CHAMBER MUSIC - Both music and non-music majors are able to participate in chamber music activities which are coached and supervised by music faculty. String quartets, piano trios, brass quintets, woodwind quintets, small vocal ensembles and many other chamber groups are available for the St. Olaf musician.
CLARINET CHOIR - The Clarinet Choir provides an opportunity for players within the clarinet family from E-flat soprano to B-flat contra bass, to rehearse and perform the finest literature for clarinets. Inquiries for membership should be made in the fall of the year.
FLUTE CHOIR - This choir of more than 30 flutists performs regularly on campus, in the Twin Cities, and southeastern Minnesota. Membership is open to all interested players on campus.
HANDBELL ENSEMBLES - Jill Mahr, Director. The St. Olaf Handbell Choir and the Chapel Ringers are directed by Ms. Mahr. The Manitou Handbell Choir is student directed. Performers are selected by audition in the fall and each group rehearses once a week for 75 minutes. The groups perform for chapel and church services on campus, student recitals, and combine for a concert each spring. The premier ensemble, the St. Olaf Handbell Choir, performs off-campus events and concerts and has even toured, most recently to Iowa and South Dakota. They have premiered a piece for bells and orchestra, with the St. Olaf Orchestra, at the nationally acclaimed St. Olaf Christmas Festival.
HORN CLUB - The Horn Club is one of the first established horn ensembles in the United States. It has performed widely in Minnesota as well as on campus. The Horn Club has had guest appearances at music conventions and area high schools. Membership is open by audition to all hornists at St. Olaf.
OPERA/MUSICAL THEATER - The St. Olaf College Music Department provides aspiring singer/actors with a variety of training and performing opportunities that prepare them for the challenges of this richly unique artistic pursuit. Production repertoire and coursework are designed to nurture the growth of a healthy young performer in an environment of artistry, creativity, cooperation, support, and respect. Majors and Non-Majors are welcome to the following courses and productions:
Courses:
Acting for the Lyric Stage - A team-taught course in the St. Olaf Theatre Department which introduces students to the preparation and performance of musical theatre repertoire. This course culminates in the performance of solos and duets.
Advanced Acting for the Lyric Stage - A team-taught course in the St. Olaf Music Department which introduces students to the preparation and performance of opera and operetta. This course culminates in a full production.
Opera Workshop - A course taught during the January Interim which builds on the concepts of the aforementioned courses and culminates in a full production.
The Three-Production Season:
Each year the St. Olaf Music Department offers a three-production season of opera, operetta, and musical theatre (Semester I/Interim/Semester II) in order to provide St. Olaf students with a broad spectrum of rewarding lyric theatre opportunities during their college career. Past productions have included Mozart's La Finta Giardiniera, Bizet's Carmen, and the world-premiere of James McKeel's Love Sonnets of a Hoodlum. 2008 productions include Ravel's L'enfant et les Sortileges and Sondheim's Company.
TROMBONE CHOIR - Paul Niemisto, Director. The "Bone Choir" makes regular contributions to the concert and worship life of the college. They often perform in Twin City churches, and have been regular participants in the Minnesota Trombone Workshop. Membership is open to all interested trombonists on campus.
TUBA-EUPHONIUM ENSEMBLE - Paul Niemisto, Director. This is a unique group in the Upper Midwest which provides a special opportunity for tuba and euphonium (baritone horn) players to make a sonorous ensemble sound not often heard in concert. Membership is selected from among the tuba and euphonium players on campus. The ensemble sponsors the annual Merry Tuba Christmas.
