Performing in a chamber ensemble is one of the most rewarding experiences for any musician. Participants enjoy the challenge of playing an independent part, the richness of the repertoire, and the close personal contact among colleagues.
Chamber Music in the Community Division
Our chamber music program is open to string, piano, woodwind, brass and percussion students as well as high school vocalists. Reduced tuition is available to students who study privately at the Hartt School, though non-Community Division students may also join our chamber music program. Students of all ages and abilities may participate, but because of the demands of playing one on a part, a high level of reading is required (ask your teacher if you are ready). Students should have a minimum of 2 years of experience on their instrument.
Ensembles are organized by interest, age and ability level and are coached by Community Division faculty. The precise ensembles offered each year vary according to interest. Percussion students may participate in one of our Percussion Ensembles. High School vocalists may participate in the chamber choir singing literature in the madrigal style. Additionally, chamber music recitals are held each semester with many opportunities for each group to perform.
Through a bequest from the Alice Guego Kaiser estate, the Community Division is able to offer a variety of special programs including coachings with members of the Miami String Quartet, touring for exemplary ensembles, and workshops featuring guest artists. The chamber music program is also funded by a grant from the ACMP Foundation.
For more information, contact the Hartt Community Division office at 860-768-4451 or at harttcomm@hartford.edu. Placement auditions are held each fall and during the year as openings arise. The chamber music program is run by Alana Seddon, Associate Director with the help of coordinators for each discipline area: Donna Ngai, strings; Susan Spaulding, brass & woodwinds.
Honors Chamber Ensembles
Honor Chamber Groups are selected each year as follows: Woodwind Quintet, Brass Quintet, String Quartet and a Piano Trio.
Honors groups benefit from the following:
- Free chamber music tuition
- Exposure to great high quality literature
- The opportunity to play with other advanced students
- Coachings from the best chamber music faculty
Masterclasses and special coachings from members of the Miami Quartet and other guest artists
Honors groups must sign a contract agreeing to meet the following requirements:
- Pass an audition with the Director, Associate Director and/or Department Chair
- Meet weekly with their coach for one hour
- Maintain a weekly rehearsal outside of their time with the coach
- Perform original literature appropriate for their ensemble type (no arrangements)
- Demonstrate at an appropriately high level of technique and musicality
- Perform at least twice per year at Chamber Music Recitals as well as twice per year at other school functions (Coordinators and School Directors assist with these functions)
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