Performance Ensembles

All participants in Academy Performance Ensembles commit to two evening rehearsals each week. Rehearsals for most ensembles occur on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:20-7:50. Each of the ensembles performs at least once each term. For a full look at of our performance ensembles, please view the gallery to the right.

Orchestral

Academy Symphony Orchestra (85 members): The Academy Symphony Orchestra includes all string players and select winds, brass and percussion players determined by audition. All string players of the Academy Symphony Orchestra are placed through an audition process in one of three smaller chamber ensembles as well. Conductor: James Orent

Academy Chamber Orchestra (20 members). Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced of the three string ensembles. Its membership consists primarily of uppers and seniors. Members of this ensemble can expect extensive practice requirements outside of scheduled rehearsals in order to meet the demands of the repertoire. Academy Chamber Orchestra rehearses on Thursday evenings. Conductor: James Orent

Amadeus Chamber Ensemble (20 members). Amadeus is the intermediate string ensemble. Its membership consists primarily of lowers and uppers. Members of this ensemble can expect to hone their skills of expressive ensemble playing through rehearsals combining repertoire preparation and sight reading, as well as regularly listening to recordings. Conductor: Christina Landolt

Corelli Chamber Ensemble (20 members). Corelli is the entry level string ensemble. Its membership consists of primarily of juniors and lowers. Members of this ensemble can expect to develop vital string ensemble skills. Conductors: Elizabeth Aureden and Holly Barnes

Wind Ensembles

Concert Band. Membership in Concert Band (60 members) is open to all students playing wind, brass, and percussion instruments. All types of music for wind ensemble are performed, including marches, classical, popular, and show music. Conductors: Vincent Monaco and Derek Jacoby

Jazz Band. Membership in Jazz Band (25 members) is determined by audition at the beginning of each school year. Jazz Band is a typical big band format and performs the repertoire of the groups of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, and Woody Herman, as well as contemporary Latin jazz and jazz/rock fusion compositions. Membership is conditional on continued good standing in the Concert Band. Conductor: Peter Cirelli

Chamber Music Program

Faculty coached jazz and classical ensembles of 3-8 players rehearse once each week and perform once each term. Faculty Directors: Holly Barnes (Classical) and Peter Cirelli (Jazz)

Vocal

Phillips Academy Chorus
Phillips Academy Chorus (60 members) Chorus is the Academy's major singing group composed of mixed voices, and it performs a variety of choral works, both sacred and secular. Membership in the Academy Chorus is open to all students, regardless of previous choral experience. Conductor: Christopher Walter

Fidelio
This small mixed a capella group (16-18 members) performs on numerous occasions throughout the year. Its repertoire includes music of all types-early and modern, sacred and secular. Membership is determined by audition and is conditional upon good standing in chorus. Conductor: Christopher Walter

Gospel Choir
Membership in Gospel choir is open to all students. Gospel Choir is organized as a club, and rehearses for an hour early on Thursday evenings. The Choir performs at ecumenical Chapel services and special celebrations.