Music

All 5th and 6th grade students participate in our instrumental music program, learning the basics of playing a string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. Students in 7th and 8th grade may choose to continue playing their instruments as a part of the more advanced 7th and 8th Grade Instrumental Ensemble. Both ensembles prepare for a major performance at the end of each semester. Students who hope to hone their skills further are encouraged to enroll in private lessons. Although students are welcome to provide their own instruments, Newton Country Day School manages the process of instrument rental and purchase for most students. 

All 5th and 6th grade students sing and learn the basics of vocal technique, sight reading, and choral performance grounded in the Kodály method. 7th and 8th grade students may choose to work at a more advanced level. Both ensembles prepare for a major performance at the end of each semester. 7th and 8th grade students are eligible to audition for the Middle School's select choral ensemble - Cantilare. 

Cantilare is an advanced choir for 7th and 8th grade students. Students may audition for this ensemble at the beginning of their 7th or 8th grade year. They sing advanced music and have more performance opportunities when compared to the larger 7th and 8th grade choir. This group of approximately 30 students performs regularly throughout the academic year at masses, concerts, and special events. 

Instrumental Ensemble is open to students with at least one year of experience with an orchestra or band instrument (this does not include piano). The goal of this course is to hone individual musicianship, as well as to develop a well-balanced ensemble sound through a varied study of instrumental music. Music selections represent a wide breadth of music history, from medieval to modern. The course focuses on team-building skills and offers leadership opportunities to all students. The Instrumental Ensemble performs at important school events including a major performance at the culmination of each semester. Students who hope to hone their skills further are encouraged to enroll in private lessons. Although students are welcome to provide their own instruments, Newton Country Day School manages the process of instrument rental and purchase for most students. Prerequisite: at least one year of comprehensive study playing a concert band instrument

Honors Instrumental Ensemble is an advanced course of study for instrumentalists already enrolled in Instrumental Ensemble. This course serves to deepen students’ musicianship and broadens their technique to the world of chamber music. The course asks each student to engage more rigorously in music literacy, composition, arranging, arts leadership, and analysis of various pieces of chamber music. The primary goal of the course is to create an original composition or arrangement that is showcased in the Festival of the Arts performance. Open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 currently enrolled in Instrumental Ensemble. Students are required to audition in the Spring and are formally evaluated by the music faculty on their technique, tone, and ability to sight read.

Honors Schola Cantorum is an advanced course of study for choral musicians enrolled in Chorale. This course serves to deepen students’ understanding of the breadth of choral music and covers all time periods of musical composition from Medieval to 21st Century at an advanced level. Students are asked to make connections through music to literature, history, art, world language, and sociopolitical issues, culminating in performances which highlight a social awareness that impels to action through choral music. This course is repertoire-driven and students are expected to learn and perform music quickly. Students are expected to regularly engage with the broader music community on the district, regional, and state level through festivals and adjudications. The primary goal of the course is to perform collegiate-level vocal chamber music for the annual Advent Vespers Prayer Service, Festival of the Arts, and Masses. Open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 currently enrolled in Chorale. Students are required to audition during the Spring term for entry into this course.

Private lessons in piano, brass, strings, woodwinds, and voice are available (based on teacher availability and areas of expertise) to students after school for a nominal fee. Interest forms are completed in September and, upon successful placement, registration is for a full year’s instruction (January for half-year instruction) with lessons beginning in October. Lessons are open to both Middle and Upper School students. Questions about this program may be directed to the Director of Music Dr. Corey Everly.

Our a cappella group meets once a week to prepare for an annual performance. The committee is primarily led by students with the assistance of a choral music faculty member. The music performed is most often in the collegiate a cappella style. The committee is meant to be a supplement to other academic engagement in music at Newton Country Day.