Dec 4, 2013: Like a catering business for music, the orchestra department of the Bronxville Middle School has a fresh new look on small ensembles for string instruments.

There are two different groups open to kids, the Honors Chamber Ensemble and the Bronxville Chamber Players. Both groups have students ages 11 to 14 who just want to get together and play in a smaller ensemble. "It's not an orchestral setting, it's not a solo setting, it's a combination," said Ms. Claire Stancarone, middle school orchestra teacher.

From duets to quartets, kids can choose the members of their ensembles, and they can choose the piece they want to play. They have choice.

Potential participants of these two programs are warned that this is a major commitment that requires full effort, the time for rehearsals, and the ability to have fun!

This wonderful program gives middle school kids the opportunity to perform in different venues. A key part of it is that there is an outreach component.  Kids will be playing at the Bronxville Public Library on December 17, Lawrence Hospital on December 18, and other venues. They will have the chance to go out into the community and play chamber music. 

The chamber music program also gives middle schoolers the chance to take on a challenge, explore more genres of music, and be more independent musically. The element of the challenge is that kids have fewer people playing on their part and therefore have to learn their own part well--and be able to hold it up. With all of this in mind, they will also have the opportunity to perform their pieces in recitals.

Both chamber music programs are completely voluntary and are for any student in middle school who just wants more of a challenge and a chance to play orchestral music with their friends. Participants do, however, have to be involved in the orchestra department of the Bronxville Middle School. The programs are free and there will be a holiday program and a spring program where they will have an opportunity to perform.

There are no auditions for the chamber music programs, and one important feature of it is that it's mobile. Students will be able to go anywhere and show off their talent. As Ms. Stancarone said, these two new programs "should be great!"

Pictured here:  Top row (L to R):  Andrea Shephard, Thomas O'Connell, Andrew Wetty; bottom row (L to R): Kirsten Ircha, Clio Dakolias, Annabel Halaby.

Photo by Nancee Adams-Taylor