instrumental music

Opportunities for instrumentalists at BLS include a multitude of ensembles covering a wide variety of styles and skill levels:

Bands

Senior Concert Band: mp3 sample:
Holst March from 2nd Suite in F; The Senior Concert Band provides experienced instrumentalists with the opportunity to rehearse, study, and perform music from the standard band literature. The Senior Concert Band plays numerous concerts throughout the year in school and in the community. The Senior Concert Band is the band that represents Boston Latin School at official public functions.
Junior Band: mp3 sample:
The Great Locomotive Chase; The Junior Band provides an opportunity for Class IV instrumentalists to learn the techniques of rehearsal procedures necessary to play in a large ensemble. The Junior Band participates in the Holiday Concert and the spring Music Night.
Class V and Class VI Bands: mp3 sample:
African Marching Song; The Class V and VI Bands provide students with ensemble playing experience to prepare them for future participation in the Junior and Senior Bands. These bands participate in the Holiday Concert and the spring Music Night.

Orchestras

Concert String Orchestra: mp3 sample:
Tchaikovsky Serenade; The Concert String Orchestra is open to all advanced string students who play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. It provides these students with an opportunity to play a wide range of string repertoire from classical to popular styles. The Concert String Orchestra performs extensively at various school and community events throughout the school year.
Philharmonic String Orchestra: mp3 sample:
Rumanian Folk Dances; The Philharmonic String Orchestra is open to all intermediate string students who play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. It provides these students with an opportunity to play a wide range of string repertoire at a lesser level of difficulty than the senior strings. The Philharmonic String Orchestra performs at various school events throughout the school year.
Repertory String Orchestra: mp3 sample:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring; The Repertory String Orchestra is open to all experienced string students who play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. It provides students with an opportunity to play a string repertoire at a medium easy level of difficulty. The Repertory String Orchestra performs at the two major school events.

Afterschool Groups

In addition to the ensembles above, which are part of the BLS curriculum and rehearse during the school day, there are a variety of groups that meet after school and participate in school concerts and other events:

Symphonic Orchestra: mp3 sample:
"Pastoral" Symphony
Big Band: mp3 sample:
Cruisin' for a Bluesin'
Junior Big Band: mp3 sample:
Zoot Suit Riot
Flute Ensemble: mp3 sample:
Baby Elephant Walk