A four-week introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Each week members of our faculty introduce a different instrument family—strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion—in a fun, interactive class. Students learn to produce sound on each instrument, observe live instrument demonstrations, and listen to recordings of great performers.
Singers are encouraged to develop their best vocal tone in a supportive, fun, and positive learning environment. Choristers develop pitch matching, experience singing harmony, learn vocal warm-ups, and respond to a conductor. Singers perform age-appropriate choral repertoire selected from a variety of genres, with an emphasis on Western Classical and multi-cultural music. Class culminates in a casual recital at the end of the semester.
Les étoiles is an advanced level chorus for teenage girls. Singers should have prior musical training and be motivated toward learning challenging repertoire. Beyond the musical benefits of membership in les étoiles, these young women learn the art of becoming a professional performer, through touring and performing.
Celestials Voices is the advanced level chorus for girls, ages 10 to 12. Singers should have prior musical training and be ready for a higher challenge. Instruction includes vocal technique, advanced ear training, and music theory. The singers perform music, both a cappella and accompanied, in three-part harmony.
Comets is the chorus for boys, ages 9 and up. The Comets are currently rehearsing with Starlights, however, as the program gains more singers, the Comets will break away from Starlights, holding their own rehearsals and singing their own repertoire.
Starlights is the entry level chorus for girls, ages 9 through middle school.
The SJYS Percussion Ensemble offers an opportunity for percussionists to perform percussion ensemble music from the 20th and 21st centuries, and performs regularly each season. Members are encouraged to play many different percussion instruments including timpani, snare drum, bass drum, accessory instruments, xylophone, marimba, and ethnic percussion. Students are taught valuable chamber music skills and instructed on performing techniques, proper set-up of multiple percussion parts, playing advanced rhythms and taking care of instruments.
The Concert Wind Ensemble is designed to develop the overall ability of the young woodwind and brass musicians. Students in this ensemble will perform band works at a grade 2-4 which is standard for most middle school ensembles. Concert Winds is also designed for the more proficient high school/middle school musician desiring to learn a new instrument to enhance the ensemble instrumentation and balance in their current school program. Students will have the opportunity to work in smaller ensembles and will perform 2-3 times during the year.