and perform at leading venues including the Dakota Jazz Club. Participation is tuition-free, providing an exceptional opportunity for talented students to grow artistically, collaborate at a high level, and connect with the vibrant Twin Cities jazz community.
Rimshots! Percussion Ensemble
Saturdays from 2:00-4:00 PM, coached by Paul Babcock and Mary Emmons starting September
Application Deadline: Aug 5 and Aug 22
In-Person Audition Dates: Aug 12 (1-4 PM) and Aug 29 (2-4:30 PM)
Brass Trio (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone or Bass Trombone)
Tuesdays from 7:45-8:45 PM, coached by Karl Wiederwohl starting October 7, 2025
Application Due Date: September 30, 2025
Woodwind Quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, and bassoon)
Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 PM, coached by Carrie Vecchione starting October 9, 2025
Application Due Date: September 30, 2025
Auditions
There are chairs to be filled in the Varsity Ensembles! MacPhail is actively recruiting the following instruments:
The Dakota Combo
- Accepting auditions for all standard jazz instruments
In-person auditions: Monday, September 29, 2025 (application deadline of Friday, September 26, 2025)
Pre-recorded video auditions can be submitted through the application if the student cannot attend in-person auditions.
Woodwind Quintet
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- French horn
- Bassoon
Application due date: September 30, 2025
Brass Trio
- Trumpet
- French Horn
- Trombone or Bass Trombone
Application due date: September 30, 2025
Rimshots! Percussion Ensemble
- Additional percussionists
Application Due Date: Aug 5 and Aug 22 (in-person auditions held Aug 12 from 1-4 PM and Aug 29 from 2-4:30 PM)
Applications should be submitted using the application form below. Auditions for The Dakota Combo will take place in-person on Monday, September 29, 2025. Students not able to audition in person should submit a pre-recorded video audition in their application.
Auditions for the Woodwind Quintet and Brass Trio will be held through pre-recorded video only. Videos should be submitted in the student’s application.
Rimshots! Percussion Ensemble application deadline is Aug 5 and Aug 22 (in-person auditions held Aug 12 from 1-4 PM and Aug 29 from 2-4:30 PM). Recording an audition with an accompanist is not required, though backing tracks or accompaniment tracks are permissible.
Woodwind Quintet application deadline is September 30, 2025.
Brass Trio application deadline is September 30, 2025.