Our Ensemble Program
The GREATEST musical experience available to students in Westchester!
Absolutely INSPIRED GREATNESS through music!
Our ensemble program is a life changing experience for students. Performing music with others of equal or greater ability is a cornerstone of great music education and performing with other like-minded musicians is by far one of the greatest experiences a young musician can have. Our Ensemble Program is unlike any program of it's kind in the area. Through ensemble, we challenge students to become more than they ever thought possible. Those who participate make powerful friendships and learn the value of greatness through music.
The Ensemble Program meets every week during the school year and consists of students 6th-12th grade who are grouped by age and level. There is also a Junior Ensemble Program for younger students. Students participate in rehearsals, masterclasses, and guest artist events. Two concerts are presented in the fall and the spring. Students come from across Westchester and beyond to participate in the ensemble program and give life changing performances alongside each other and world-renowned percussionist Simon Boyar.
Find YOUR VOICE
Ensemble Program participants are introduced to the full spectrum of drum and percussion instruments along with multi-genre chamber music literature. Additionally, students perform jazz standards and rock music. We perform with and without a conductor with a focus on reading, improvisation, arrangements on drum set, multi percussion, traps percussion, mallet keyboard instruments, hand drums, and SO MUCH MORE! There is something for everyone and students are encouraged to journey outside of their comfort zone and learn new instruments. Many drummers who have entered our Ensemble Program have learned mallet instruments and vice versa. It's an experience that is full of options and opportunity to find your most potent musical voice!
A SERIOUSLY SUBSTANTIAL experience
Our Ensemble Program is as comprehensive as it is compelling. Throughout the year, students participate in masterclasses with Simon Boyar as well as various guest artists. Past guest artists include Members of the Off Broadway hit show STOMP, Jon Berger (The Addams Family), Joe Choroszewski (Avenue Q. Radio City), Afro-cuban percussionist Javier Diaz (On Your Feet!, West Side Story, The Juilliard School), Broadway and television drummer and percussionist Clint de Ganon (created the drum books for Hairspray, Footloose, appearances on SNL, David Letterman, Good Morning America, The Today Show), Valerie Naranjo (SNL, The Lion King), Maio Obregon, Yamaha Northeast District Manager, Josh Quillen of So Percussion, Peter Saleh (Fiddler on The Roof in Yiddish), and Wilson Torres (In The Heights).
Wow this all sounds AMAZING but my child has many different interests besides music. Can we still participate?
Our Ensemble Program is a flexible program where students can either participate on a limited basis or more. Most students are not needed for our entire rehearsal block and due to our ability to accommodate a variety of schedules, we have many students who play sports and participate in other extra curricular activities as well. If you have scheduling or additional questions, we encourage you to read our Ensemble FAQ which will answer many commonly asked questions.
INTERESTED?
Students must be enrolled in lessons at the Simon Boyar School of Drums and Percussion in order to participate in our Ensemble Program. While there is currently no audition for the ensemble (except the prerequisite of lesson enrollment), students who participate must be dedicated and prepared to put in the effort required to make their experience in the Ensemble Program a success. If you are interested in being a part of the Ensemble Program please contact us!
