Choral Ensembles
- Chorale: This ensemble gives students the opportunity to explore choral technique in a safe, controlled environment. Students will perform a variety of styles, including but not limited to popular music, show tunes, and classical repertoire.
- No audition required.
- This ensemble will study unison, two-part repertoire and SAB. Most, if not all pieces are accompanied.
- Chamber Singers: Kensington Woods Schools’ premier choir, the Chamber Singers offer students the opportunity to perform mixed voice literature. This ensemble focuses on both popular music as well as traditional, classic repertoire.
- Students are expected to audition for positions in this ensemble.
- Students will be expected to perform at school functions, in the community and around the state. Therefore, members of this ensemble are expected to present themselves with a high level of professionalism and respect at all times.
- Students will be expected to perform MSVMA HS Intermediate and Advanced SATB repertoire, both accompanied and acapella.
Instrumental Ensembles
- Beginning Band: This ensemble gives all students who have never played an instrument or wish to learn a secondary instrument the chance to learn in a slower placed ensemble.
- No audition required.
- This ensemble will use Essential Elements 2000. Limited copies are available from the school, so students are encouraged to purchase their own copy.
- Students will need to provide an instrument to play. Instrument rentals will be provided through Marshall Music, and a limited number of instruments will be provided by Kensington Woods Schools, per request.
- Concert Band: Kensington Woods Schools’ top wind ensemble, this group provides students an opportunity to continue to explore playing their instruments.
- At least one year of experience is required on a wind or percussion instrument.
- This ensemble will use a mix of Essential Elements 2000 and stand-alone pieces. Limited copies of Essential Elements are available from the school, so students are encouraged to purchase their own copy.
- Students will need to provide an instrument to play. Instrument rentals will be provided through Marshall Music, and a limited number of instruments will be provided by Kensington Woods Schools, per request.
- Percussion Ensemble (5+ Members): Members of the percussion section will be given the opportunity to participate in Percussion Ensemble, which will give the students the opportunity to focus on the unique aspects of their instruments.
- No audition required.
- This ensemble will perform a variety of styles and instruments, including but not limited to concert percussion, drumline, and Latin percussion.
- Kensington Woods will provide students with instruments, but all percussion students are required to provide their own drum pad, sticks and mallets. These items can be purchased through Marshall Music, Schafer’s House of Music, Woodwind Brasswind, and Steve Weiss Music.
After School Ensembles
- Garage Band (4+ Students): Tues & Thurs 3:30PM – 5:30PM, students are given the opportunity to explore music often not studied in a traditional music classroom. This includes rock, punk, funk, jazz and many other styles.
- Students must audition for positions in this ensemble.
- Students will be expected to have a rudimentary knowledge of voice, piano, bass, drums, or a wind instrument.
- Students will be expected to perform at school functions and in the community.
- Drumline & Pep Band (Up to 12 Members): Mon & Wed 3:45PM – 5:00PM, Students are given the opportunity to explore one of the most recognizable parts of the marching band experience. Both wind players and percussionists will be given time to focus on their instruments, coming together to perform popular music for concerts and school functions.
- No audition required; however, returning members will be given preference.
- Wind players must have experience on their instrument, preferably at least two years of playing experience.
- Students will be expected to perform at school functions and in the community.