Ensembles
Whitman Wind Ensemble
The Whitman College Wind Ensemble is a concert organization of 35-50 members performing the entire range of wind ensemble repertoire. The Wind Ensemble performs several times during the school year and the group occasionally tours. This group is open to all students by audition during the first week of classes.Peter Crawford conducts the Whitman Wind Ensemble.
Listen to O Fortuna from Carmina Burana from the Wind Ensemble’s Spring Concert, April 2, 2005.
Whitman Jazz Ensemble
The Whitman College Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo are Jazz bands open to all students through audition. These groups perform in a major concert each semester as well as playing short programs for a variety of other functions. The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo also tour occasionally.David Glenn conducts Whitman Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo.
Whitman Symphony Orchestra
The Whitman Symphony is a versatile group -- playing full symphonies as well as purely string works. The academic year includes fall, winter, and spring concerts, musicals or operas, and tours. Students and Faculty are reatured as soloists. Chamber ensembles are also organized for those interested.Dr. Edward Dixon conducts the Whitman Symphony Orchestra
Whitman College Chorale
The 100 voice Whitman College Chorale is open to all Whitman students through audition. The choir performs many exciting pieces in campus concerts each semester. In addition, there is a select chorus, the Whitman College Chamber Singers, which performs several times a year.Dr. Robert Bode conducts the Whitman College Chorale and Chamber Singers.
Listen to Selections from our Spring 2001 Concert (warning, large sound files).
Whitman College Opera Workshop
The Whitman College Opera Workshop presents opera scenes each fall and spring in Chism Recital Hall. The singers benefit from intensive staging and coaching with Whitman music faculty members. Any student who is registered for voice lessons is welcome to audition. In addition, the Music Department presents an opera or major musical every year in collaboration with the Theater Department.View the Spring 2001 Opera Workshop Photo Gallery
Piano and Accompanying Studies
One of the most active areas of study in the music department is in piano. Piano study is available at all stages of development, introductory through performance levels. Regardless of major, Whitman College students are encouraged to continue piano studies. In addition to weekly private lessons, each instructor has a weekly performance class to give students playing opportunities. Recital opportunities are available for students who are interested.The piano accompanying program also is active at Whitman. Students may receive scholarships and/or work-study employment in exchange for accompanying while studying piano at the college.
Dr. Lee Thompson is head of piano and accompanying studies at Whitman.
Listen to selections from piano recitals
For perfomance dates of these ensembles, see the Schedule of upcoming events