Collegium Musicum

Collegium Musicum, under the direction of Nicole Baker, is a student music ensemble specializing in the study and performance of instrumental and vocal music composed in the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods-from about 1300 to about 1650, a period commonly referred to as Early Music. Each semester, students gain historical and practical knowledge of the music and performance practice of a particular period or genre of Early Music that is rehearsed and performed during the semester.

The ensemble uses replicas of historical instruments. Our full “consort” (ensemble) has included lute, 3 violas da gamba (a bowed stringed instrument in treble, tenor and bass sizes), sackbut (early trombone), recorders of various sizes (sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, bass), krummhorn (a nasal-sounding woodwind instrument), harpsichord and tambourine. Students in the ensemble are music majors representing various areas of study; music history, composition, music education and performance. Though none of the student performers are specialists on these instruments, all have learned them through the ensemble.