Director: Kenneth Law

What is chamber music: Chamber music is a form of classical music composed for a small group of musicians, each with their own part to play. Playing chamber music requires special skills, which differ from those required to play solo or in an orchestra including:  

Collaboration: Chamber Music involves working together equally, sharing opinions and striving to come together to make something beautiful and working towards a common goal. Each individual voice is important, and so is the collaboration of the voices together.

Leadership: There is no conductor! Each member of the group has to be the leader at different times to help the group come together.

Responsibility: When there is only one student to a part, there is no ability to hide. Each student must be responsible for learning their music! Students must be responsible for regular attendance and be on time for rehearsals.

Intonation: In small ensembles, students must focus and learn the skill of playing in tune.

Performance Skills: The ability to perform in front of an audience is another skill that is honed in chamber music. Control of performance nerves translates to auditions, interviews, presentations, and any type of public speaking.

And… it’s FUN!: Chamber Music is a great combination of playing music and spending time with friends!

 

Chamber music is a team effort and one that requires each musician's personal commitment to give their best. Communicating with fellow players, learning to trust one another, finding one’s own musical voice, and making musical decisions together is a wonderful and important experience for young people to have.

REHEARSALS
Chamber groups rehearse on a weekly basis at Katherine Johnson Middle School one hour prior to the scheduled orchestra rehearsals on Monday evenings. The ensemble will rehearse every week and have coachings.

PERFORMANCES
Students will be offered performance opportunities throughout the year.

ATTENDANCE
The ensemble experience is dependent on the commitment and attendance of each member to both rehearsals and performances. More than three absences will result in dismissal from the group for the remainder of the semester. In the event of an absences you are responsible for notifying TCSYO, your coach, and fellow ensemble members. The other members of your group will meet without you that week.

CONDUCT
All students and families are expected to conduct themselves in a collegial and cooperative manner. Communication and commitment among Chamber Music ensemble members and coaches is extremely important to the success of the group.

TUITION
Tuition covers compensation for our coaches, as well as costs associated with performances and rehearsal space. Please do not make a payment until you learn whether or not you are placed in an ensemble. Financial aid may be available for families that need assistance.

HOW TO APPLY
String Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra only
Tuition (each semester): $400.00 Payment will be due if/when you are selected for a chamber group.
Chamber Music Interest Form: HERE