Ensemble Options

Ensembles provide opportunities for students of all ages to jam, improvise, and learn collectively. In these 60-minute classes, students study different instruments to create a band experience over the course of the semester.

We strongly recommend students who would like to enroll in a group also enroll in private lessons. To help facilitate this, MCMA offers a 10% discount on ensemble registrations for any students who also studies privately.

If you’re interested in joining an ensemble, please send us a message to inquire about availability and skill or instrument fit. We would love to. hear from you!

If you are looking for a particular option and don’t see it, let us know what you’re looking for! We create our ensembles based on interest and demand.

Fall 2025 Ensembles

  • The first class will be September 8th

    When: Mondays 5:30-6:30pm

    The ideal ensemble for the budding rock star! This weekly ensemble is open to students who play guitar, bass, drum set, keys, or vocals. Students will study fundamentals such as understanding song arrangement of rock classics, theory, performance techniques, and improvisation. This class will not only focus on developing individual musicianship, but also the application of skills in a group setting with a strong emphasis on team-building.

    Instructor: Amory Raymond

    Suggested Ages: 11+

  • Fall semester begins September 2nd

    Tuesdays, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

    This is the ideal ensemble for the adult who has always wanted to experiment with other musicians and learn how to play in an ensemble setting. Join this ensemble and explore a wide variety of genres, learn how to improvise and communicate with other musicians, learn music theory, and build your own personal confidence by learning to take musical risks with improvisation.

    Instructor: Amory Raymond

    Prerequisites: For adults with a baseline of theory who are comfortable on at least one instrument

    Suggested Age: 16+

  • Spring session begins September 3rd.

    Using a variety of hand percussion instruments, this ensemble will explore the traditional and modern rhythms of West Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

    Instructor: Jeff Densmore

    Open to all ages

    Wednesdays, 2:30pm - 3:30pm

  • Spring session begins September 3rd

    Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm

    Girls Rock is a space for girls to get together and be in a band! It's important for women in music to stick together and empower each other. This intensive 4-day experience is an opportunity to dig deep into skills, repertoire and the experience of rocking out with other musicians in a supportive, creative, FUN space.

    Ages 11 - 16

    Instructor: Kate Fiano

  • Fall session begins September 3rd.

    Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm

    This strings ensemble is intended for beginning and intermediate learners of any age who are comfortable with using the bow and wish to improve their string technique in a group setting. Our pieces will draw from a mixture of styles including classical, folk, and popular music.

    Instructor: Heather Beers

  • Fall Session begins September 11

    MCMA’s Jazz Ensemble takes a group-centered approach and gives students a chance to play jazz -- and its related sub genres -- in a supportive learning environment, with an emphasis on topics not often covered in school programs. Students are counseled and encouraged to improvise, sight read, and become exposed to new styles and new modes of creating music.

    Instructor: Tom Luther

    Suggested Ages: 12 - adult

    Prerequisites: Comfortable with your instrument and willing to take risks

    Thursdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

  • Spring session begins September 4

    Thursdays 6:30 pm -7:30 pm

    Join fellow musicians in a rock band setting! This class is perfect for adult players who want to rehearse and perform in a supportive, collaborative environment. You'll develop ensemble skills, improve your timing and dynamics, and prepare for a live performance each semester.

    Instructor: Tom Luther

    Prerequisites: For adults with a baseline of theory who are comfortable on at least one instrument

    Suggested Ages: 16+

  • Spring session begins September 5th

    Fridays 4:30pm-5:30pm

    Join The Chickadees! Exploring music is always more fun with friends, especially when everyone has a chance to find their voice. Youth Choir is open to students aged 8-11 to learn more about singing in a group, exploring new music and genres, and making friends along the way. Not only is it a great opportunity to sharpen musical skills, but choir is a wonderful way to have fun! Together, we’ll be exploring many different genres of part singing, how to listen to and for each other, and how to work together to create something beautiful. 

    Instructor - Amelia Campbell

    Ages 8 - 11