The Arts

Music

Instrumental Music

Instrumentalists of all kinds are expanding upon and sharing their passion for music at Episcopal High School. Classically trained cellists, jazz-inspired drummers, rock guitarists, and bluegrass fiddlers all find a home in which to study, explore, and perform. Students have numerous opportunities to work with professional instrumentalists in master class settings as well as to pursue private study on the instrument of their choice. There is rarely a moment without music on this campus.

Opportunities

Full Orchestra for Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion
Jazz Band
Pep Band
Student-Run “Garage Bands”
Private Study on all Instruments
Guitar Lessons
Piano Lessons
Work with visiting professional musicians from all genres
Attend Performances at the Kennedy Center, Wolftrap, Birchmere, Blues Alley, the 9:30 Club, and more.

Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra

The residency of the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra affords serious musicians the opportunity to audition for the group and, if selected, to rehearse with the ensemble weekly on campus. These rehearsals culminate in four concerts per year in Pendleton Hall.

National Chamber Players

The National Chamber Players, made up of players from the National Symphony Orchestra, work with students to improve their playing and perform several concerts a year on campus.

Through firsthand experiences with professional musicians and attending numerous concerts by those same artists, students gain unique insights into the real world of professional orchestras.

Vocal Music

The best way to learn about singing is to do just that: sing! Episcopal’s vocal program is performance-based, with opportunities to sing in the formal setting of a concert hall, the sacred environment of chapel, the high-energy atmosphere of student-led music assemblies, and the more intimate settings of recitals and coffeehouses. Our singers make music from all genres, and they have many opportunities to work with guest artists.