Explore our Curriculum

US Music

NCS offers Upper School students opportunities to develop musical skill through participation in coordinate choral and instrumental ensembles, such as Chorale, Orchestra, Madrigal Singers, and Cathedral Choristers. Students explore a wide variety of repertoire and music curricula and perform throughout the year as part of concerts, services, and special events at Washington National Cathedral, across the DC metro area, and on trips.
  • Cathedral Choristers

    By audition only.

    The NCS Cathedral Choristers are an auditioned choir of 20 students drawn from grades 7-12. The choir rehearses regularly during the academic year and sings two to four services each week in Washington National Cathedral, plus concerts, recordings, and occasional tours. (N.B. Because of the significant demands on Choristers’ schedules, students selected as Choristers are excused from one semester of the religious studies requirement. All Choristers must take Living Religions of the World.)
  • Chorale

    Upper School Chorale, the oldest coordinate organization on the Close, is a choral ensemble of more than 170 voices. The Chorale rehearses three times per rotation and performs several times throughout the year in Washington National Cathedral, including the fall and spring concerts, the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, and the Independent School Choral Festival. Members of the Chorale perform for special services and major events at NCS and STA, including Commencement. Singers can also choose to participate in the annual spring Chorale and Orchestra tour. This un-auditioned ensemble is an ideal setting for students from all levels of musical skill and experience to find their voices through development of healthy vocal technique and exploration of a wide variety of repertoire.

    Available for fall semester or full year only.
  • Music Theory

    This course in musicianship encompasses harmonic and formal analysis, ear training, counterpoint, and orchestration. Students may elect to take the AP Music Theory examination, should they wish.

    Does not satisfy the NCS arts requirement.
  • Orchestra

    Members of the Orchestra develop musical skills through the preparation of a wide range of repertoire for performances held throughout the year, often in conjunction with the Chorale and other choral ensembles. There are three full rehearsals per rotation. Members should have considerable skill on an instrument and some previous ensemble experience.  Students should also concurrently be taking private instrumental lessons, either through the school or independently.

    Available for fall semester or full year only except with Director's permission.
  • Whitechapel Guild

    Students learn the art and science of English change ringing in the Cathedral central tower. Whitechapel Guild rings for numerous school events during the year and joins the Cathedral Ringing Society for occasional special events.

Department Faculty

  • Photo of A. Scott Wood
    A. Scott Wood
    Director of Instrumental Music
    202-537-2205
    Bio
  • Photo of Cara Alfano
    Cara Alfano
    Music (Cello)
    202-537-6379
    Bio
  • Photo of Charles Bowers
    Charles Bowers
    Associate Choral Director
    202-537-6420
  • Photo of Barbra Bradley
    Barbra Bradley
    Music Teacher (Piano and Harp)
    202-537-6690
    Bio
  • Julie DeBoer
    Chorister Program Director
  • Elissa Edwards
    Private Voice Teacher
  • Photo of Luis Garay
    Luis Garay
    Music Teacher (Percussion)
  • Photo of Noah Getz
    Noah Getz
    Music Teacher (Clarinet & Saxophone)
    Bio
  • Maribeth Gowen
    Music Teacher (Piano)
  • Photo of Annie Loud
    Annie Loud
    Music (Violin & Viola)
    703-283-0042
  • Photo of Michael McCarthy
    Michael McCarthy
    Choirmaster
    202-537-8503
  • Photo of John Rodgers
    John Rodgers
    Music Teacher (Guitar)
    301-767-3383
    Bio
  • Photo of Quilla Roth
    Quilla Roth
    Whitechapel Guild Coordinator
    202-537-8986
  • Tom Sheehan
    Organist
  • Photo of Charlotte Stewart
    Charlotte Stewart
    Voice Teacher
    Bio
  • Meghan Stoll
    Interim Associate Director of Choral Music
  • Laura Stuart
    Private Voice Teacher