The music department boasts both instrumental and vocal ensembles. The instrumental music program includes Orchestra and Advanced String Ensemble, open to instrumentalists by audition. The Emma Willard Choirs perform both sacred and secular music of a variety of compositional styles and languages. Advanced choral groups, Inner Choir and Semiquavers, are open to members of Choir by audition. Kiggins Hall, known for its acoustic splendor, provides a superb venue for our performances.
In addition to our ensembles, the music department offers courses in music theory, music appreciation, voice seminar and opera appreciation. Students are able to take private vocal and instrumental lessons through our on-campus adjunct instructors and the practicum program. The music classes and ensembles offer many opportunities for growth as we seek to engage with the student on their journey to find their voice.
In choir rehearsals, I love laughing with my group over blunders, helping each other learn the notes of a challenging section, and celebrating the eventual triumphant mastery of a piece. Most of all, I love it when all voice parts come together in a wonderful blend of sound as I realize that in that moment, nothing matters more than the music we are making and the satisfaction we are getting out of it.
- Madeline Chan, ‘10
