Music

Philosophy

The Music Program at Rutgers Prep aims to develop and nurture the musical soul within every child. The Music Department offers musical training and instruction in music literacy, listening, performance and appreciation of varied eras, styles and cultures. Music promotes confidence, self-esteem, sensitivity and inner discipline within the students as it encourages co-operation within the school as well as the community.

Graduation Requirements

Students in the Upper School are required to take one credit of an arts course along with their academic requirements to graduate. They may select a music course from a variety of offerings to fulfill this requirement.

Courses Offerings

• Music Theory/Composition
• Orchestra
• Orchestra/String Ensemble
• Chamber Orchestra
• Men’s Choir
• Men’s Choir/DooWop/Barbershop
• Women’s Choir
• Women’s Choir/Broadway Experience
• Women’s Vocal Chamber Ensemble
• Concert Band
• Brass Ensemble
• Saxophone Ensemble

Faculty

Mary Szeles—Department Chair 
Deborah Anderson
Dennis Boyle
Lisa Peterson
Robert Saunders

Co-curricular Information

Madrigal Singers

The Madrigal Singers is an elite vocal ensemble comprised of students ninth through twelfth grades who are selected by audition from within the RPS Choirs.  Auditions are held in the late spring and early fall. They meet at least twice each week.  In addition to the annual Choral Concerts , this ensemble has performed in Carnegie Hall and regularly gives performances within the surrounding communities at nursing homes. hospitals, alumni events and choral festivals. Madrigal Singers are part of the AIDS Awareness Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Jazz Band

Jazz Band is comprised of advanced middle school students as well as upper school students who have been playing for a minimum of three years. The ensemble meets once a week before school. Students are expected to learn their music via home practice.

Performances

Each year the Music Department presents two annual concerts for Orchestra, Choir and Band.  These take place at Voorhees Chapel on the Douglass College Campus, Nicholas Music Center on the Rutgers University Campus, and Raritan Valley Community College.

Opportunities

Each year talented RPS musicians are selected to perform in New Jersey Regional and All State Choir and Orchestra.  Choir students annually are chosen to be members of the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Division and National High School Honor Choirs. Madrigal Singers and Women’s Vocal Chamber Ensemble annually participate in the New Jersey ACDA High School Choral Festival and regularly receive ratings of excellent and superior.

Sponsored Events

The RPS Music Department hosted the NJ ACDA Multi Cultural Choral Conference on October 10,2009.

Private Music Lessons

Rutgers Preparatory offers private music instruction in violin (Pre-K-12), viola, cello, brass, flute, piano and voice . Private music instruction is scheduled after 3 p.m. Tuition for music lessons is $35 for 30 minutes, $50 for 45 minutes and $65 for 60 minutes. Payment is made directly to the private music instructor.  There is a $90 annual fee per family to enroll in the Private Music Lesson Program.

Students interested in taking lessons should email Mr. Saunders, the Director of Independent Instruction:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website links of interest

American Choral Directors Association
A nonprofit music-education organization whose central purpose is to promote excellence in choral music through performance, composition, publication, research, and teaching. In addition, ACDA strives through arts advocacy to elevate choral music's position in American society.

Music Educators National Conference
One of the world’s largest arts education organizations that addresses all aspects of music education.   Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, MENC serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school.

New Jersey Music Educators Association
Promotes the advancement of music instruction in New Jersey's educational institutions at all levels that provide in-service and enrichment opportunities for practicing and retired teachers and prospective music educators, as well as sponsoring various festivals and all-state performing groups for K-12 students.

American String Teachers Association
A membership organization founded more than 60 years ago for string and orchestra teachers and players, helping them to develop and refine their careers.

The American String Teachers Association of New Jersey
A New Jersey State Chapter; teachers as well as students can find competition information as well as other information on string music.