Music

Emma Willard School's music department boasts both instrumental and vocal ensembles.

The instrumental music program includes Orchestra and Advanced String Ensemble, open to instrumentalists by audition. Our choirs perform both sacred and secular music of a variety of compositional styles and languages. Inner Choir and Semiquavers, Emma’s advanced choral groups, are open to members of choir by audition.

In addition to our ensembles, Emma's 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 our 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.

Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts

The Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for Performing Arts is the new home for music, offering performance and practice spaces. Klingenstein Concert Hall, a generous gift from Sally Klingenstein Martell ’85 and her family, serves as a transformative venue where both ensembles and soloists are empowered to perform and excel. Van Norman Rehearsal Room was a gift to inspire vibrant performing arts on Mount Ida for years to come honoring Russell Locke, Linda McClusky, Debra Spiro-Allen and all who share our dedication to music and the arts; given by Linda and Clarendon Van Norman and their daughter, May Van Norman ’98.

Vocal Ensembles

Inner Choir
The Inner Choir is a select vocal ensemble whose members are drawn from the choir. This group performs works of many cultures and genres appropriate for an advanced choral ensemble.

Choir
Choir is open to students of all levels of experience and abilities, who are interested in singing in an ensemble. We study a variety of pieces from early music to the present day, representing many cultures, genres and languages. Students will develop proper vocal technique in a group atmosphere, with many opportunities to challenge themselves to exceed their expectations. The ensemble performs in concerts throughout the year, including Eventide in December and the spring concert in May.

Semiquavers
This vocal ensemble is for highly motivated singers who are able to work both independently and collaboratively to study a variety of music from different musical periods and cultures. The Semiquavers perform throughout the year.

Instrumental Ensembles

Orchestra
The orchestra repertoire focuses on instrumental music of many genres. Auditions are held at the beginning of the year, and acceptance into the orchestra is based on these auditions. A student who is new to Emma Willard should prepare a short selection that demonstrates their playing level and ability. Players must provide their own instruments.

Chamber Orchestra
Participation in this ensemble is by audition. A student must be in the orchestra to be considered for this group. Its members are highly motivated students who wish to expand their level of playing and knowledge of classical chamber ensemble repertoire.

Applied Music Program

Music Lessons
Individual instruction in vocal and instrumental study is provided for a special fee. Instruction in the following instruments is available on campus: cello, flute, organ, piano, viola, violin, and voice. The school attempts to provide instruction in any instrument requested, either on campus or off campus through the Practicum program. If a student wants to study an instrument other than piano or organ, the student must provide their own instrument.