Small & Chamber Ensembles
Duo & Trio Ensembles
Duo ensembles provide an opportunity for intermediate and advanced students of all ages to study masterworks of sonata and duet literature for two pianos, piano and instrument or voice, or two instruments, under the guidance of a faculty coach. A third instrument can be added to expand the repertoire possibilities as a trio ensemble. Days, times and coaches are arranged with the ensemble head.
SMALL AND CHAMBER ENSEMBLE RATES
Prices are per semester, based on 14 weeks.
Duo Ensembles (two participants)
30 minutes. With NMS private music lessons: $295; all others: $315
45 minutes. With NMS private music lessons: $399; all others: $427
60 minutes. With NMS private music lessons: $480; all others: $495
Trio Ensembles (three participants)
45 or 60 minutes. With NMS private music lessons: $325; all others: $420
Chamber and other small ensemble rates (four or more participants)
45 or 60 minutes. With NMS private music lessons:
$285; all others: $385
Ensemble Discount
Students taking three (3) or more ensembles receive 50 percent off the cost of the third and any additional ensembles. Discount applies to the least expensive ensemble(s).
Saturday Morning Chamber Ensembles for Children
The NMS Saturday Morning Chamber Ensemble program is a series of progressive ensemble experiences for children and teens on strings, winds, and keyboard with at least one year of private study through more advanced levels.
Other Small Ensembles
Small ensembles for flute, clarinet, guitar and percussion are offered at regular times throughout the week as described below. In addition, numerous small ensembles in various instrumental combinations are formed on an individual basis to match students with others of similar experience levels at mutually convenient times. Days, times and coaches are arranged with the Ensemble Program head.
Scheduled Ensemble Descriptions
Ensembles with fixed times are listed below. Contact Ensemble Program Head Grace Feldman for more information about other ensembles.
Baroque Ensemble
Ages 6-9. A first ensemble experience for children playing strings, flute, oboe, recorder or keyboard. A minimum of one year of instrumental study is recommended. Admission is by teacher recommendation.
Junior Chamber Ensemble
Ages 7-10. For intermediate youth players, Junior Chamber Ensemble is open to strings, keyboard and selected winds (flute, recorder, oboe and bassoon) and emphasizes techniques of large ensemble playing and sight reading. A minimum of two years of instrumental study is recommended. Admission is by teacher recommendation.
Advanced Baroque Ensemble
Ages 8-11. A chamber ensemble for advancing youth players. Open to strings and selected winds (flute, recorder, oboe and bassoon). The repertoire is drawn from intermediate-level Baroque Trio Sonatas. A minimum of three years of instrumental study is recommended.
Trio Sonata Group
Ages 9-13. An in-depth focus on the vast repertoire of Baroque Trio Sonatas, including works by Telemann, Bach, Handel, Corelli and Purcell. Open to strings and winds (recorder, flute, oboe, bassoon). A minimum of three years of instrumental study is recommended.
Baroque and Beyond
Ages 10-14. Exploration of the chamber music composed in the Medieval, Renaissance and Contemporary eras. A chance to broaden musical horizons and prepare for future orchestra and ensemble participation. A minimum of three years of instrumental study is recommended.
Flute Choir
For preteens and teens. This engaging ensemble explores flute choir repertoire from Early Music to the 21st century.
Clarinet Choir
For teens and adults. The full clarinet family is used to explore a great repertoire. This ensemble provides a wonderful learning experience, and numerous performance opportunities.
Choral Kids
Ages 6-9. A first vocal ensemble for students in grades one through three. Beginning singers will learn what it means to be a member of a choir and will establish a repertoire of literature including unison, rounds and partner songs. Games and movement will also be a part of the experience. Choral Kids participates at least twice a year in concerts with other NMS groups. Note: Open rehearsal first two weeks of semester. All are welcome. No audition necessary.
Guitar Ensemble for Plectrum Players
For teens and adults. Semi-intermediate and advanced students of the guitar can gain additional experience in playing and reading big band charts involving various types of music, such as jazz standards, Latin, country, ethnic and classical.
Latin American Guitar Ensemble
For teens and adults. This ensemble is for intermediate to advanced players who know how to read in at least the "First Position" and is offered to both plectrum and finger-style guitarists. The ensemble will learn rhythms from many different countries and cultures such as: Rumba, Tango, Samba, Bossa Nova, Cha-Cha-Cha, Merengue, Mambo, Bolero, Son-Montuno and more.
Percussion Ensemble
Ages 12 - adult. Have you always wanted to play percussion but didn’t think you could? Now is your chance. If you can read music, come join the adult beginner percussion ensemble. This ensemble focuses on teaching the techniques of basic auxiliary percussion instruments as well as learning percussion ensemble pieces. It is a great way to learn percussion and have fun.
Percussion Ensemble for Kids
Ages 7-13. Instruments include (but are not limited to) drum set, snare drum, timpani, keyboard percussion, and auxiliary percussion. Students will learn the basics of percussion ensemble playing while exploring the vast growing modern repertoire. Minimum of one year instrumental study is required.
Never-Too-Late Ensembles
For adults. These large ensembles of up to 4-12 adult string and wind players and pianists will explore repertoire encompassing four centuries. Evening rehearsal times allow working adults an opportunity to experience the joy of collaborative music-making in a supportive environment.
Intermediate-semi-advanced. (Some basic sight-reading skills necessary).
The Yearlings Violin Ensemble
For adults. This ensemble provides the opportunity for adults with a year or so of violin instruction to enjoy playing chamber music together in a supportive environment.
