Chamber Music Ensembles

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Woodwind Trio members James Smelley (bassoon), Kendall Holland (flute), and Emily Lane (clarinet) rehearse in the recital hall of Moody Music Bldg. July, 2016

Chamber Music attracts students with a high level of commitment. Players are assigned one player to a part and must apply themselves to learning their parts quickly. Due to the transparent texture of a small group, chamber playing allows the student to develop intonation skills, awareness of blending and balance, and the ability to listen to oneself within the context of a larger group.

Students of any age who have reached an intermediate to advanced playing level are invited to participate. Interested students are placed in groups according to their level of ability and by necessary instrumentation of selected works.

Chamber music ensembles meet weekly for 60-90-minute rehearsals over a 12-week period. Each ensemble receives professional coaching. Participation in a semester-end performance is by the approval of the ensemble coach. The semester fee is determined by the number of classes and length of coached rehearsals.

Chamber Music ensembles from the recent past have included the following ensembles: String Quartet, Piano Trio, Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, Jazz Combo, Piano Quartet, Chamber Strings, and Flute Choir.

Summer Chamber Music – Trios & Quartets

Ensembles are arranged by level of performers and appropriate instrumentation and meet for 8 professional coaching sessions. If arranged with the teacher, groups may opt for a more intense session (i.e., meeting 2 times per week for a month), OR a more relaxed summer session (i.e., meeting once per week all summer).

Students must be able to fluently read music and play in several keys. Experience with advanced technique (shifting and playing through the fourth position, vibrato) is a plus for string students.

Cost: $125 (8, 1-hour sessions).