{"id":2769,"date":"2019-06-27T10:14:22","date_gmt":"2019-06-27T14:14:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/music\/?page_id=2769"},"modified":"2026-03-25T08:57:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:57:53","slug":"ensembles","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/music\/ensembles\/","title":{"rendered":"Ensembles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

All of our performance ensembles are open to general liberal arts students and music majors alike. Browse the options below for a full overview of what we offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Brass Ensemble<\/h3>
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The Brass Ensemble will explore varied repertoire, including arrangements of music in different styles and compositions written specifically for brass.  The size is flexible, ranging from a quartet to 11-pieces or larger, depending on repertoire and\/or enrollment. The ensemble is open to trumpet, French horn, trombone, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. The group rehearses once a week, and individual practice between rehearsals is required. The brass ensemble will perform at least one concert each semester. Admission is by audition. Basic instrumental proficiency and the ability to read standard musical notation are required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Directed by Alan Carr. For more information contact  Alan Carr at acarr@bates.edu<\/a><\/strong> or 207-786-6163.<\/p>\n\n\n

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College Choir<\/h3>
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Open to all Bates students, staff, and faculty, this ensemble is intended to develop the skill and knowledge to perform a wide range of musical styles and genres at a high level. Repertoire spans from a cappella Renaissance motets to Broadway and major symphonic works from all periods.  There will be an emphasis in developing each singer\u2019s vocal ability in a positive environment as well as to present quality performances with a high level of musicianship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two required rehearsals per week and a performance at the end of every semester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students of all majors and backgrounds are eligible to audition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While College Choir is normally taken for credit, the Director will also consider auditors (for students whose credit load would otherwise prevent them from registering).<\/p>\n\n\n

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Zen Kuriyama, Director<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Feel free to contact Dr. Zen Kuriyama, Director, at zkuriyama@bates.edu<\/a> if you have further questions regarding the College Choir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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College Orchestra<\/h3>
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Bates College Orchestra (BCO)<\/strong> was founded in the 1970s. Student members are given course credit to participate in weekly rehearsals and perform a wide range of repertoire from the Baroque period to present. The BCO recently performed works by Debussy and Ravel, Symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Dvor\u00e1k. Each winter semester the BCO hosts an annual concerto competition providing an opportunity for Bates students to perform as a soloist with the College Orchestra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performing two concerts per year, the Bates College Orchestra draws members from the entire Bates community as well as the Lewiston-Auburn community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students of all majors and backgrounds are eligible to audition<\/strong>. While College Orchestra is normally taken for credit, the Director will also consider auditors (for students whose credit load would otherwise prevent them from registering).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel free to contact Orchestra Director Hiroya Miura (hmiura@bates.edu<\/a>)<\/strong> if you have any further questions regarding the BCO.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gamelan Ensemble<\/h3>
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Gamelan, the term for a traditional musical ensemble in Indonesia, typically refers to a percussion orchestra composed predominantly of tuned gongs of various types and metal-keyed instruments. The ensemble is conducted by a drummer, and often includes voice, bamboo flute, xylophone, and stringed instruments. The most well-known gamelan ensembles are those from the islands of Java and Bali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bates College Gamelan Orchestra serves as an Indonesian music study group, performance ensemble, and provides ceremonial music for college events. The group plays traditional and contemporary music of West Java (Sunda), Central Java, and new music for gamelan by North American composers. Students enrolled in a variety of music and anthropology courses have the opportunity for a hands-on experience with the instruments as part of their coursework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For several decades, the presence of gamelan orchestras on college campuses both in the U.S. and abroad beyond Indonesia has been steadily increasing. The inclusion of such an ensemble from outside of the West serves multiple roles within an academic setting. The mission of the Bates College Gamelan Orchestra includes the following goals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n