Music

Music has played an integral part in the school’s rich history and expression, and is considered an indispensable part of the college preparatory experience. Our recently renovated music facility, with choral and instrumental practice rooms, is indicative of the emphasis we place on the participation and study of music at The Stony Brook School.

VOCAL ENSEMBLES

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is one of three vocal ensembles at The Stony Brook School.  The group is comprised of students in grades 9-12 and specializes in concert and chamber styles of choral music.  A rigorous performance schedules last year included fall and spring concerts, a Christmas service of Lessons and Carols, an Easter service for Maundy Thursday, Music in the Parks where the ensemble received First Place, and Festival Disney National Choral Competition at Walt Disney World where the ensemble received a superior rating.  The group is under the direction of Dustin Ramirez and accompanied by Majida Hicks.

Chamber Singers

Chamber Singers is the second of the vocal ensembles at The Stony Brook School.  This auditioned group is comprised of students in grades 9-12 and specializes in madrigal, concert, and chamber styles of choral music.  This ensemble performs at the fall and spring concerts, the Christmas service of Lessons and Carols, and the Maundy Thursday Service.  This past year was a successful year of competition where the ensemble received a Gold Rating and Second Place at the New York City Heritage Festival, First Place at Music in the Parks, and a Superior Rating, Best in Class, and Overall Gold Winner in the Speciality Choir Division at the Festival Disney National Choral Competition at Walt Disney World.  This year, Chamber Singers will travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the 2013 Inauguration Festivities.  The group is under the direction of Dustin Ramirez and accompanied by Majida Hicks.

Middle School Chorus

Middle School Chorus is the third of the vocal ensembles at The Stony Brook School.  This group is comprised of students in grades 7-8 and specialize in concert choral music.  Each student will take this course once during his or her two years in the Middle School.  Students will be taught to read music and sing in parts.  This ensemble performs at the Spring Middle School Fine Arts Night and will also participate at the Music in the Parks Music Festival.  The group is under the direction of Dustin Ramirez and accompanied by Majida Hicks.

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES

Chamber Strings

Chamber Strings is comprised of students in grades 9-12 and specializes in concert and chamber styles of orchestra music.  They perform at the fall and spring concerts, a Christmas service of Lessons and Carols, an Easter Service for Maundy Thursday, and also received First Place at Music in the Parks.  The group is under the direction of Jamie Ramirez.

Chamber Winds

Chamber Winds is comprised of students in grades 9-12 and specializes in concert and chamber styles of wind music.  They perform at the fall and spring concerts and will at times combine with the Chamber Strings to make a complete Chamber Orchestra.  In the Spring, they combined with Chamber Strings and competed at Music in the Parks where they received First Place in their division.  The group is under the direction of Jamie Ramirez.

Middle School Instrumental Ensemble

Middle School Instrumental Ensemble is comprised of students in grades 7-8 and specializes in concert style of music.  This course is open to all middle school musicians who are advanced or are beginning their selected instrument.  Students will be challenged to feel more comfortable playing independently and with others within the ensemble.  This ensemble performs at the Fall and Spring Middle School Fine Arts Night.  The group is under the direction of Jamie Ramirez.

SBS Music Faculty

Dustin Ramirez, Performing Arts Department Chair and Choral Director
Jamie Ramirez, Instrumental Music Director

SBS Private Music Instructors

Katherine Hasard, brass
Joy Seeberger, piano
Dr. Erica Chung, flute
Melissa Gscheidle, strings/guitar
Dr. Scott Litroff, woodwinds
Evangeline Liu, strings
Dustin Ramirez, voice
Jamie Ramirez, strings