The Macalester Asian Music Ensemble performs chamber genres and repertoires from across Asia. Students may choose or be advised to specialize in one or more of the music traditions represented by the department’s instrument collections and faculty expertise. These include, but are not limited to, Javanese gamelan, East and Southeast Asian chamber instrumental music, as well as Indian, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian traditions.

Founded by Dr. Rick Kvam as an auditioned high school choir in Rochester, Minnesota in 1992, today Honors Choirs of SE MN is the largest youth music organization in the area, serving 250-350 young singers from the Rochester and surrounding communities. The mission of Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota is to promote the highest standard of excellence in the preparation and performance of choral music, seeking to provide artistic challenge and growth opportunities for youth throughout the region and enjoyment for the community at large.

In the heart of Nova Scotia, where the salt of the sea mingles with the depth of the soul, JUNO nominated sisters Cassie and Maggie unite as a powerful and commanding folk duo. Rooted in their deep Celtic heritage, their melodies sing of truths that resonate through time while bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. With spellbinding harmonies and virtuosic instrumental prowess, these sisters infuse the rich traditions of their region with a contemporary vitality, resulting in a sound that's both timeless and fresh. Cassie and Maggie's achievements resonate as a testament to their dedication and passion for preserving and evolving the folk traditions of Nova Scotia.

Jaqueline Schwab's evocative playing infuses the oft-aired soundtracks of Ken Burns' films, including his Grammy-winning Civil War, Baseball, Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, and The National Parks. She has performed at the White House for President Clinton and on the Late Show with David Letterman. She recently collaborated with The American Pops Orchestra for their October 29, 2022, American Roots PBS special.

Tim Sparks has been redefining the acoustic guitar repertoire since he won the National Fingerpicking Championship in 1993 with a groundbreaking arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. Sparks continues to surprise, challenge, and thrill audiences with his diverse repertoire and stunning technique. Equally at home with Country Blues, Jazz or World Music, Sparks' extraordinary ability has earned him an international reputation as one of the most innovative guitarists working today.

Ben Abrahamson is a fresh, dynamic voice on the acoustic guitar. His compositions evoke the dexterity of flamenco and the harmonic storytelling of jazz. His passion for flamenco guitar drove him to Taller de Músics School of Music in Barcelona, where he studied under Juan Ramón Caro. Ben has shared the stage with mentors like Michael and Tony Hauser, Susana di Palma, La Conja, Chuscales, Billy Steele, Tonia Hughes, Pedro Cortes Jr., Joan Griffith, and Gary Lee Joyner. In 2019, he recorded his latest record, Neolithic.