Ensembles and Organizations

Performing ensembles are at the heart of the McIntire Department of Music’s mission, from the jazz chamber groups playing Jazz on the Lawn to the Cavalier Marching Band performing in front of thousands of fans at Scott Stadium.

Resident ensembles

Resident ensembles are a particular source of pride for the department. Composed exclusively of UVA faculty who also actively teach the art of musical performance to our students on a daily basis, these ensembles provide a showcase for faculty talent as well as a professional model for aspiring student musicians at the University of Virginia. The Free Bridge Quintet, our resident faculty jazz ensemble, performs up and down the east coast to great acclaim, while the Albemarle Ensemble and the Rivanna Quartet, both composed of principal players in the Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra, draw appreciative audiences for regular evenings of chamber music at Old Cabell Hall.

Student ensembles

The Music Department's student ensembles bring together students, faculty, and community members in dozens of ways. They make music in myriad performance environments and genres, including early music, jazz, choral ensembles, klezmer, African drumming, orchestras and bands, string quartets, and more.

Affiliated ensembles and organizations

Finally, there are the many affiliated ensembles and organizations, from the Virginia Glee Club and the UVA Women’s Chorus to the Tuesday Evening Concert Series and the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival. We are proud to collaborate with our affiliated groups, and we’re always seeking further opportunities to promote music-making here at UVA and in the wider Charlottesville-Albemarle area through the relationships provided by affiliation. Follow the links on the right to find out how your musical organization can seek affiliated status with the McIntire Department of Music.