Chamber Music Ensembles

Chamber music at Cali gives students the chance to grow as responsive, collaborative musicians through close ensemble work in a wide range of styles and traditions. From early music and string quartets to West African drumming, Balkan folk music, and Broadway repertoire, students learn to listen deeply, adapt in the moment, and share musical leadership.

Working in small, focused groups, students build the skills to communicate with clarity, confidence, and imagination while developing the flexibility and stylistic awareness needed for meaningful ensemble performance.

 

Cali Balkan Ensemble group photo in costume
Collegium Musicum on stage

Collegium Musicum

Directed by Hsuan-Wen Chen, Collegium Musicum explores vocal and instrumental repertoire from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, including solo cantatas, duets, madrigals, and chamber choir works. Students learn historical performance practices, have the opportunity to play early instruments, and present a concert as part of the Cali Midweek Concert Series.

For more information contact Hsuan-Wen Chen at chenhs@montclair.edu

West African Drumming Ensemble Performance with 10 performers with drums and dancing

West African Drum and Dance Ensemble

Directed by Robert Levin, this ensemble gives students fun, hands-on experience with West African drumming, singing and dancing, primarily focused on Ghanaian oral traditions. Through study and performance, students develop a deep natural range of connective listening, musical and movement skills while gaining an experiential insight into West African culture. With no music reading, this ensemble is open to everyone - we learn by ear, heart and smiles! 

For more information contact Robert Levin at levinr@montclair.edu

The Balkan Ensemble Group Photo in red and white costumes

Balkan Music Ensemble

Directed by Raif Hyseni, this ensemble introduces students to the vibrant musical traditions of the Balkan region in Eastern Europe. Students explore traditional instruments, songs in original languages, and elements of folk dance, gaining hands-on experience with a rich and energetic cultural repertoire. No previous experience is required.

For more information contact Raif Hyseni at hysenir@montclair.edu

 

Broadway Ensemble Pit in performance

Broadway Repertory Ensemble

The Broadway Repertory Ensemble explores the unique American art form called the Broadway musical.  We will rehearse and have the opportunity to perform, in concert format, various musicals from the past 80 years.  Composers such as Lerner and Lowe, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, Schwartz and Miranda will all be discussed.  The class meets on Fridays from 4pm-5:30pm in Room 201 in Chapin Hall.  Students will also learn about Broadway nomenclature, pit etiquette, balance, style and career advice. Strings, woodwind doublers, brass, percussion, pianists(keyboards) and vocalists are encouraged to enroll.  A Guest Broadway music director will lead one class per semester.  This is offered for chamber credit or an elective.

For more information contact Chad Smith, music director at smithchad@montclair.edu

 

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