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!
Students applying for any performing ensemble listed in this section should submit a completed registration form with the $35 registration fee and $75 tuition deposit. The full tuition for the year is due by October 4, 2008. (Students not paying in full by October 4 will be billed monthly with a 1.5% finance charge assessed on the unpaid balance. Payments must be made each month with the final payment being due by December 1, 2008.) Students may withdraw from the ensemble before the fourth rehearsal. After that point, they are committed for the year and cannot receive a refund. 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 September 10, 2008
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: $512
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: $512
Add Junior Theory, Ear Training and Solfege: $512
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: $512
Add Junior Theory, Ear Training and Solfege: $512
Conservatory Youth Chorale
(High School Honors Choir)
Joe Miller, Conductor
Grades 9-12
The Westminster Conservatory Youth Chorale is an honors choir for high school students. The choir provides an opportunity for advanced high school singers to perform challenging choral literature of various styles, periods and genres. Highlights of the season include a holiday concert in December and a major work in the spring. Other performances are scheduled at area venues in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Audition required for all new students. Princeton location only.
Number of rehearsals: 32
Rehearsal length: 3 hours
Tuition: $448 (tuition if taking private lessons: $392)
Add High School Theory, Ear Training and Solfege: $512
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
Adult Theory, Sight Singing & Aural Skills
Adults
This comprehensive course combines the study of music theory with the development of musicianship skills: rhythmic exercises, pitch exercises in both treble and bass clef, solo and duet singing using melodies from classic literature, etc. Solfege syllables (do, re, mi, etc.) will be used to represent pitches. While this class is open to all adults, it is recommended for non-reading choir and solo singers who wish to improve their music reading skills. A student may enter the program at any level, to be determined by a placement test. Princeton location only.
Number of classes: 32
Class length: 45 minutes (4-person minimum)
Tuition: $432 (tuition if taking private lessons or for Westminster Community Chorus members: $384)
Materials fee: $20
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES
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
Joe Miller
Ruth Ochs
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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