Groton Hill Ensembles
Find your people and elevate your musicianship when you join one of Groton Hill’s dynamic ensembles. Some are open to all and some by audition, but they’ll all make you feel like you belong.
Young Beginners (ages 4-9)
Singing together creates confidence, connection, and joy! Under the direction of our award-winning Choral Conductor, Kathy McMinn, and Youth Chorus Assistant Director Scott Arnold, young singers will learn healthy vocal technique and musicianship skills in an enjoyable class experience grouped by age. There is also a strong focus on teamwork and personal development. New members welcome anytime! No experience necessary.
Teens (ages 10-17)
Creating music with others is an essential element in developing your musical craft and ramping up the learning process in a very enjoyable way. Beginners will make faster progress, experienced musicians will be challenged to higher levels, and everyone can share one of the true joys of music through learning and playing together.
Students of all styles of music – classical, jazz, rock – are invited to audition for one (or more) of our many small ensembles. Students should have good basic technique on their instrument and strong music reading skills. Placement auditions are to make sure that a student is a good match with the other members of an ensemble.
Prospective students interested in being considered for a chamber ensemble should click the New Member Auditions button below to submit an audition video.
Available chamber music coaching times are as follows:
Chamber Music with Sarah Tocco, Mon 4-5pm or Tues 3-5pm
(piano duos; piano four-hands; strings and/or winds and piano)
Chamber Music with Monica Tessitore, Fri 3-5pm
(piano duos; piano four-hands; strings and/or winds and piano)
Chamber Music with Bethany Landby, Sat 4-5pm
(string ensemble)
Chamber Music with Christina Dietrich, Sat 5-5:45pm
(strings and/or winds and piano)
Ages 16+. Director Tim Terranella invites you to play the music of the Baroque and Classical masters, including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti. Open to intermediate to advanced teens 16+ and adults who play strings, woodwinds, and harpsichord.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button below to submit an audition video.
Ages 16+. 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.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
Join Laura Altenor as she takes teens from 13-17 through styles such as musical theatre, a capella, pop, and soul music. In this course, students will not only enhance their singing but overall stage presence and performance confidence. Students will get the chance to work on solo and group pieces that in some cases will require movement, blocking, song analysis, and so much more! Students will be able to bring their favorite genres into this ensemble and will be able to explore their voice in a whole new way! There will be a performance at the end of the program!
Ages 10-13. Play great music while improving your listening, rhythmic, and note-reading skills in a group setting with other guitarists. Students will play guitar ensemble arrangements of a variety of musical genres including jazz, classical, rock and beyond, culminating in performances. Students need to have at least two years of private guitar lessons, and be able to read music. Knowledge of chords and the ability to play basic open position chords is a plus, but not required. Open to all guitar and bass players (acoustic or electric, nylon or steel string).
Creating music with others is an essential element in developing your musical craft and ramping up the learning process in a very enjoyable way. Beginners will make faster progress, experienced musicians will be challenged to higher levels, and everyone can share one of the true joys of music through learning and playing together.
Students of all styles of music – classical, jazz, rock – are invited to audition for one (or more) of our many small ensembles. Please see the audition form for the available chamber music times and coaches.
Students should have good basic technique on their instrument and strong music reading skills. Placement auditions are to make sure that a student is a good match with the other members of an ensemble. Please click the link below if you are interested in being considered for our small ensemble program.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
Hines Jazz Ensemble
Teen Jazz/Rock/Funk Band
Singing together creates confidence, connection, and joy! Under the direction of our award-winning choral conductor, Kathy McMinn, young singers will learn healthy vocal technique and musicianship skills in an enjoyable class experience grouped by age. There is also a strong focus on teamwork and personal development. New members welcome anytime! No experience necessary.
Violin, viola, cello, and bass students at all levels have a home in our youth orchestra programs. Audition for a spot with Chamber Strings, Camerata Strings, or our elite Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, where advanced students will experience the absolute thrill of playing in a full orchestra. Together, students will challenge themselves as players and collaborators, developing leadership, concentration, and teamwork skills alongside the most dedicated talent in our region to create something beautiful. Membership by audition. Auditions are ongoing. Interested students are welcome to preview a rehearsal.
Our three levels of ensemble meet every Saturday, and students who participate in both the Sinfonia Orchestra and Groton Hill Wind Ensemble are eligible for special discounts.
