Orchestral Music

Blair’s instrumental musicians pursue a multifaceted study of music through academic-day courses, rehearsals and private lessons, as well as a range of performance opportunities, including spring and fall concerts, Christmas Vespers, and tours in the United States and Europe. In addition, we offer a variety of academic electives that offer further study of music, including, in recent years, Advanced Music Theory & Composition, song writing and audio engineering.

The Symphony Orchestra is our premiere instrumental ensemble, and these dedicated musicians practice a broad repertoire of classical-to-modern works during four, weekly class-day rehearsals. Students with three or more years’ playing experience audition for Symphony Orchestra membership, and the group performs regularly on Blair’s stage and enjoys touring opportunities as well. Chamber Orchestra, Blair’s advanced orchestra, comprises auditioned students from Symphony Orchestra who pursue music at an even deeper level. Chamber Orchestra performs numerous concerts throughout the year, participates in Blair’s international performance tours and gives concerts in professional venues in New York City.  

Musicians who wish to perform jazz at the highest level audition for Blair’s Jazz Ensemble and advanced Jazz Combo. During academic-day rehearsals, these instrumentalists focus on improvisation, as well as understanding jazz scales, chords, theory and strong ensemble playing. The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo are a mainstay at Blair concerts, play on international performance tours and on-campus at receptions and other events, too.

View a schedule of upcoming performances by Orchestra, String Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Chamber and Jazz Ensemble performances.