Performing Ensembles
Grades K-adult
The ensemble experience can be one of the most rewarding aspects of music study. Whether in a choir, orchestra or chamber group, joining with others to create music builds musicianship, provides motivation for individual study, and continually challenges the performer with new works. It also happens to be lots of fun!
There are audition requirements for all ensembles except Choral Readiness. Students who audition for an ensemble and are not accepted will receive a full refund of all fees and deposits. For more information on audition requirements, rehearsal times, and concert schedules, contact the main Conservatory office at 609-921-7104.
- Download the class schedule for all locations (PDF)* as of October 28, 2009
Learn how to register here.
Choral Readiness
Katherine Chen, Instructor
Level 1: K-Grade 1
Level 2: Returning Students-Grade 1
This class focuses on music making appropriate for children ages 5 to 7 years, with an emphasis on vocal music development. Singing games and movement provide a repertoire of musical experiences from which lessons in music theory and singing are derived. Basic musicianship skills are taught, including healthy singing and tonal and rhythmic music reading. Musical repertoire includes both folk and “art” music of high quality. The class will have the opportunity to perform at least once on the Westminster campus or off campus. The class is comprised of both experienced and inexperienced singers. All kindergarteners and those 1st graders who have had limited musical experiences would be most comfortable in Level 1. All returning Choral Readiness students and 1st graders who have taken Early Childhood classes or are taking private instrumental lessons should choose Level 2. Students are expected to commit for the full academic year. No audition is required. Enrollment is limited.
Number of rehearsals: 32
Rehearsal length: 45 minutes for Level 1; 50 minutes for Level 2
Tuition: $376 for Level 1; $384 for Level 2
Schola Choir
Yvonne Macdonald, Conductor
Grades 2-3
This ensemble serves as the training choir for Concino Choir. Much of the rehearsal time is spent on the development of sight-reading skills and part singing. Students are expected to commit for the full academic year. Auditions are intended to determine the child’s desire to sing and commitment to the group, and do not require performance of prepared pieces. Audition and interview required for all new students unless they are moving up from Choral Readiness. Princeton location only.
Number of rehearsals: 32
Rehearsal length: 50 minutes
Tuition: $384
Materials fee: $20 music deposit (refunded if music is returned)
Add Junior Theory, Ear Training & Solfege: $528
Concino Choir
Yvonne Macdonald, Conductor
Grades 4-5
Concino Choir will perform at Westminster Choir College and in the Princeton area throughout the year. The choral repertoire will span various periods and styles of music. Students are expected to commit for the full academic year. Auditions do not require a prepared piece. An audition and interview are necessary for new students to determine vocal range and prior experience. Students who are moving up from Schola Choir are not required to audition. Princeton location only.
Number of rehearsals: 32
Rehearsal length: 60 minutes
Tuition: $392
Materials fee: $20 music deposit (refunded if music is returned)
Add Pre-Teen Voice Class: $528
Add Junior Theory, Ear Training and Solfege: $528
Cantus Choir
(Middle School Honors Choir)
Patricia Thel, Conductor
Grades 6-8
This group performs frequently at Westminster Choir College and in the Princeton community. Repertoire includes a variety of age-appropriate sacred and secular choral music of the highest quality. Students are expected to commit for the full academic year. Audition and interview required for all new students. Princeton location only.
Number of rehearsals: 32
Rehearsal length: 90 minutes
Tuition: $448 (tuition if taking private lessons: $392)
Materials fee: $20 music deposit (refunded if music is returned)
Add Pre-Teen Voice Class: $528
Add Junior Theory, Ear Training and Solfege: $528
Conservatory Youth Chorale
Devin Mariman, Conductor
Grades 9-12
(join the Westminster Community Chorus; see below)
Add High School Theory, Ear Training & Solfege: $528
Westminster Community Chorus
Devin Mariman, Conductor
Adults
The Westminster Community Chorus provides an opportunity for adults in the community to share the pleasure of choral singing. The chorus is open to amateur singers from beginning to advanced. Westminster is renowned for choral excellence and this long-standing tradition will be shared with the community. Rehearsals will culminate with two or three performances per year. Audition required for new members. Princeton location only.
Number of rehearsals: 32
Rehearsal length: 2 hours
Tuition: $208
Materials fee: $35
Community Chamber Choir
Devin Mariman, Conductor
Adults
Drawn from the Westminster Community Chorus, this select choir will perform music intended for a smaller ensemble, including motets, madrigals and other works. Prior choral experience and sight-reading ability are required. Audition required yearly for all members. Princeton location only.
Number of rehearsals: 32
Rehearsal length: 40 minutes
Tuition: $64
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
Princeton Charter School/Westminster Community Youth Orchestra NEW!
Ruth Ochs, Conductor
Grades 5-8
Based at Princeton Charter School, the Community Youth Orchestra is a newly formed ensemble for intermediate to advanced players in grades 5 to 8. This orchestra builds upon a core membership of middle-school musicians from the Princeton Charter School. The orchestra rehearses weekly at Princeton Charter School and will perform at least two concerts throughout the school year. The music ranges from the baroque to the modern, from classical to popular. The atmosphere is non-competitive and supportive of growing musicians, but also aims to develop important facets of orchestral playing, such as good intonation, bow technique (for string players), ensemble blending, and general listening techniques. Musicianship (including scale mastery) and music appreciation are integrated as well. Prerequisites for participation in the orchestra include: a minimum of two years of study; ability to play major and minor 2-octave scales; strong reading skills. It is also recommended that members of the ensemble are studying privately. Students interested in joining the ensemble should submit a teacher recommendation with their registration.
Number of rehearsals, including performance(s): 32
Rehearsal length: 75 minutes
Tuition: $392 (tuition if taking private lessons at the Conservatory: $320)
Rider University Concert Band NEW!
Jerry Rife, Conductor
Middle School through Adult
For the first time since its formation in the early 1960s, the Rider University Concert Band will be open to Conservatory students who are in middle school and older. Experienced brass, woodwind, and percussionists who share an interest in band music, and who enjoy making music with other musicians are welcome to audition for acceptance in the band. In the tradition of community spirit and collaboration, the Rider University Concert Band may join forces with the Blawenburg Band for community celebrations and performances throughout the academic year with Dr. Jerry Rife at the podium. Audition required. Rider University (Lawrenceville) campus only.
Number of rehearsals, including performance(s): 28
Rehearsal length: 60 minutes
Tuition: $210
Westminster Community Orchestra
Ruth Ochs, Conductor
Adults
This full-size orchestra offers adults in the community the opportunity to share the pleasure of orchestral playing. The ensemble is open to dedicated amateur musicians from intermediate to advanced levels. Coaching, sectional rehearsals, and Princeton-area performances throughout the year are an integral part of the program. Past performances have included Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, Brahms’s Symphony No. 2, and Copland’s Billy the Kid Suite. Inquiries welcome during the year. Please contact the Conservatory about vacancies. Audition required. Princeton location only.
Number of rehearsals: 32
Rehearsal length: 2-1/2 hours
Tuition: $192
PERFORMING ENSEMBLE FACULTY
Katherine Chen
Yvonne Macdonald
Devin Mariman
Ruth Ochs
Jerry Rife
Patricia Thel
To view faculty bios, click here.
*All PDF files require Adobe Reader (free).
Westminster Conservatory of Music - (609) 921-7104 - wccConserv@rider.edu
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