Music Academy

Instrumental Ensembles

Instrumental Ensembles provide students with an opportunity to develop their musical skill and learn to play with others. They are a context for students to learn values of teamwork and diligence, while growing in artistic expression. An emphasis is placed on developing the skills God has given us for his glory. All students new to Covenant Life ensembles will participate in a brief placement audition at the first class. We desire to place students in the ensemble that most effectively fits their gifts and abilities.

The Music Academy Ensembles and Choirs will hold a Spring Concert on
Tuesday, May 4, at 7 p.m. Dress rehearsal for the Spring Concert will be
Monday, May 3, from 6-10 p.m.

Covenant Life Strings

Spring Semester rehearsals begin the week of February 3.
Register Here

Beginning String Ensemble is a training ensemble which teaches note-reading and basic ensemble skills such as following a conductor and playing together. It is for beginning string players and also is appropriate for students up through Suzuki book 1 or equivalent. This ensemble will be led by Meghan Perdue, under the direction of Rachael Boer. As we see individual students growing in ability, we may invite them to audition for the Violin Choir when we believe they are ready for the challenge.

Beginning String Ensemble will rehearse on Thursdays, from 3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Rehearsals begin Thursday, February 4.
Fee: $75 per semester


Violin Choir is a large ensemble which will be led by Rachael Boer and Susan Fuller. This group will provide ensemble training for students in Suzuki books 2-6, and will focus on skills like dynamics, leading and following, musicality, and technical precision. The more advanced students in this group will serve as section leaders and teaching assistants, helping to lead sectionals and work with the younger students. Our desire is for this group to be able to participate in “run-out” concerts and events throughout the next semester. (Last year a similar group played at a nursing home, Lakeforest Mall, and a minor league baseball game.)

The Select Violin Choir will consist of a few advanced students in the Violin Choir who are selected by audition. This group will be pulled out of the regular Violin Choir rehearsals weekly to practice more challenging pieces together. Auditions for this group will take place during the first Violin Choir rehearsal on February 3 (we will be pulling students out during rehearsal to hear them). We are looking for technical facility (able to play in tune, in high positions, and able to play fast passages cleanly), musicality and most importantly, good sight-reading skills. If you are interested, please prepare a short solo piece and be prepared to sight-read.

Violin Choir will rehearse on Wednesdays, from 3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
Rehearsals begin Wednesday, February 3.
Fee: $75 per semester

String Quartet
(By invitation only)
Rehearsals weekly
Fee: $55 per semester

Beginning Band

Spring Semester rehearsals begin the week of January 4.
Register Here

The Beginning Band is for any student in grades 4-8 who would like to learn how to play an instrument. No previous musical training is required. Students will learn the fundamentals of playing their instrument and how to read music. Students may choose to play one of the following instruments:

Percussion: snare drum (by audition only)
Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, saxophone
Brass: trumpet, trombone

Fee:

CLS Students: Free
Non-CLS Students: $150 per semester, plus instrument rental fees and our text, Essential Elements 2000, Hal Leonard Publications. The text is available at local music stores, where students may also rent their instruments.

Time: Full Band meets on Thursdays, from 1:55 – 3 p.m.

Percussion Sectionals meet on Wednesdays, from 11:35 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Woodwind Sectionals meet on Tuesdays, from 11:35 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Brass Sectionals meet on Mondays, from 11:35 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Intermediate/Advanced Band

Spring Semester rehearsals begin the week of January 4.
Register Here

The Advanced Band is for any student in grades 4-8 who has at least one year of experience playing an instrument. If you are new to the band, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule an audition. Students may choose to play one of the following instruments:

Percussion: snare drum
Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, saxophone
Brass: trumpet, trombone

Fee:

CLS Students: Free
Non-CLS Students: $225 per semester, plus instrument rental fees and our text, Essential Elements 2000, Hal Leonard Publications. The text is available at local music stores, where students may also rent their instruments.

Time: Full Band meets on Tuesdays, from 1:55 – 3 p.m., and Thursdays, from 3:15 – 4 p.m.

Percussion Sectionals meet on Tuesdays, from 3:15 – 4 p.m.
Woodwind Sectionals meet on Thursdays, from 11:35 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Brass Sectionals meet on Thursdays, from 4 – 4:45 p.m.