Music

Find your voice through music

Whether you are a novice or advanced musician, you can choose from a rich variety of musical classes and ensembles. Throughout the school year, you will have opportunities to develop the art of performance, expand your repertoire, and serve the community by making music an integral part of campus life.

Every campus celebration, from small gatherings to all-school events are made memorable by the inclusion of both vocal and instrumental music groups. Whether you are a seasoned singer or want to test your vocal abilities, Walker’s offers many ways for you to share your voice. Choir, Grapes a cappella, Gospel Choir, and Rock Band are all groups that perform throughout the school year both on and off campus.

Instrumental groups, including African drumming, orchestra, handbell choir, and more provide ways for all students to engage in creating music and performing both on campus and in the community. Each year, instrumental and vocal students compete in local and regional competitions including being named champion of a regional a cappella competition, KO’s Wyvern International.

At a Glance

  • Choir
  • Gospel Choir
  • Grapes a cappella
  • Chamber Ensembles
  • African Drumming
  • Voce Felice
  • Harmonious Bells
  • Rock Band
  • Orchestra
  • Music Theory
  • Private on-campus lessons in voice or any instrument

Meet the Faculty

Laurie MacAlpine P’08

Music Department Chair

lmacalpine@ethelwalker.org860-408-4295

Laurie MacAlpine came to Walker’s in 1998 and has expanded the music program to address the needs of a growing student body. She earned her bachelor’s degree in science with a minor in vocal music from Ladycliff College and went on to receive her master’s in music composition from The Hartt School, University of Hartford.

Learn More
Gospel choir
African Drumming
Grapes
Rock Band
Music lessons

Gospel Choir

The Gospel Choir is a lively vocal ensemble that incorporates musical styles from the spiritual, blues, and gospel genres. All singers are welcome.

African Drumming

African Drumming is an essential part of Walker’s Music Program. Students utilize a variety of drums and study a wide array of drumming styles. The group often performs on campus and continues to create a moving presence at Walker’s.

Grapes

This a cappella singing group performs at campus events throughout the year. The accomplished group has brought home the Gold Citation: Best in Show and Outstanding Student Directors awards in a New England invitational.

Orchestra

Orchestra is open to instrumentalists who are capable of individual preparation and working toward a standard of musical excellence in a group setting. This is a wonderful environment in which to develop technique and broaden the musical experience.

Rock Band

Walker’s rock band, Sundial Sound, performs at school events throughout the year and features the talents of our singers, drummers, guitarists, and bassists.

Music Lessons

Private music instruction is available to Walker’s students of all grade levels. Our experienced music faculty are trained in flute, bass, guitar, saxophone, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, percussion, and voice.