About
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble musicians perform a wide variety of classical music from all time periods. Instrumentalists will be placed in small groups of approximately 3 to 8 players based on compatible abilities. A wide variety of instruments are welcome, including woodwinds and brass, but particularly strings and piano.
Acceptance into the Instrumental Chamber Ensembles is by audition and at the discretion of the director. The audition will assess musical gifts and technical skills, as a basis for membership.
Non-student singers (faculty, staff, community members) may also inquire about auditions, but preference will be given to current University of Waterloo students.
Director
"Welcome to Instrumental Chamber Ensembles. The ensemble you join cannot function without you! The efforts you put forth will not only benefit you but also the other members of your ensemble. By joining the ensemble, you are making a commitment to each other." - Jody
Rehearsals
Because rehearsal is really the process of making decisions together as an ensemble, one does not rehearse when missing a member. As such, once we have established a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of the semester for your group, if you must miss a rehearsal, it is up to you to coordinate a different rehearsal time that is suitable for all the members of the ensemble.
Days: Various, according to specific group schedules
Time: Various, according to specific group schedules
Location: Chapel & assorted practice rooms, Conrad Grebel University College
Each ensemble will receive one hour of coaching with the Director per week. Each ensemble will be expected to rehearse on their own a minimum of one hour per week, above and beyond the coachings, at a mutually agreeable time. Additional rehearsals are encouraged, as every additional hour of rehearsal will add to your personal fulfillment and the end result. In the same vein, players will be expected to practise their own parts.
Audition dates
All new applicants must audition. Normally, ICE members continuing from a previous term do not need to re-audition unless it is with a new instrument.
Location: Chapel, Conrad Grebel University College
Winter Term audition info coming soon!
Key dates for involvement
First Rehearsals: Usually start the third week of classes each term.
Term End Concert Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, December 6th 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Term End Concert: Sunday, December 6th, 7:30pm, Chapel, Conrad Grebel University College
Winter Term dates coming soon!
Audition repertoire
The auditions are 10 minutes each. Please prepare the following:
- one fast movement
- one slow movement
Choose pieces you know well. You do not have to memorize the pieces. Music stands will be provided.
Tips for chamber players
A collection of tips and recommendations for rehearsing and performing Chamber music.
Steps to join
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Fill out the Participant Form (see following).
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Register on Quest if you'd like to receive credit (see following for full sequence details).
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Prepare & show up for your audition.
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If accepted, come to the first rehearsal. If not accepted, try again next term!
Participant form
All new ensemble applicants and returning ensemble members must fill out this form to participate every term. Winter 2026 coming soon.
Register for credit
Ensemble credit = 0.25 units. Add to normal course load or ask your advisor for a permission code to override your course limit.
Credit sequence details
Credits are accrued in sequence. If it is your first time participating in an ensemble, register for Music 116 and continue incrementally up the sequence for each new term or additional ensemble.
Important: it is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate.
Course requirements
1. Engaged participation and attendance at weekly rehearsals (see Attendance Policy, below).
2. Individual preparation, as assigned, for rehearsals. Choristers are responsible for learning assigned materials on their own and must be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in small groups or individually from time to time.
3. Participation in all ICE concerts and additional rehearsals, as needed.
4. Music of considerable value has been loaned to you. Please take very good care of it. Use pencil only. You will be charged full replacement cost for any music defaced or not returned immediately after the final concert.
Participation fees for extracurricular members
Students participating as an extracurricular: $30
Non-students: $60
Once accepted into the ensemble, please make your payments via our online portal below.
Students participating for credit do not need to pay the fee.
Attendance policy
For details about your expected attendance and for mandatory steps to follow in case of an absence, please review the following guidelines.
- Attendance is required at all rehearsals and coaching whether you are taking the course for credit or not. Please contact the director, Jody Davenport, and your group if you need to miss rehearsal or coaching.
- You are allowed one (1) excused absence from rehearsal without jeopardy to your credit. Missing a rehearsal without communication ahead of the event will result in no credit for the term automatically. If you must be absent more than once due to illness, you must communicate with the director and your group. All musicians must be present for the dress rehearsal and final concert. Non-credit members are subject to the same attendance requirements.
- For students who require special accommodation due to significant illness or extenuating circumstances, please see this site. (Includes Verification of Illness Form [VIF], Self-Declaration, Religious observances, etc.)
- All musicians must be present for the dress rehearsal and final concert. Non-credit members are subject to the same attendance requirements.
Awards
The John and Erma Stutzman String Scholarship Award
The Stutzman String Scholarship is for students enrolled in a Music Studio or Ensemble course in the Music Department at Conrad Grebel University College who exhibit excellence in string musicianship.
