Ensembles at Lawrence include LUPÉ (Lawrence University Percussion Ensemble), Sambistas (Brazilian drumming ensemble), Kinkaviwo (African drumming ensemble), orchestra, wind ensemble, symphonic band, LUJE (Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble), Jazz Band, jazz combos, operas, musicals, and mixed chamber music. Many of these ensembles perform at local schools during the school year and on tours during breaks.
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Lawrence University Percussion Ensemble
LUPE is the classical percussion ensemble at Lawrence. All percussion majors participate in this group which performs a concert every term. The repertoire includes large ensembles (10-15 players), chamber works (for 3-6 players), and works that feature student soloists. Some recent works include:
| Chamelon Music | Dan Welcher |
| Compendium | Blake Williams |
| Conservatory Garden | Daniel Levitan |
| Descent | Ken Schaphorst |
| Forests of the Sun | Tim Clark |
| Marimba Spiritual | Minoru Miki |
| Ogoun Badagris | Christopher Rouse |
| Perfectly Frank | Frankie Malabe and Daniel Levitan |
| Purge | Anders Astrand |
| Quartz City | David Johnson |
| Septet | Daniel Levitan |
| Six Marimbas | Steve Reich |
| Soulhouse | Julie Spencer |
| Stained Glass | David R. Gillingham |
| The Phantom Dances | Michael Hennagin |
| The Whole Toy Laid Down | Dave Hollinden |
| Third Construction | John Cage |
| Tribeca Sunflower | Julie Spencer |
| Why | Gernot Blume |
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Kinkaviwo
Kinkaviwo, meaning Children of Kinka, is the African drumming ensemble at Lawrence. The group primarily performs music of the Ewe people from the Volta region of Ghana. The pieces include Adzogbo, Gahu, Adzrowo and Kinka. This style of music utilizes a call and response between the master or lead drum and the rest of the ensemble. All performances include singing, dancing and drumming, and students are encouraged to learn and perform these different elements.
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Sambistas
The Sambistas perform grooves from traditional Rio de Janeiro Carnaval Samba to Samba Reggae from Salvadaor, Bahia to originals, transcriptions and arrangements that include many different types of influences from Cuban to Indian Tabla drumming. Performing at a variety of events throughout the year, the Sambistas are one of the most popular student groups on campus and in the community.
