Instrumental

Our students love to make beautiful music.

The instrumental program offers orchestral, wind ensemble, guitar, and group piano classes. Students of all skill levels are welcome, including beginners. Private lessons, rehearsal rooms, private practice facilities, numerous performance opportunities and daily practice times give student musicians the resources to develop into serious artists. Visiting instructors and master classes are invited throughout the year to give students access to a wide range of teaching styles, methods, and skills. The fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, tone, balance, and blend are stressed from the start. Students perform solo, duet and ensemble works each term, and every participant is strengthened by the collaborative experience.

Chamber Orchestra:

The Chamber Orchestra is open to all string students (violin, viola, cello, and bass), including beginners. This course emphasizes the works of classical and contemporary composers in various musical styles. Along with ensemble skills, a high priority is placed on individual musicianship; especially tone production, technique, intonation, and interpretation. Students have opportunities throughout the course of the year to collaborate with SSM Choirs and Wind Ensemble. This ensemble performs five times during the school year on campus.

Wind Ensemble:

The Wind Ensemble is open to all wind and percussion students of all levels. These students explore the rich repertoire of the American wind ensemble from multiple eras. Knowledge of music theory and individual technique development are emphasized in addition to ensemble skills. Students have opportunities throughout the course of the year to collaborate with SSM Choirs and Chamber Orchestra. This ensemble performs five times during the school year on campus.. 

The Instrumental Music program includes:

• Wind Ensemble
• String Chamber Orchestra
• Guitar Class
• Piano Class
• Private lessons on all instruments and in music composition
• Interdisciplinary arts collaboration
• Varied performance opportunities 
• State of the art composition and recording software and equipment
• Master Classes with professional musicians
• Concert attendance of local colleges and professional ensembles and productions
• Opportunity for state wide honors ensembles and competitions