Kindergarten students spend the year with Miss Emily May, who introduces them to the exciting world of music in the first semester through a class she calls “Music and Movement.” In the second semester the students continue building their musical vocabulary as they begin playing the violin.
First and Second Grade students see Mr. Miller twice each week. Violin continues to be the primary vehicle for their music making. Throughout these years an emphasis is placed on appreciating the art of making music and cultivating each child’s confidence in their God-given musical abilities.
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grades visit Mrs. Miller two times a week. The emphasis of these classes is choral singing. Throughout the year these students band together to form an exhilarating treble choir. In addition to their singing, students study the fundamentals of music theory, developing a working vocabulary for discussing music, an understanding of performance terminology, and an appreciation for the characteristics of a responsible chorister.
7/8 CHOIR is our music class for the members of the 7th and 8th grades. The girls and boys each have one rehearsal per week, and join forces to provide music for all-school chapels, concerts and special seasonal services such as The Festival of Lessons and Carols.
Chamber Choir has established a reputation for superb choral tone and expressive interpretation. The choir, comprised of students from grades 9–12, rehearses daily and maintains an active calendar of performances under the direction of Mrs. Wendy Miller. The choir (formerly The Rhetoric Choir) enjoyed a twelve-day tour to Austria during the summer of 2008, singing in schools, community arenas, and churches.
Faculty Choir rehearses periodically throughout the school year in order to participate in the school’s more festive occasions, such as All Saint’s Day chapel and the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols.
String Explorers is an adventurous group that meets once per week to explore the world of orchestral music. This ensemble is designed to meet the needs of young string players just venturing out into the world of playing with others. Tuition is $75 per semester; need-based scholarships are available. Participation is open to non-Geneva students. Students must study privately. If you are interested in joining the String Explorers, please fill out the Consortium Application Form and turn in to Michael Miller. Rehearsals begin after Labor Day.
Philharmonia Orchestra, our Grammar School string orchestra, rehearses twice per week. Designed for advancing young musicians, the Philharmonia plays a wide variety of music, learning the hallmarks of each style and placing great emphasis on developing the habits of a good musician. Tuition is $100 per semester; need-based scholarships are available. Participation is open to non-Geneva students. Students must study privately. If you are interested in joining the Philharmonia Orchestra, please fill out the Consortium Application Form and turn in to Michael Miller. Rehearsals begin after Labor Day.
Repertory Orchestra is our premier instrumental ensemble. Students from Geneva and the surrounding community, as well as faculty and even a few parents, partner together to play the music of the masters. Throughout the year this group surveys a wide range of literature, spanning the Baroque to Modern eras. Rehearsals are on Monday afternoon. Tuition is $100 per semester; need-based scholarships are available. Participation is open to non-Geneva students. Students must study privately. If you are interested in joining the Repertory Orchestra, please fill out the Consortium Application Form and turn in to Michael Miller. Rehearsals begin after Labor Day.