Ensembles and Performance Opportunities

  • Choral Society: The Choral society is made up of the 65-voice Glee Club, Madrigal Singers, and Concert Choir. Each group performs repertoire from the medieval canon to present-day works by Amherst facutly members.
  • Jazz@Amherst: Amherst College supports a jazz ensemble, several jazz combos, and private instruction for all jazz musicians.  
  • Symphony Orchestra: The Amherst Symphony Orchestra consists of about 60 Amherst College students as well as up to 10 musicians from the other schools of the Five College Consortium.

Ensemble Directors

Arianne G. Abela

Arianne G. Abela

Director of the Choral Music Program and Lecturer in Music

Bruce P. Diehl

Bruce P. Diehl

Senior Lecturer in Music and Director of Jazz Performance

Mark L. Swanson

Mark L. Swanson

Senior Lecturer in Music and Director of Instrumental Music

Five College Early Music Program

Singers holding scores

Allison Monroe, Director

Founded in 1979, the Five College Early Music Program is a collaboration among schools, programs, and teachers in the Five College Consortium to offer students the opportunity to explore the rich and varied music of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

Learn About the Program