Music in Schools Initiative

All-City Ensembles

In collaboration with the New Haven Public Schools, the Music in Schools Initiative runs All-City Ensembles throughout the school year. 

All-City Ensembles provide tuition-free performance opportunities for students beyond the activities they have in their schools. The All-City band, choir, and string ensembles are led by a collaborative team of Teaching Artists from the Yale School of Music and music educators from the New Haven Public Schools.

programs

All-City Bands

The All-City Bands are open to all New Haven Public Schools students in grades 4 through 12 who play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument.

The All-City Bands rehearse weekly during the school year (October through May) at Neighborhood Music School. Family and friends are invited to the Yale School of Music for the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May.

Rehearsal location: Neighborhood Music School (100 Audubon St., New Haven, CT, 06511)

All-City Choirs

The All-City Choirs are open to student singers in grades 3 through 12 in the New Haven Public Schools.

The All-City Choirs rehearse weekly during the school year (October through May) at the Yale School of Music. Students’ family and friends are invited to the Yale School of Music for the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May. The All City Choirs also perform at the Yale Glee Club/NHPS High School Choral Festival.

Rehearsal location: Hendrie Hall (165 Elm St., New Haven, CT, 06511)

All-City Orchestra

The All-City Orchestra is open to New Haven Public School students in grades 4 through 12 who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass.

The All-City Orchestra rehearses weekly during the school year (October through May) at the Yale School of Music. Students’ family and friends are invited to the Yale School of Music for the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May.

Rehearsal location: Hendrie Hall (165 Elm St., New Haven, CT, 06511)

Applications + Auditions

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The initial application cycle ends on September 30, though students are encouraged to apply at any point throughout the year. After submitting an application, students will be invited to perform a low-pressure audition.

Band Audition Requirements:

  • three scales (one octave): B-flat major, F major, E-flat major
  • a short solo piece chosen by the student
  • a short piece to be sight-read 

Choir Audition Requirements:

  • a short solo song of the student’s choice
  • students will repeat different vocal exercises

Strings Audition Requirements:

  • two scales (one octave): C major and G major
  • a short solo piece chosen by the student
  • a short piece to be sight-read