Adult Ensembles

It’s never too late to start your musical journey, to pick back up where you left off, or to feel the thrill of playing with a new group. At Groton Hill, we provide a range of world-class musical experiences for adult learners and performers throughout the year.

Custom ensembles are a great way for students to improve their collaborative chops in a professional performance environment. We offer a variety of exceptional custom ensembles in a variety of styles, including: Forbes Cello Ensemble, Forbes Piano Trio, Fox Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, Just In Time Jazz Ensemble, Meyer Fox Jazz Combo, Meyer Jazz Duo, Monday Night Chamber Ensemble, Passler Jazz/Rock Band, Terranella Trio, and Tervo Ensemble.

These groups play three- and four-part ensemble arrangements of music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern (20th and 21st centuries) eras.

This new, daytime, non-auditioned small ensemble of 3-6 players will learn works from many eras and genres. Students will have the opportunity to try other members of the flute family like alto and bass.

Play the music of the Baroque masters, including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti. Open to intermediate to advanced teens 16+ and adults who play strings, flute, harpsichord.

The 20-member Flute Orchestra of Groton Hill Music features all members of the flute family, from piccolo to contrabass flute. Director Eileen Yarrison has led this ensemble of professional and semi-professional flutists in several world premieres, two commissions, and three recording projects. They present concerts throughout the season at Groton Hill and in the community. Open to formally-trained flutists, flute teachers, and accomplished college age players by audition.

To set up an audition: Contact the director

Audition repertoire: Choose from Mozart G Major Concerto (1st and 2nd movements), the Poulenc Sonata, or the Hindemith Sonata. Similar pieces may also be suitable.

Groton Hill Big Band is dedicated to authentic performances of music from a seminal era in Jazz history and American culture, and instilling the unique style of the period into contemporary compositions. Under the direction of multi-talented conductor Jerry Sabatini, the Groton Hill Big band recreates the music from big band leaders like Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller, and sentimental favorites by crooners like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, as well as exploring the rich body of music written since then. Open to advanced instrumentalists by audition.

To set up an audition: Contact the Music School office

Advanced instrumentalists with strong reading skills are invited to audition for the ensemble. Instruments include: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, rhythm guitar, piano, bass, and drums.

Every person has musical potential! Explore yours in a relaxed and social environment supported by our  experienced concert band conductor, Andrea Mejia. Whether you’re just beginning to play, returning to an instrument from your youth, or playing as a hobby, you will find a place here among your peers. Expand your musical understanding and creativity, and become part of our vibrant community! Open to beginner and casual woodwind, brass, and percussion players. No audition required. Join anytime!

In the tradition of New Orleans (NOLA) Second Line Brass bands (think Mardis Gras Parades!), this ensemble is open to all instrumentalists, percussionists, and vocalists who can stroll, play, and sing. Repertoire is based on traditional NOLA Jazz, Blues, and Gospel music. Students will gain experience in learning early jazz melodies, song forms, and the improvisational techniques that define second line music.

Let’s Jam! In this 10 week session we will explore the roots of Southern Appalachian old-time folk music. We will learn a number of tunes that will be broken down by melody, rhythms, bowing patterns, and embellishments. Variations and improvisations will be studied, and students will be encouraged to make the music their own. We will also touch on the history of how this type of music was passed down and why that is so important to the style. For ages 16-adult, with 2 years of fiddle playing experience. Ability to read music is not required. Music will be taught by ear in the traditional fashion.

An ensemble for advanced high school and adult players. Learn and perform standard arrangements and explore new and experimental music for duos, trios, and more. Open to all saxes – soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass.

Though age brings change, many people sing beautifully into their 70’s and beyond.  Find out how the voice is affected by aging and related factors, and what you can do to maintain and strengthen it.  Each session combines discussion with group singing and practice of vocal techniques.

Come jam with us! Bring your uke and have some fun. Ukulele Club will cover basic instrument technique including chords, strumming, and singing while playing. The Club will cover a wide variety of song material across styles and eras of American popular music.