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Waldorf University’s music ensembles perform concerts regularly on campus and around the country glorifying God and sharing the Gospel through music. From the intimacy of a small chamber music group to the power of Waldorf University's a cappella choir, there is something for every student.

Ensembles are open to all Waldorf students. Simultaneous membership in the top choral and instrumental ensembles is possible since they rehearse at different times.

All ensembles are classes that you must register for during the course registration process. Ensemble credits do not count toward overload.
Athletes are not required to attend every rehearsal; your ensemble director and your coach will communicate about scheduling in order for you to effectively participate in both activities.

Vocal Ensembles

Choral Concert Dress Code: Robes (issued by department)

Directed by Dr. Emilie Bertram

The Waldorf Choir (MSA100C) is the second oldest collegiate a cappella choir in the United States. Founded in 1916 by Oscar Lyders, and strengthened under the long tenure of Odvin Hagen, the choir has maintained a professional standard for excellence throughout its history. An enthusiastic music critic praised the choir for a performance in which “…the singers, conductor, accompanist, and audience members all but danced in the pews.” Past seasons have included a wide variety of acapella repertoire, major works, spirituals, and performances that have included the Lincoln Center, the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and for university academic and festival ceremonies. The Choir has been recently invited to be a headliner at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Disney Hall in Los Angeles, while providing the voices for premiere performances of newly composed works. Scholarship assistance is available.
- Rehearsals: Mon., Tue., Thur., Fri. from 3-4 p.m.–Odvin Hagen Music Center #114 (Rehearsal Hall)
- Appointments with Dr. Bertram:Odvin Hagen Music Center #105
Directed by Dr. Emilie Bertram

Schola Cantorum (MSA100SC) has been praised for their “joyous singing, remarkable delicacy and poise, impressive performances, and expressive fervor.” This advanced ensemble of 12-16 singers performs a wide variety of the finest a cappella repertoire encompassing many periods and styles of music. Performing several times throughout the year, which includes tours in the spring, the ensemble is open to all Waldorf Choir singers ‘by audition’.
- Rehearsals: Tue. & Thur. from 2-3 p.m.–Odvin Hagen Music Center #114 (Rehearsal Hall)
- Appointments with Dr. Bertram:Odvin Hagen Music Center #105

Instrumental Ensembles

Instrumental Concert Dress Code: All black dress clothes including footwear (more detail provided in the syllabus)

Directed by Mary O'Connell

The Wind Symphony (MSA100W) primarily performs standard wind band literature with an emphasis upon practical pedagogical foundations. In addition to regularly scheduled concerts each semester, the Wind Symphony performs for academic ceremonies and has also served as a special exhibition ensemble for premieres of newly composed and/or arranged works. It serves as an excellent laboratory ensemble for music education and performance students. Scholarship assistance is available.
- Rehearsals: Mon. from 4-5 p.m., Tue., Wed., Thurs. from 4:15-5:15 p.m.–Odvin Hagen Music Center #114 (Rehearsal Hall)
- Appointments with Prof. P'Connell:Odvin Hagen Music Center #108 or by email request
Directed by Mary O'Connell

The Jazz Ensemble (MSA 100J) is a supplementary ensemble formed out of student interest and talent and continues to enhance the curriculum for music education students as well as re-introduce the community to the jazz standards. The ensemble brings back the legacy of the late Mike VanAuken. Students are introduced to improvisation skills, new instruments, and style variations that are sure to influence well-rounded and confident musicians in their careers.

Must be enrolled in Wind Symphony to participate
- Rehearsals: Tue. & Thurs. from 5:30-6:30 p.m.–Odvin Hagen Music Center #114 (Rehearsal Hall)
- Appointments with Prof. P'Connell:Odvin Hagen Music Center #108 or by email request
Directed by Mark Dorr

The Waldorf University Percussion Ensemble (MSA100D) was created in the Spring of 2018. The ensemble performs for special events on campus as well as presenting full-length recital performances. Students in the Percussion Ensemble program are guided and encouraged to discover their greatest musical potential and to develop life skills that can be applied within and outside the discipline of music. Students are expected to challenge themselves as instrumentalists, apply problem-solving skills during rehearsals, develop healthy working relationships with other ensemble members, and to exercise a growth mindset. Repertoire selected for performances provide members of the ensemble the opportunity to study and perform the variety of musical genres in existence today for the percussion family of instruments. This includes music from the Classic and Romantic historical eras plus ragtime, jazz, popular, avant-garde, and contemporary literature. Emphasis is also placed on the performance of authentic multi-national percussion music. Original compositions, transcriptions, arrangements, and modern works from major composers are typically represented during a Percussion Ensemble concert.
- Rehearsals: Mon. from 5-7 p.m.–Odvin Hagen Music Center #114 (Rehearsal Hall)
- Appointments with Prof. Dorr: By email request