Ensembles Program

In music classes, students learn about diverse musical traditions, build skills to engage in vocal and instrumental performance, and develop musical literacy.

In addition to classroom experiences, students may choose to participate in the ensembles program that provides the unique experience of learning, practicing, and performing in a small group.

Ensembles take place outside of regular school day hours, either in the morning before school or in the late afternoon. A variety of performance opportunities are provided including winter and spring concerts and sharing assemblies.

Lower School Chorus – Grades 2 to 5
The lower school chorus is open to any student who is interested in singing with peers, developing healthy vocal techniques, and performing at community events. Students will learn the basics of choral singing, vocal warm-ups, and musicianship. Repertoire will include classical, pop, jazz, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and more. 

Middle School Chorus – Grades 6 to 8
Participants will learn healthy vocal techniques, sight-reading skills, and choral singing through engaging and fun warm-ups and games. Students will sing in unison and in two- and three-part harmony. Repertoire will include classical music, jazz standards, Broadway show tunes, and popular songs. Singers will select some of their own repertoire and collaborate to make arrangement decisions. 

Orchestra- Grades 5 to 8
The orchestra is open to students who play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students will study and perform challenging ensemble music of varying periods. Members must have a foundation of technical proficiency that will allow them to develop the skills necessary to perform in a small ensemble. Note reading is necessary for participation, and private lessons are highly recommended for success.

Students enrolled in the orchestra may also participate in orchestra enrichment or the chamber music ensemble.

Orchestra Enrichment

• This online class will help students gain a deeper understanding of music through listening and discussion. Focusing on the evolution of the string quartet, each week, a different piece of music will be explored, including its elements, structure, themes, and historical context.

Chamber Music Ensemble 

• Instructional emphasis will be placed on intonation, coordination, balance between voices, and communication without a conductor. Depending on instrumentation, students will be placed in duos, trios, or quartets and will study and perform challenging chamber music of varying periods.

Orchestra Extension – Grades 2 to 4
The orchestra extension is open to students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students will study and perform ensemble music of varying periods. Members must have a foundation of technical proficiency that will allow them to develop the skills necessary to perform in a small ensemble. Note reading is necessary for participation, and private lessons are highly recommended for success.

Guitar Ensemble – Grades 3 to 5
Through the process of playing a variety of different genres of music, members will develop skills in playing melodies, accompanying, improvising, reading music, and playing by ear. No experience is necessary to join, but private lessons are strongly recommended. 

Jazz Ensemble – Grades 6 to 8
This ensemble is open to musicians who have had some prior experience with any instrument. Through playing jazz standard repertoire, students will develop skills in playing melody, accompaniment, and improvisation.

Wind Ensemble
The wind ensemble is open to students who read music and play woodwind, brass, and snare drum. Private lessons are strongly encouraged. A variety of music will be explored and performed. 

World Drumming Ensemble – Grades 5 to 8
The drumming ensemble is open to all—the only requirement is curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Participants will play along with great recordings, watch videos, and learn fundamentals of notation, basic beats, and techniques by ear and through group improvisation. It’s all about having fun playing drums, mallets, and many other percussion instruments together. 

Modern Band – Grades 6 to 8
This ensemble is open to students who are interested in using their voice and instruments like keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums to learn and perform popular music. Repertoire will be student-centered and include rock, folk, pop, reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and more.

Participants will practice and perform in small and large group settings using their ears, chord charts, tablature, and standard music notation. No experience with reading music or playing an instrument is necessary.