Uncommon repertoire is stressed. Showcases for faculty, alumni, and guest artists are presented when appropriate . Student ensembles of almost every imaginable type are represented, and every student in the school participates in the program at some level. Their concerts draw excellent crowds and are at the heart of the Jazz Studies program. The Javanese Gamelan Ensemble is a Javanese ensemble of instruments acquired by the school from Southeast Asia.
Students have an unusual opportunity to learn the music of another culture through performance.
Multiple course offerings provide a variety of experiences for study, and the ensemble concerts both on and off campus have been enthusiastically received. The Early Music Ensemble studies and performs early music, instrumental and vocal, utilizing the school's collection of replicas of early instruments. Participation is open to all, regardless of experience playing period instruments. Students who perform on modern instruments and wish to learn to perform on period instruments may play their audition on a modern instrument. The Percussion Ensemble plays numerous concerts and clinics on campus and in the public schools.