The most common practice during the Renaissance period would be for ensembles of instruments to be all in the same family—cornetti and trombones play together; capped reed instruments play together; recorders play together; and so forth. While Lauda Musicam’s Renaissance Band combines the sounds of many families of instruments at once, that particular concept was tough to imagine in the 16th century. Instruments were built in such different pitches that the musical result would have likely been an unbearable dissonance. Practically every instrument was available in a range of sizes, usually equivalent to the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass vocal ranges.

Lauda Musicam’s chamber consorts offer members the opportunity to play in like-instrument groups. Each consort meets weekly outside of the Renaissance Band rehearsal time. When possible, musicians use matched sets of instruments in accordance with standard Renaissance practice.

Consorts play approximatly five minutes each per fall and spring program. There is a Consort and Chamber Ensemble Concert in February and the consorts can prepare slightly longer programs. Consorts are encouraged to take opportunities to play in the community.

Click here to learn more about the Renaissance Band

Click here to learn about the Baroque Orchestra

Consort Information

All consort members must be active players in the Renaissance Band.

Each consort is an auditioned ensemble. To join, please contact the Music Director or the coordinator of that consort.

Each consort meets weekly outside of the Renaissance Band rehearsal schedule. Members are expected to attend their weekly rehearsals, as most of the consorts have only one player on each part. Any absence affects the other musicians.

Since players are so exposed, members are accepted in good faith that they will spend an appropriate time practicing individually outside of group rehearsal time. Knowing your instrument well and maintaining the physical abilities to play effortlessly contribute to outstanding performances.

Capped Reed Consort

Barbara Bowman, Coordinator
The crumhorn was the most prolific capped reed instrument during the Renaissance period. Originating in Germany, its name means “curved horn.” A double reed similar to that of an oboe or bassoon resides inside an enclosed cap at the top of the instrument. The player blows into this cap; the air pressure in the cap causes the reed to vibrate and create a unique buzzy sound. The cornamuse is a similar instrument, basically a straight crumhorn. In the case of the crumhorn and cornamuse, the range is only one octave plus a step. Players also sometimes use Kelhorns, proprietary instruments by renowned instrument maker George Kelischek. It possesses the same range of notes, but the larger instruments have a special bore that allows them to have a less strenuous hand stretch.

In 2025, Lauda Musicam acquired a set of 9 handmade crumhorns and 9 handmade cornamusen from German maker Dudelsackwerkstatt & Holzblasatelier. This set includes sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, bass, and great bass voices.

Flute Consort

Brittany Salkill, Coach
Joanne Mei, Consort Coordinator
Until the 17th century the flute was completely keyless. The tone is a little softer than that of a modern silver flute. This fact has to do less about it being made of wood and more about it having a small aperture (blowhole) and small fingerholes. Its cylindrical shape allows it a range of over 2 octaves. Flute consorts usually use treble flutes in G, tenor flutes in D, and bass flutes in G.

Lauda Musicam commissed a matched set of handmade flutes from Boaz Berney in 2014. Our set consists of a treble, several tenors, and two basses.

Viol Consort

Liz Thomas, Consort Coordinator
The viol family developed alongside the violin family, but for mostly different purposes. Viols (or violas da gamba for “viols of the leg”) are different from the “braccio” (of the arm”) instruments in that they have 6 strings, have a fretted fingerboard, and use a completely different bow grip. They have a slightly more nasal sound that blends beautifully in consort settings. Though there are both smaller and larger sizes, viols are generally found in treble, tenor, and bass sizes.

Lauda’s inventory has a limited number of viols, but some instruments are available.

Other Consorts

Other consorts are possible based on Lauda personnel. Members who wish to form a consort should have a conversation with the Music Director.