Two students hold guitars while smiling at each other.

Discover Your Sound at McDaniel

Looking to blend music with campus spirit? At McDaniel College, our student music ensembles open the door to dynamic performance, creative growth, and community building. Whether your passion is brass, choir, percussion, or something in between, we have a group that’s ready for you.

Perform, Connect and Celebrate at McDaniel

Whether you’ve been playing for years or are just looking for a new way to get involved, McDaniel offers music ensembles where every student can find their voice and instrument. From the excitement of game-day energy in our new Athletic Pep Band to the artistry of our choirs, jazz ensembles, and symphonic groups, students have countless opportunities to perform, connect, and grow. No matter your major or level of experience, you can take the stage, earn academic credit, and join a community that celebrates creativity and school spirit in equal measure.

Why Join McDaniel’s Music Ensembles?

Performance experience every semester in concerts, campus events, and athletics.
Academic credit options allow you to earn credit while performing.
Top-tier faculty mentorship, including accomplished scholars and performing artists.
Inclusive learning environment: whether you're a seasoned musician or new to performing, all are welcome.
Creative and social connection through ensemble practice, collaboration, and shared passion for music.

Green Terror Band

A performance ensemble unlike any other.

The Green Terror Band is McDaniel College's student performance ensemble — a program that blends pep band, marching band, and rock band traditions into something entirely its own. In addition to traditional brass, woodwinds, and percussion, the band also incorporates guitar, bass, and keyboard, setting it apart from typical college bands.

Students are active participants in shaping the ensemble — from learning and writing music to contributing to the group's identity and direction. Performances happen throughout both fall and spring semesters, with 6–8 per semester this year. The band currently performs as a Pep Band at basketball games and campus events. Beginning in Fall 2027, the program expands to a full Marching Band, performing on the field in the fall and continuing as a Pep Band in the spring.

Color guard and drum line are also planned as part of the program's growth.

A creative and energetic musical environment that will draw from Pop, Funk, Jazz, and Fusion repertoire and tradition. The Pep Band will play at home football games. McDaniel Plan: Creative Expression.

Registration for Fall 2026 is open.

A Cappella Ensemble: A select ensemble of singers, which explores unaccompanied choral music from diverse stylistic periods.
African Drum Ensemble: The Student African Drum Ensemble performs under the direction of music faculty member Pape Demba “Paco” Samb, a Senegalese griot.
Athletic Pep Band: Directed by Brian Frazier, co-founder of the Maryland’s Marching Band Association, the Athletic Pep Band performs at home football games and other sporting and campus events. The Athletic Pep Band is currently developing the Green Terror Marching Band, slated to launch in Fall 2027.
Concert Band: Directed by Dr. Linda Kirkpatrick, the College Band features nearly 50 musicians, including McDaniel students, as well as McDaniel faculty members, band alumni and community musicians, performing everything from classical to pops.
College Choir: The McDaniel College Choir, led by Kyle Engler, presents music from diverse locales and historical eras. Pianist Peggy Brengle serves as accompanist.
Gospel Choir: Under the direction of music lecturer Shelley Ensor, McDaniel College’s Gospel Choir performs traditional and contemporary gospel music, as well as spirituals.
Jazz Ensemble: Directed by Brian Frazier, the McDaniel Jazz Ensemble performs diverse styles of jazz, including classic big band swing, bebop, Latin, Funk, Jazz-rock and classic blues.
Westminster Symphony Orchestra: Dr. Linda Kirkpatrick directs the orchestra, which is comprised of McDaniel students, as well as students from Carroll Community College and community musicians.

Meet Shelley Ensor Gospel Choir Director

In this episode of the Local Hero Video Series hosted by Representative Jamie Raskin, the spotlight shines on Shelley Ensor, director of McDaniel's Gospel Choir. The video celebrates her creativity and courage as she brings positive change to her community.