Chamber music is one of the most refined forms of musical collaboration. Each semester, a small number of ensembles are selected by application to study the great chamber repertoire with WPMA faculty and visiting artists, rehearsing and performing together throughout the semester.
Chamber ensembles at WPMA receive coaching from our experienced faculty and guest artists, participate in masterclasses, and present multiple concerts each semester. The program is thoughtfully designed for advanced middle and high school students who are committed to deepening their ensemble skills and musical communication through small-group collaboration.
Program highlights include:
How It Works
Every ensemble receives a one-hour coaching each week with WPMA faculty and visiting artists. Our most committed groups receive additional coaching as they prepare for major competitions.
After each coaching, groups move straight into a rehearsal block at the academy to put new ideas into practice. Ensembles are also expected to rehearse on their own every week, typically at the home of the most centrally located member.
The semester opens with a seminar on how to rehearse chamber music effectively, giving every group the tools to work well on its own.
Ensembles perform in the Monthly Spotlight Concert Series, play in at least one guest artist masterclass, and are invited to perform beyond the academy.
WPMA chamber ensembles compete in, and win top prizes at, local and national competitions. Groups with competition goals prepare for them as part of their coaching.
Students are expected to arrive prepared to every rehearsal and coaching. Ensembles that are not prepared may lose performance opportunities.
How to Apply
01
Apply on your own or as a pre-formed group. Groups with at least 50% WPMA students are welcome.
02
Each student submits a 2-minute solo excerpt, and groups add one movement performed together, as unlisted YouTube links.
03
Up to four ensembles are placed each semester, based on instrumentation, experience, scheduling and the recordings submitted.
04
Selected ensembles start with the opening rehearsal seminar, then weekly coachings toward their first performance.
WPMA student chamber groups rehearse, compete, and perform in venues throughout the greater-Atlanta area.
