Chamber Ensembles

Chamber Ensembles

Chamber music is one of the most rewarding ways students grow as musicians, collaborators, and creative artists. At Virginia Tech, chamber ensembles give students the opportunity to perform in small groups while continuing active participation in large ensembles such as band, orchestra, and choir.

Ensembles include woodwinds, brass, strings, piano, percussion, and voice in both traditional and uncommon combinations. Ensembles rehearse at least twice a week and receive weekly faculty coaching from internationally experienced performers and educators. Rehearsal times are arranged around students’ academic and ensemble schedules, making chamber music an accessible and flexible addition.

Chamber ensembles perform throughout the year in recitals, masterclasses, university events, and community outreach performances. These experiences help students refine musical independence, communication, leadership, and ensemble skills that are essential for success in any musical career path.

Virginia Tech chamber ensembles regularly work with many of the world’s leading artists through masterclasses and residencies. Recent guest artists have included Yo-Yo Ma, the Emerson, Brentano, and Ying Quartets, Turtle Island Quartet, Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet, Imani Winds, Camerata Nova, Galen Trio, and Third Coast Percussion.

Participation

Participation in chamber ensembles is open to music majors and music minors with a recommendation from their applied instructor. Ensemble placement is determined each semester based on faculty input, instrumentation needs, and student availability.

Chamber music is designed to complement participation in large ensembles, giving students additional opportunities for musical growth, artistic leadership, and close collaboration with peers and faculty.

Want to know more?
Directors for Chamber Ensembles are happy to answer your questions.  
Bryce Newcomer, Woodwinds
Brianna Volkmann, Brass
Annie Stevens, Percussion
Alan Weinstein, Strings and Piano
John Irrera, Strings and Piano
Brian Thorsett, Voice