Music & Voice

Trinity-Pawling trumpeter improvises a solo with the Jazz Band in Gardiner Theater

Feel the rhythm in our choral and instrumental music classes — the heart of the music curriculum at Trinity-Pawling. Our instructors are successful and seasoned musicians with a passion for teaching their craft. They guide each student in sharpening their musical abilities, from playing an instrument, to singing a cappella, to exploring music theory.

Choral Music

Trinity-Pawling Trinitones perform an acapella piece in Gardiner Theater

Choral Music

Our music department offers two choral music opportunities for students: choir and the audition-based Trinitones. Both ensembles sing a wide range of choral styles, from jazz and folk songs to acappella doo-wop. Our skilled Director of Vocal Music, Mark Templeton, helps students develop their music literacy and vocal skills throughout each term, as well as enhance their performance techniques.

Musicians in the Classroom

Each year, the School hosts a musical ensemble to be artists-in-residence for a two-day period, culminating in an all-school concert. Past artists include the Galvanized Jazz Band, the Slocan Ramblers, a blue grass group, the Sultans of Swing, a new age string ensemble, Hot Sardines, a New Orleans based jazz group, and the Sons of Serendip, an a cappella vocal ensemble. While on campus, these skilled musicians meet with students in small groups for workshops and demonstrations, sharing their musical expertise and performance techniques.

Instrumental Music

Trinity-Pawling guitarists rehearse with the Rock Band

Instrumental Music

The instrumental music program introduces students to various American vernacular styles, including jazz, blues, and rock and roll. The program is open to students at all levels of musical development, from beginner to advanced. Throughout the year, our talented Director of Instrumental Music, Chris Kelsey, encourages students to nurture their musical interests and abilities while exploring new pieces, genres, and instruments.

Musicians in the Classroom

Concerts & Performances

Trinity-Pawling students perform in the annual spring Rock Concert

Concerts & Performances

Music students are offered ample opportunities to perform, culminating in one of the year’s biggest campus events — the annual Trinity-Pawling Rock Concert! The Rock Concert is a standing-room-only, professional production that gives our students the chance to showcase their musical abilities in front of the entire School, as well as the greater Pawling community. The Winter Concert is another performance opportunity for students in the Jazz Band, Choir, and Trinitones. The evening features these ensembles performing a variety of holiday favorites alongside some less familiar tunes spanning centuries of Western music. The traditional Candlelight service in All Saints' Chapel also features hymns and carols by the Choir and Trinitones.

Musicians in the Classroom

I tend not to focus on attaining perfection in my classes. Music is marvelously subjective, which means there is ample room for everybody to contribute to the whole and make it stronger and better.
Chris Kelsey, Director of Instrumental Music