Performing GroupsMusic at Ipswich High School is offered to students as elective courses designed to meet the needs of various levels of ability and interest. Some students choose to perform in one or more of the performing groups because they plan to make music a career. Others participate because they view it as an avocation they will carry on as adults in various community and church performing organizations.
High school students can choose to participate in Concert Band, String Orchestra, Concert Choir, and Treble Choir. Bel Canto, Chamber Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra provide further opportunity for the more skilled students who must successfully audition to participate. At the Ipswich Middle School, students can elect Band, String Orchestra, Sixth-, Seventh-, or Eighth-Grade Chorus, and Boys’ Chorus. Auditioned groups include Select Chorus, String Quartet and Jazz Ensemble. Non-Performing GroupsThere is also a non-performing music component to the music curriculum. For middle school students, General Music is taught each year. This course is an extension of the music curriculum that is sequenced from pre-kindergarten. Students study varied forms of music, composition, famous composers, and use electronic keyboards to
compose their own works. In the high school, the non-performing music electives are Contemporary Electronic Techniques in Music, Music Theory, and Jazz Improvisation. Electronic Techniques students work with Macintosh computers, keyboard synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencer software all networked through MIDI. They utilize contemporary sound design techniques and traditional music theory to compose music. Music Theory students learn the elements of music and develop basic skills such as sight-reading, rhythmic dictation, and composition. Jazz Improvisation is open only to those enrolled in Band or Orchestra. These students study and perform twentieth-century American music, ranging from African-American jazz to rock and popular songs. Students perform in small combos emphasizing the various jazz styles and improvisation.
High School Large Ensemble Concert, 2019Here is a clip of the High School Chorus singing Dual of the Fates, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra.
Visiting Artists/Master Classes
 Supported in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council |
   Private Lesson Program
Find out about the Ipswich Private Lesson program taught by our adjunct faculty.
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