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
    Winter Concert on Friday, December 5, at 7 p.m.
    • Dress rehearsal for the Winter Concert will be
      Thursday, December 4, from 6-9 p.m.
  • The Instrumental Ensembles will participate in a concert on
    Thursday, December 18, at 7:30 p.m.
    • Dress rehearsal for the Instrumental Concert will be
      Tuesday, December 16, at 6 p.m.

    Covenant Life Strings

    Register Here

    All students interested in joining a String Ensemble must participate in an audition. We will have three String Ensembles for the 2008-2009 school year:
    Beginning String Ensemble: For students with little to no ensemble experience who have taken 1-3 years of private lessons. Students in this training ensemble will learn the basics of playing in a group, following a conductor, and reading music with more fluency. At least 1 year of lessons and some note-reading ability is required.

    Beginning String Ensemble will rehearse on Tuesdays from 3:15 – 4:15 p.m.


    Intermediate String Ensemble: For students who have previous ensemble experience, are fluent note-readers, are comfortable playing in keys up to 3 sharps or 3 flats, and have taken 2-5 years of private lessons. The music for this group will be quite challenging; some will require the students to play in 3rd position. This group will perform without a director.

    Intermediate String Ensemble will rehearse on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5 p.m.


    Advanced String Ensemble: For very advanced students with significant ensemble experience. Students must be comfortable in positions from 1st to 5th, and have excellent sight-reading skills. This group will rehearse on their own and receive monthly coaching. 

    Advanced String Ensemble members will collectively choose a weekly rehearsal time that is convenient for all members.

    Placement auditions for string ensembles


    Placement auditions will be held on August 21 and 22 (Thursday and Friday) from 3 – 6 p.m.
    Please contact Susan Perdue at to schedule an audition.
    Students will be asked to play two scales of their choice, a solo piece of their choice, and sight-reading.

    Beginning Band

    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

    Instructor: Ben Chouinard
    Fee: $125 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 Fridays, 3:15-4 p.m.

    Percussion Sectionals: Wednesdays, 4:15-5 p.m.
    Woodwind Sectionals: Wednesdays, 3:15-4 p.m.
    Brass Sectionals: Fridays, 4:15-5 p.m.

    Rehearsals begin the week of September 8, and will follow the Covenant Life School Schedule.

    Advanced Band

    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 to schedule an audition. Students may choose to play one of the following instruments:

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

    Instructor: Ben Chouinard
    Fee: $190 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 and Thursdays, 3:15-4 p.m.

    Percussion Sectionals: Thursdays, 2:15-3 p.m.
    Woodwind Sectionals: Tuesdays, 4:15-5 p.m.
    Brass Sectionals: Thursdays, 4:15-5 p.m.

    Rehearsals begin the week of September 8, and will follow the Covenant Life School Schedule.