Virtual Music Ensembles

What do you do when your passion for music as an outlet for creativity is considered dangerous to your health? Like many other group activities, Grebel music ensembles went online. Five ensembles were offered in winter: Choirs@UWaterloo Online, Chapel Choir, Integrated Online Instrumental Music, Balinese Gamelan Ensemble, and UW Jazz Ensemble.

“Like almost every aspect of our lives right now, this pandemic has changed everything about how the Music Department has been able to study, teach, and perform music,” noted Music Chair Mark Vuorinen. “We’ve explored various technologies, apps, and platforms to learn how we can continue to create music while needing to remain apart.”

Students have accomplished so much this year—growing musical skills, learning different technologies, and adapting to playing together in unconventional ways—but everyone is looking forward to that first in-person moment when the group takes a collective breath and music envelops the room.

End of Term Concert: