ENSEMBLES
Our ensembles provide students with a comprehensive experience performing music of various periods and genres. These groups meet weekly and perform in the School's major concerts – Winter Instrumental Ensembles Concert, Holiday Choral Concert, Spring Chamber Music Recital, and our Spring Concert at Merkin Concert Hall.
The Diller-Quaile Chorus
| ages 9-12 | Monday 4:40 - 5:25 p.m. |
Children's Vocal Ensemble
| ages 8-10 | Wednesday 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. |
Students who enjoy singing may join our choruses as a weekly ensemble or as the musicianship component of their program. Choral singing has been a core component of musicianship training for centuries. Through the study of standard choral literature, students develop ensemble and performance skills as they prepare for concerts.
String Ensemble
String Ensemble is a first orchestra experience for intermediate string students enrolled in a full program. The ensemble develops strong reading skills. Students learn to follow a conductor and become acquainted with music of various periods and styles.
The Diller-Quaile Orchestra
Advanced teenage string and wind players enrolled in a full program may join The Diller-Quaile Orchestra. Repertoire is drawn from the standard literature and is also specially arranged for the group. Playing is on a highly polished level, with emphasis on nuance, phrasing, and sophisticated ensemble listening. String and wind coaches play along with the students, frequently offering advice and practical suggestions on all aspects of orchestral playing. Sight-reading skills and respectful ensemble collaboration are emphasized.
Vocal Chamber Ensemble
Students are admitted by audition to this small vocal ensemble. The ensemble studies a wide range of repertoire from various periods, including madrigals and motets, contemporary ensembles, and age-appropriate opera and music theatre repertoire. Preparation is on a highly polished level, with emphasis on nuance, phrasing, and ensemble listening.
Percussion Ensemble
| Saturday | 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. |
Enrollment in the Percussion Ensemble is available to advanced percussion students. The ensemble studies repertoire ranging from classical to folk to world musics and performs in school concerts. Students are admitted with the permission of the instructor.
Chamber Music
Intermediate and advanced students of any instrument or voice are invited to request enrollment in our chamber music program. Students explore score reading, the etiquette of chamber music, and ensemble skills. Ensembles of two to five players or singers meet weekly throughout the school year and explore a wide range of repertoire from the works of Baroque through Contemporary composers. Ensembles are shaped according to age and level. The School will make an effort to place all interested students in an ensemble each year. Please note that ensembles change from year to year due to instrumentation and repertoire.
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