Ensembles
We strive to bring people together through a common experience, such as making music. Studies suggest that making music with others has positive health benefits and helps people feel connected. The ensembles at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College reach and enhance the lives of all constituents in our community. As a student, you have the opportunity to participate with the ensembles in public concerts, and in performing at multiple college and community functions.
Our ensembles tend to be large enough to allow us to explore a variety of music and aspire to all kinds of experiences, but small enough to enhance a true sense of community. By joining the ensembles, you can enrich the lives of other students, staff, faculty, administrators, Sisters of Providence and members of the community through music.
How do the ensembles enhance the Woods experience?
The ensembles at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College tend to reach and enhance the lives of all constituents of the College community. Because they offer public concerts, sing for masses, sing and play for multiple college functions such as Ring Day, and for events in the Terre Haute community and beyond, they are constantly interacting musically and enriching the lives of others.
Why should you choose the Woods and its ensembles over other schools?
There are multiple factors that create favorable conditions for an excellent musical experience at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. First, many of the wonderful students who choose SMWC – and tend to participate in ensembles – do so to pursue degrees in helping professions such as music therapy and education or are interested in SMWC because of its rich history and sense of community. This lends itself to the second factor, which is the sizes of our ensembles. They are big enough to seek out different types of music while being small enough to feel a sense of community. We also have access to amazing spaces for frequent performances, such as the historic Cecilian Auditorium and the beautiful Church of the Immaculate Conception on campus – spaces unlike many found on most college campuses. These and other factors allow us to pursue a high level of excellence AND provide an intimate, connected musical experience simultaneously.
What do you gain from being in the ensembles?
Many current studies indicate that making music with others has positive health benefits and helps people feel connected. This is important for all, but especially young people who are developing into adults in an ever-increasing digital world. We have had many students who never experienced an ensemble and quickly come to love the experience once they try it. At SMWC, we strive to bring people together through a common experience, such as making music.
Choral Ensembles
Sing with SMWC’s most beautiful voices by joining three choral ensembles at SMWC. The Madrigals, Chorale and Woods Vocal Ensemble perform at many significant events here and abroad.
Instrumental Ensembles
Play an instrument with those who share a passion for making beautiful music. You can join instrumental ensembles at The Woods for academic credit or as an extracurricular option.