Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles

The Music Program runs several instrumental and vocal ensembles, all of which are open to qualified student musicians in any class year and in any major. These ensembles perform on and around campus several times a year.

Vocal Ensembles

Saint Michael’s largest vocal ensemble, the Chorale performs in several public concerts throughout the year, and sings at both college functions and local churches. The Chorale’s Christmas Lessons and Carols Concert in December, and Spring Concert draw audiences from the whole Burlington area. Most years, the Chorale joins forces with choruses from neighboring colleges (Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, Middlebury College) to create and perform an orchestral masterpiece. Tours in years past have taken the group around New England, New York City, and Washington D.C. Spanning the centuries from the Middle Ages to the present day, the Chorale’s repertoire includes works by composers of different nationalities, cultures, and languages, and incorporates classical works, spirituals, folk songs, and show tunes. Additionally, there are several student-run a cappella vocal ensembles on campus.

Instrumental Ensembles

For instrumentalists, the Concert Band performs concert and symphonic band music embracing a wide spectrum of style; the Jazz Band performs music of the big band and swing eras; and the String Orchestra performs a variety of genres of classical music from the 18th through the 20th centuries. The Akoma Drumming Ensemble performs music and dance from various cultures of West Africa. The group has even been known to provide students opportunities abroad, allowing them to explore African music first-hand. In any semester, there are numerous student bands playing at the Turtle Underground (the on-campus coffee house) and in downtown Burlington venues.

​Campus Ministry

Another option for students interested in singing and playing is the Liturgical Ensemble, a part of Campus Ministry. This group of singers and instrumentalists is primarily composed of undergraduate students, but also includes adult members from the greater worshiping community. Utilizing African, Latin American, and Irish styles to compliment traditional hymn singing, the Liturgical Ensemble not only provides vibrant contemporary music for worship, but also facilitates sung prayer in the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel at all Sunday liturgies and major feasts. The group’s leader, Jerome Monachino is a skilled guitarist across jazz, rock, and popular genres, and frequently offers lessons or jams with students in his office.

Contacts

Chorale – Nathaniel G. Lew – nlew@smcvt.edu

Concert Band – Brian McCarthy –bmccarthy2@smcvt.edu

Jazz Orchestra – Brian McCarthy – bmccarthy2@smcvt.edu

String Orchestra – Fran Pepperman-Taylor – ftaylor@smcvt.edu

Akoma Drumming Ensemble – Victor Koblavi Dogah – vdogah@smcvt.edu

Liturgical Ensemble – Jerome Monachino – jmonachino@smcvt.edu

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