# OFA Instrumental Ensembles ## About the Instrumental Ensembles Over 500 instrumental musicians take part in more than 75 performances annually in ensembles that span global music traditions. From the acclaimed Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra to the lively Harvard Pops Orchestra and the storied Harvard University Band, students can find the ensemble that best matches their interests and desired level of engagement. Several ensembles including the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra and the Harvard Jazz Orchestra can be taken for course credit in partnership with the Music Department. [ Music Program Staff & Teaching Artists arrow\_circle\_right ](/music-staff-teaching-artists) ![Harvard Band](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-03/0ecdb6f71a2a653ba0e4d86d43aa18865e6daeb0.jpeg?h=d047dcef&itok=2QDoH59R) ![jazz band member playing trumpet](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/jazz%20band.jpg?itok=cqhpxjgA) [## Harvard Jazz Orchestra ](https://harvardjazzbands.com/)**Yosvany Terry, Conductor, Harvard Jazz Orchestra** Founded in 1971, the Jazz Orchestra plays repertoire that spans all the major jazz traditions, from big band to be-bop to Afro-Cuban Jazz. The ensemble is regularly joined by eminent jazz luminaries through the OFA Jazz Resident Artist Program. ![jazz musicians playing together](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/JCI%201%20Olson_0.jpg?itok=pc7f9A-v) [## Harvard Jazz Combo Initiative ](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/harvard-jazz-combo-initiative)**Don Braden ’85, Jazz Combo Instructor** The Jazz Combo Initiative provides opportunities for students at various levels to explore jazz in small combos with musicians at a similar level of experience. Each ensemble receives coaching sessions with Don Braden and other jazz guest artists and performs a final concert each semester. In addition, students can participate in open jam sessions and workshops. ![harvard-radcliffe orchestra playing on stage](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/63c59635be4dc6ea77284a62_new%20homepage%20image%20compressed%202.jpg?itok=j91S7kkZ) [## Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra (HRO) ](https://www.harvardradcliffeorchestra.org/)**Frederico Cortese, Director, Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra; Senior Lecturer on Music** Founded in 1808, the HRO is Harvard’s premier symphony orchestra. In addition to presenting four professional-level performances each year and biennial international tours, orchestra members engage with greater Boston communities through youth education and elder care. ![musicians](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/dsc00969_orig%202.jpg?itok=02MrTqzU) [## Harvard Pops Orchestra ](https://www.harvardpops.com/)**Allen Feinstein ’86, Conductor, Harvard Pops Orchestra** The Harvard Pops Orchestra presents an eclectic range of music including classical, film, and pop; theatrical and visual elements; and lots of laughs. ![harvard band in downtown boston](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/2022-12-29_16-03-53_1672347891.jpg?itok=ckCR3UE0) [## Harvard University Band ](https://harvardband.org/)**Mark Olson, Director, Harvard Band & Wind Ensemble** The Harvard University Band is a highly active ensemble performing at athletic games, Harvard official ceremonies, and events in the Boston area. Rooted in tradition, the Band embodies the spirit of community, collaboration, and fun performing not only popular music of the day but traditional Harvard songs. ![wind ensemble](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/474864899_940745848158602_4813466458251367046_n.jpg?itok=RwjrXU0m) [## Harvard Wind Ensemble ](https://harvardwe.fas.harvard.edu/)**Mark Olson, Director, Harvard Band & Wind Ensemble** The Harvard Wind Ensemble provides performance experiences in a wide range of music styles and periods for woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians. Music is selected from a repertoire of original works and transcriptions both for large and chamber ensembles. Having access to the cello through the rental program has been one of the most meaningful parts of my first year at Harvard. It helped me grow as a collaborator, performer, and listener. Meena Karimi ‘28 ### Explore all our Music Program offerings From the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra to the Harvard Glee Club, students can learn and perform in a variety of ensembles and musical traditions. Last year, over 950 students were involved in OFA Music Program activities, presenting over 150 performances. The OFA also provides funding for individual instrumental and vocal lessons, instrument rentals, and for student music groups. [ Go to the main Music Program page arrow\_circle\_right ](/music) ![Students playing classical music](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-03/88d01cb4a58db77143f175eb25b277777b859323.jpeg?h=840dafab&itok=RQ9piORR) ## Explore Our Other Programs ![woman working on pottery](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-08/5ddff2a2bcd37b7c51823a179fe57cef9766efbe%20%281%29.png?itok=rHzl4h3y) [### OFA Ceramics Program ](/ceramics)Connecting students, faculty, and community artists in an internationally recognized hub for learning and creating in ceramics. ![dancer leaping into air](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-08/fdb66518cef77be4dd891f06bc51f9949f5501b7%20%281%29.png?itok=eCAvHac5) [### OFA Dance Program ](/dance)Empowering students to take risks, build resilience, and find joy through movement. ![students standing on stage](/sites/g/files/omnuum13031/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-08/c3f0b14b7877b1acd62551d357fc2a7c5d3cf745%20%282%29.png?itok=1Q0BMnwU) [### OFA Theater Program ](/theater)Providing students with space, resources, and mentorship to create bold, student-led theater.