Choral & Instrumental Music

Become a musician

Our music programs and ensembles focus heavily on excellence in both process and product. We are committed to helping you develop musical excellence, self-confidence, expression, and a heart for using your gifts to serve others. 

Instrumental Ensembles

We are committed to performing high-quality repertoire that will give you a breadth of performance opportunities. Recent performances included symphonies by Beethoven and Mendelssohn as well as concert band works by Holst, Reed, & Sousa. In addition to band music, percussionists perform various styles of percussion ensemble music as well as student-composed and arranged music. Ensembles regularly minister as a vehicle of God’s grace in the school community, in the local community, on annual out-of-state performance tours, and on overseas service trips.

Concert Band
The Concert Band is an auditioned group of 9th-12th grade wind and brass players and is the concert wind ensemble of Wheaton Academy. The Concert Band also serves as the Pep Band, which performs at about ten athletic contests each year.

Orchestra
The Orchestra is an auditioned group of 9th-12th grade string players and is the concert string ensemble of Wheaton Academy.

Percussion Ensemble
The Percussion Ensemble is an auditioned group of 10th-12th grade percussionists and in addition to being the top percussion group at Wheaton Academy, provides percussion for the Concert Band and forms the Drumline.

Camerata
Camerata is a set of chamber music groups that perform throughout the year in various community contexts.

Academy Jazz
Academy Jazz is open to students in concert band and meets before school once a week. This group performs at each of the band concerts as well as at the annual Jazz & Percussion Show

Pit Orchestra
The Pit Orchestra provides the music for the Spring Musical.

Choral Ensembles

Wheaton Academy is a singing school. We believe vocal music presents a unique opportunity to be challenged by great masterpieces while developing important life skills. Throughout the choral program, we focus heavily on the creative process. How does creativity actually work within an ensemble? We are committed to helping all our students develop their self-confidence and their inner courage to be self-expressive while at the same time helping them learn what it means to be an effective team player in an excellence-focused group environment. Above all, because so much of the music we sing is set to scripture, choral music presents a unique opportunity to internalize God’s Word and to experience the special bond that can occur when two or three gather together to sing.

Women’s Chorale
In Women’s Chorale, students learn basic vocal technique and explore a rich spectrum of musical styles from the Renaissance to the present.

Men’s Ensemble
In Men’s Chorale, students learn basic vocal technique and explore a rich spectrum of musical styles from the Renaissance to the present.

Concert Choir
In Concert Choir, students develop their vocal and aural skills as they explore a wide range of languages and cultures through singing.

Kantorei

Kantorei (German word translated “Choir”) is a mixed ensemble comprised of students who demonstrate advanced vocal music skills, understanding of harmony, and the ability learn quickly. 

Chanson
Chanson (French word translated “Song”) is a treble ensemble comprised of students who demonstrate vocal intonation, understanding of harmony, and enjoyment of singing. These students perform in annual choral concerts and in WA assemblies

Experience Music at Wheaton Academy

If you are excited to learn more about music programs at Wheaton Academy, we encourage you to attend one of our many Fine Arts events.

Questions?

Steve Willemssen

Steve Willemssen
Instrumental Arts Faculty
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Joel Visker

Joel Visker
Vocal Music Faculty
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