Instrumental Ensembles

CONCERT BAND, Don Dally, Director
The 20-30 piece Concert Band is open to all wind, brass, and percussion players with basic knowledge of their instruments. Depending on the repertoire, pianists and guitarists may also participate. The group plays original wind literature, transcriptions of orchestral repertoire, and, from time to time, big band jazz tunes. 

ORCHESTRA, Don Dally, Director
The Orchestra is open to all string players with basic knowledge of their instruments. Skilled players occupy the top chairs. Advanced wind and brass players are invited to join them when the repertoire requires. Upon occasion, the Band and Orchestra work together on symphonic band repertoire. There is often an opportunity for a keyboardist to participate in the Orchestra on piano or harpsichord.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE, Rob Klevan, Director
The Jazz Ensemble varies in size from a combo of five players to a big band of ten or more. The horn positions are open to all students with basic knowledge of their instruments and all instruments are welcome, not just the traditional “jazz” instruments. The rhythm section is crucial to the success of the group so piano, guitar, bass players, and drummers need to be somewhat advanced and are selected by audition. The jazz band plays at various events on campus, in the community, and at our annual jazz concert. Vocalists often join the group.

The jazz ensemble is visited several times each year by the Monterey Jazz Festival Clinicians, talented professional artists who sit in with the group and coach the students. Our students are eligible to be chosen for the MJF High School and Middle School Honor Bands, which, incidentally, rehearse in the York School Music Room.

MUSICA MAIORUM, Murray Walker, Director
York’s Early Music Ensemble is dedicated to performance of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music; we have a nice collection of historical instruments including a harpsichord and a small pipe organ. The group is reorganized each year and membership is by invitation or audition. This is an excellent chamber music opportunity for more advanced instrumental students.