Music

Beginning in Grade 3, students who are motivated to learn an orchestral instrument can begin weekly group classes that take place during the academic day (lunch and recess). The number of students per class is limited to 3, allowing for optimum instruction of each student within the 30-minute class. Beginning classes are offered in strings, winds, and brass instruments.

The music program is a systematic, experience-based curriculum for young students. Beginning in preschool, the youngest students build an awareness of rhythm, melody, and phrasing through folk songs, instruments, stories, and performance. Throughout each grade level, basic music vocabulary and an exploration of instrumental and vocal skills allow students to experience excellence in music practice and performance.

The Primary School Instrumental Ensemble is open to all primary school students in grades 3–5 who have successfully completed two years of instrumental classes or students who, with the support of private lessons, have good music reading skills and have a proficient technique on their instrument.

The Hummingbirds chorus is open to young singers in Grades 3–5 who enjoy learning a more advanced choral repertoire in an atmosphere marked by dedication and a love of singing. The work that is done in these rehearsals complements the work of the music class. Students have additional opportunities to perform at concerts on campus and at community events.

The Instrumental program provides students with opportunities to grow individually as well as work together in an ensemble experience. Small sectional rehearsals allow students to grow their musical skills, thus allowing them to thrive in a larger ensemble. In addition, there are opportunities for beginner students to participate in Brass or Percussion Instrumental classes. The year culminates in an exciting, collaborative orchestra performance featuring all middle school instrumentalists.

Performing in a chorus gives students an opportunity to sing with a large group. Our singers develop strong musicianship skills, experience reading a score and learn about varied repertoire, composers, and music styles. It is also an environment in which students can extend their singing skills and aural training. The singers perform several concerts throughout the year.

The Kent Place Singers is a small, highly selective vocal ensemble offered to students in 11th and 12th grade. Students are placed in four parts following annual auditions. The group performs on campus in concerts, at special events, and in special collaborations with other musical groups throughout the greater Metropolitan area.

The Kent Place Chorale is the Upper School's largest singing group, which has an on-going reputation for quality performance. Through rehearsal and performance, Chorale seeks to help each student develop a love, understanding, and appreciation of music and learn the skills and concepts necessary to successfully participate in a vocal ensemble.

The Kent Place Singers is an audition-based group designed for the serious singer who would both benefit from and contribute to singing three- and four-part music. The group prepares a diverse repertoire of music, both accompanied and a cappella, for several performances throughout the year.

This audition-based orchestra plays a challenging repertoire by diverse composers and comprises of small chamber ensembles such as the Kent Place String Quartet and Jazz combos.

Kent Place offers students the opportunity to study music further through the music theory program. Culminating in AP Music Theory, students develop their music literacy through sight-singing and gain a further understanding of the pieces performed in chorus and instrument ensemble classes.

Membership in the Upper School Orchestra provides students with opportunities to grow individually as an instrumental performer as well as learning to work together in ensembles. In addition to Symphony Orchestra, students will participate in ensembles specific to their instrumental family.

Treblemakers is the student-led Kent Place a cappella group, open by audition to all singers in grades 9-12. Their repertoire includes current pop hits and traditional college a cappella arrangments. The group performs at campus events and with other a cappella groups in the area. Rehearsals are held once a week after school.