The prestigious Groton Hill Wind Ensemble offers woodwind, brass, and percussion players the opportunity to play, learn, and grow together as performers. Under the direction of award-winning conductor Dr. Frederick Harris, motivated students will find a fun, welcoming, challenging home for music exploration through a broad repertoire, from classical to jazz and non-Western music. Membership by audition. Auditions are ongoing. Interested students are welcome to preview a rehearsal.
Our Wind Ensemble meets every Saturday, and students who participate in both the Sinfonia Orchestra and Groton Hill Wind Ensemble are eligible for special discounts.
Adult (ages 18+)
Creating music with others is an essential element in developing your musical craft and ramping up the learning process in a very enjoyable way. Beginners will make faster progress, experienced musicians will be challenged to higher levels, and everyone can share one of the true joys of music through learning and playing together.
Students of all styles of music – classical, jazz, rock – are invited to audition for one (or more) of our many small ensembles. Please see the audition form for the available chamber music times and coaches.
Students should have good basic technique on their instrument and strong music reading skills. Placement auditions are to make sure that a student is a good match with the other members of an ensemble. Please click the link below if you are interested in being considered for our small ensemble program.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button below to submit an audition video.
Baldwin Guitar Ensemble NEW!
Fox Jazz Ensemble
Groton Hill Art Ensemble NEW!
Hines Jazz Ensemble NEW!
Jazz Lab Band
Just in Time Ensemble
Myers Jazz/Rock Band NEW!
Passler Jazz/Rock Band NEW!
Join us to play three- and four-part ensemble arrangements of music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern (20th and 21st centuries) eras. Members must be able to play F and C recorders: soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
This advanced level vocal chamber ensemble provides an intimate and intensive experience for elite amateur singers and focuses on an eclectic mix of classical, jazz and popular works. Membership by audition or permission of instructor only.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
Now that you know the basics of tone production and fingering for most of the notes on a C or F recorder and are able to read music notes and other symbols, you could “breeze” into the joys of making music with other adults. Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass recorder players are invited. Membership by audition or permission of instructor only.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
Creating music with others is an essential element in developing your musical craft and ramping up the learning process in a very enjoyable way. Beginners will make faster progress, experienced musicians will be challenged to higher levels, and everyone can share one of the true joys of music through learning and playing together.
Students of all styles of music – classical, jazz, rock – are invited to audition for one (or more) of our many small ensembles. Students should have good basic technique on their instrument and strong music reading skills. Placement auditions are to make sure that a student is a good match with the other members of an ensemble.
Prospective students interested in being considered for a chamber ensemble should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
Available chamber music coaching times are as follows:
Chamber Music with Sarah Tocco, Mon 4-5pm or Tues 3-5pm
(piano duos; piano four-hands; strings and/or winds and piano)
Chamber Music with Monica Tessitore, Fri 3-5pm
(piano duos; piano four-hands; strings and/or winds and piano)
Chamber Music with Bethany Landby, Sat 4-5pm
(string ensemble)
Chamber Music with Christina Dietrich, Sat 5-5:45pm
(strings and/or winds and piano)
Ages 16+. Director Tim Terranella invites you to play the music of the Baroque and Classical masters, including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti. Open to intermediate to advanced teens 16+ and adults who play strings, woodwinds, and harpsichord.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
With over forty years of history, the Groton Hill Flute Orchestra features all members of the flute family, from piccolo to contrabass flute. This adult ensemble of professional and semi-professional flutists presents 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.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button below to submit an audition video.
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.
Advanced instrumentalists with strong reading skills are invited to audition for the ensemble. Instruments include: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, rhythm guitar, piano, bass, and drums.
Current openings: jazz trumpet, bass
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
Harpists will love these relaxed sessions designed to promote the learning and enjoyment of ensemble playing. Repertory will include fun suites and single pieces in multiple parts. Open to students of the pedal or lever harp with good basic playing and reading skills.
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!
Ages 16+. 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.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
Love to play the recorder? Learn and play two- to four-part arrangements of folk, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Contemporary music. Open to intermediate to advanced players of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass recorders; plus, F recorders (alto, bass). Membership by audition or permission of instructor only.
Prospective students should click the New Member Auditions button to submit an audition video.
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.
Private Lessons
Learn 35+ instruments from 80+ faculty at your pace, working toward your goals. Our registrars will work with you to find the perfect teacher and help you on your journey.
Classes
Our 10-week classes are a great way to start learning. Meet new friends in a low-pressure learning environment with fun, approachable teachers and mentors.
About the Music School
Our students come from across New England to study with renowned faculty in a unique, inspirational setting. This isn’t just a nice looking school, it’s a home for you and your dreams.