Lower Merion High School is proud to offer many different ensemble opportunities to our students.  Some groups are selected only by audition (denoted by an asterisk). Scroll down for more information on our ensembles.

Performing ensembles include:

CHOIRS

All of the LMHS Choirs are classes that meet during the school day to learn, rehearse, and perform choral music. We use the ensemble setting to teach elements of musicianship, music literacy, music history, vocal technique, and language. All sections of choir are unique sections of the "Concert Choir (H)" class in student schedules.

Concert Choir is a massed choir made up of all of the LMHS choir students from grades 9-12. It is open to any student who wishes to enroll; no audition required. Many students choose to enroll in this course for all four years at Lower Merion.

Chamber Choir is a small choir that performs both as a part of Concert Choir and as its own ensemble. Chamber Choir performs advanced choral literature in a more intense environment. Any Lower Merion student may audition for Chamber Choir. 

BANDS

All of the LMHS Bands are classes that meet during the school day to learn, rehearse, and perform wind band music. We use the ensemble setting to teach elements of musicianship, music literacy, music history, and technique. All sections of band are considered unique sections of "Concert Band (H)" in student schedules except Wind Ensemble, which is technically part of "Symphony Orchestra (H)".

Concert Band is made up of all of the LMHS band students from grades 9-12. It is open to any student who wishes to enroll; no audition required. Many students choose to enroll in this course for all four years at Lower Merion.

This is another name for Orchestra Winds. See the Orchestra section below for more information.

Percussion Ensemble is a chamber ensemble within the larger Concert Band that is designed to give percussionists an additional challenge while learning to play the many instruments necessary to be a well-rounded percussionist. It meets separately from the rest of Concert Band and is open to all student percussionists; no audition required.

ORCHESTRAS

All of the LMHS Orchestras are classes that meet during the school day to learn, rehearse, and perform orchestral music. We use the ensemble setting to teach elements of musicianship, music literacy, music history, and technique. All sections of orchestra are unique sections of the "Symphony Orchestra (H)" class student schedules.

Symphonic Strings is made up of LMHS string students from grades 9-12. String students work to refine their skills with string orchestra music. They often combine with the other sections of Symphony Orchestra to form a larger ensemble. Symphonic Strings is open to any student who wishes to enroll; no audition required. Many students choose to enroll in this course for all four years at Lower Merion.

Chamber Strings is a select ensemble which functions both as a stand-alone string ensemble and as a part of the larger Symphony Orchestra. Chamber Strings performs advanced string orchestra literature in a more intense environment than Symponic Strings. Any Lower Merion student may audition for Chamber Strings.

Orchestra Winds/Wind Ensemble is a select ensemble which functions both as a stand-alone wind band and the wind section of the Symphony Orchestra. Orchestra Winds/Wind Ensemble performs advanced wind band literature in a more intense environment than Concert Band. Any Lower Merion student may audition for Orchestra Winds/Wind Ensemble. 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ENSEMBLES

In addition to the many curricular ensemble classes, there are several extra-curricular ensembles to enrich students' musical experience at Lower Merion. All of these ensembles rehearse outside of regular school hours and may require attendance at afternoon/evening or weekend events. These ensembles are open to all Lower Merion students, regardless of their enrollment in curricular ensembles. Some extra-curricular ensembles require an audition.

The Pep Band, sometimes known as the Dawg Band, is active mostly in the fall during football season. Pep Band performs pep tunes in the stands at football games to provide entertainment and encouragement to spectators at Lower Merion football games. Pep Band is open to all LM students; no audition required.  Please contact Mr. Cooperstein for more information.

Lower Merion A Cappella is an organization that runs a number of a cappella vocal ensembles in a constantly changing variety of styles. Any Lower Merion student may audition for LM A Cappella. For more information, please see the LM A Cappella website or contact Mr. Hunnex

Jazz Band is an ensemble that focuses on big band jazz; rehearsing and performing at various concerts, competitions, and other events throughout the year. Any Lower Merion student may audition for Jazz Band. Please contact Mr. Neu for more information.

NON-MUSIC DEPARTMENT ENSEMBLES

Not all musical ensembles fall under the umbrella of the Lower Merion Music Department. Additional extra-curricular opportunities for music include:

The Show Orchestra is run by PLAYERS, the Lower Merion drama club. It is active only in the fall, coinciding with the PLAYERS fall musical production. Instrumentation needs vary from year to year, and auditions are sometimes required. Interested instrumentalists should visit the PLAYERS website for more information.

Vocalists who wish to combine their interest in singing with an interest in theater should consider auditioning for the PLAYERS Fall Musical. Interested vocalists should visit the PLAYERS website for more information.

Lower Merion's Drill Team performs at pep rallies, football games, basketball game, and other events throughout the year. Interested drummers should contact coach Yolonda McDuffy .

Ace the Ram is an LMSD student-run record label that uses the music industry as a catalyst to teach entrepreneurship. It caters to students with an interest in music technology and production. Interested students should visit the ATR Facebook page or contact sponsor Doug Young.