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Boston College Symphony Orchestra
John Finney, director (retired in 2023)
The BCSO, with a membership of 50-60 players, is dedicated to the performance of major works from the symphonic repertoire, and also collaborates with the Boston College Chorale on occasion. The BCSO also sponsors an annual concerto competition, and features the winning student as concerto soloist. The orchestra is open to the entire BC community, and rehearses Mondays 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in Lyons 423.
For more information contact BCSO e-mail or visit the BCSO website.
University Chorale of Boston College
John Finney, director
The University Chorale is a mixed chorus of 140-150 singers, and performs a wide variety of both classical and contemporary repertoire. In addition to presenting several exciting concerts throughout the school year, the Chorale has the honor of performing with the Boston Pops Orchestra during BC Parents Weekend and traveling to a unique European destination every Spring break.
The audition process requires NO PREPARATION; all interested students please note that you will be asked to sing 'My Country Tis of Thee' or a short musical selection of your choosing that is no longer than two minutes.
Bands Program
For the following ensembles visit the Bands Program website.
- University Wind Ensemble of Boston College
- Symphonic Band
- The "Screaming Eagles" Marching Band
- BC bOp! Jazz Ensemble
- Pep Band
Voices of Imani Gospel Choir
For more information visit their website.
Boston College Chamber Music Society
Sandra Hebert, director
The Chamber Music Society is an umbrella organization that sponsors numerous small ensembles that include instrumentalists, pianists and vocalists, and is open by audition to all members of the BC community (see ensembles below). Ensembles have the opportunity to work with members of our outstanding performance faculty. Repertoire ranges from early music through the most recent contemporary works in ensembles from two to ten or more musicians. Numerous performances take place throughout the semester.
Instrumental Chamber Music
Sandra Hebert, director
Chamber music groups of two to eight or more players of orchestral instruments as well as classical guitar and piano are included in Instrumental Chamber Music. Each ensemble meets weekly with a coach and also alone for rehearsal.
Boston College Flute Ensemble
Judy Grant, director
The Flute Ensemble is a group of 6 - 12 flutists that performs throughout the year in conjunction with the Chamber Music Society. In addition to a wide range of flute ensemble repertoire, members also often partner in duos or trios. Through working in both larger and smaller ensembles, students have the opportunity to develop performance and musicianship skills.
For more information, please contact Judy Grant.
Boston College Cello Ensemble
Junko Fujiwara, director
The BC Cello Ensemble is a group of 8 - 15 cellists, performing arrangements and original works for multiple cellos. Repertoire ranges from the Baroque through contemporary works, as well as arrangements of rock and jazz classics. The Cello Ensemble performs regularly in conjunction with the Chamber Music Society, and rehearses on Wednesdays from 4:30–6:00 p.m. in Lyons 423.
Auditions are by appointment only. For more information, please contact Junko Fujiwara.
Boston College Piano Ensemble
Linda Papatopoli, director
The Piano Ensemble provides an opportunity for pianists to meet with one another and play four, six and eight-hand works at both one and two pianos. The Ensemble is open by audition to all members of the BC community who are pianists at an intermediate or higher level.
Rehearsals and coaching times are scheduled for each individual group between 6:00–9:00 p.m. on Sundays in Lyons 406 & 409.
For more information contact Linda Papatopoli.
Boston College Baroque
Anne-Marie Chubet, director
BC Baroque is a small string ensemble that specializes in music of the Baroque period, including J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann and their contemporaries. Students learn Baroque bow techniques, and have the opportunity to play solo parts in the varied concerto literature of the period. The ensemble performs in late spring both in Gasson Hall and as a part of the Arts Festival.
BC Baroque meets during the spring semester; auditions will be announced in November, and a Sunday rehearsal schedule will be posted. For more information, please contact Anne-Marie Chubet.
Boston College Middle Eastern Ensemble
Ann Lucas, director
BC's newest group, the Middle Eastern Ensemble is dedicated to learning how to play music from cultures of the Middle East: the Arab World, Iran, Turkey, as well as parts of Central Asia. Repertoire covered includes rural and urban repertoires, popular music forms as well as art music genres. The Middle Eastern Ensemble meets on Thursdays from 8:00-10:00 p.m. in Stokes 195S. Permission of instructor is required for enrollment. For more information, please contact Ann Lucas.
Irish Fiddle and Irish Dance
Sponsored in conjunction with the Irish Studies program, the Music department offers weekly group lessons in traditional Irish fiddle, and traditional Irish dance. Students wishing to study fiddle should have at least a rudimentary knowledge of the violin; for traditional Irish dance, no previous experience is necessary.
Irish Fiddle meets Thursdays 6:30-7:15 p.m. (beginners) and 7:15-8:00 p.m. (intermediate and advanced) in Lyons 409, and is taught by Sheila Falls-Keohane.
Irish Dance meets Wednesdays 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Brighton Campus Dance Studio, and is taught by Kieran Jordan.
For more information contact Sheila Falls-Keohane (fiddle) or Kieran Jordan (dance).