Music Arts

Shipley offers a wide variety of music opportunities at all levels, in and outside of the classroom. Skills, theory, and ensemble participation are at the center of the program. As a result, students at varied levels of talent discover that they can write and make music and listen with understanding.

Students in 7th through 12th grade can take general music as an elective. In addition, there are 16 vocal and instrumental ensembles offered for students in grades 3-12. Middle School students can elect string or wind ensemble, handbells, or chorus to fulfill the Middle School music requirement.

Outside of class, we offer 16 vocal and instrumental ensembles, in addition to Lower and Middle School grade-level choruses and hand bell choirs. Middle and Upper school students can perform in Shipley musical theater productions, in a range of styles from American musicals to Mozart operas.

String Ensembles – Our unique Lower School strings program gives interested 3rd through 5th grade students an introduction to violin, viola, or cello and to rehearsal and performance skills. Other string ensembles (including chamber music groups) are available through 12th grade.

Private Music Lessons – Highly qualified professional musicians from the Philadelphia area teach in the Shipley private music lesson program. Lessons are available in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and guitar.

Community Outreach – Our student ensembles perform frequently at local nursing homes, churches, and other area locations.

Ensembles at Shipley

Lower School
Grade Level Choruses, Advanced Chorus, Beginners’ String Program, Advanced Beginners’ Ensemble, String Thing and Handchimes

Middle School
Grade Level Choruses, Handbell Choirs, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble

Upper School
Upper School Chorus, Madrigals, Madriguys , Concert Band, String Ensemble, Jazz Band, Handbells