Students are encouraged to participate in more than one ensemble, and many do. The Hamilton College Orchestra was founded in 1970 and has grown to include more than 70 students. The Orchestra has performed works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Wagner, Hindemith and Ives, as well as concertos by Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart and Mendelssohn with student soloists. The orchestra has toured New England, Romania and Bulgaria. Planning has begun for a trip to Japan.
Membership is determined by audition.
The Jazz Ensemble was formed in 1981 in response to student initiative. Focusing on the big band sound, it also provides opportunities for student improvisation within an ensemble context. The ensemble performs several concerts on campus each year. In addition, it has toured New England with the College Orchestra and performed in Carnegie Hall. Membership is determined by audition.