The Fine Arts Department at St. Cecilia Academy now offers an instrumental music class during the school day. Chamber Ensemble class is open to all students who have previous experience playing an instrument. Guitarists, pianists, strings and winds are encouraged to participate. The instructor is Sherry Merideth.
Students are divided into groups of 2 to 5 students to rehearse and perform chamber music. Students rapidly progress as instrumentalists and musicians, always playing their own individual part. On-campus masses and assemblies often feature the talents of the Chamber Ensemble. Off-campus performing opportunities are available as well.
Chamber music comprises many different musical styles and genres and various combinations of instrumentalists, including collaborations between pianists, string players, and wind instrumentalists. Chamber music demands that each individual engage in a close musical dialogue with the other performers. Their collective musical instinct, experience, knowledge and talent guide the process of interpreting, rehearsing, and performing.
While the focus of Chamber Ensemble is on rehearsing and performing traditional classical repertoire, students are also exposed to other genres of music and learn composing, dictation, and improvisation skills.
