Collective Practices
Whether string, wind, harmony or symphonic, the orchestra is the musical culmination of individual work on the instrument.
Sharing music with fellow students or colleagues, moving together through a repertoire as vast as it is eclectic, performing on the Principality's greatest stages: this is what this directed collective practice makes possible.
Baroque workshop
The Baroque workshop brings together singers and instrumentalists to perform works ranging from the Renaissance and pre-Baroque periods to the earliest Lieder. This historically informed aesthetic approach is aimed at motivated students from cycle II upwards, with the agreement of the dominant teacher. They must be enrolled in a singing or instrumental class at the Rainier III Academy. The aim of this workshop is to approach this language by integrating theoretical elements, but above all by approaching the works, without touching on vocal or instrumental technique. However, it constitutes a Unit of Value as complementary training in the diploma course.
Plectrum Orchestra
A plectrum orchestra, sometimes called a mandolin orchestra or estudiantina, is an ensemble of plucked string instruments with a structure similar to that of a symphony orchestra. The first and second mandolin desks correspond to those of the violin, the mandola desk to that of theviola, and classical guitars played with the fingers without a plectrum provide accompaniment or replace the harp.
Big Band
The Big Band is an orchestral group that performs works from the jazz repertoire, particularly in the swing style, until the 1960s, when the avant-garde and free jazz began to show an interest in this type of formation. The name comes from English and literally means "big band". Other terms such as "jazz band", "jazz ensemble", "jazz orchestra", "stage band", "society band" and "dance band" may be used in particular contexts.
Other instruments often complete the ensemble: trombone, French horn, vibraphone, percussion, drums, etc. Sometimes a string section is added. The band may also feature one or more singers who interpret songs or melodies (sometimes scatting) solo, accompanied by the rest of the band.
Chamber Music
"Chamber music" is a generic term applied to compositions for a small number of solo instruments. Until the end of the 17th century, before the advent of public concerts, the term was used to designate vocal or instrumental music intended for performance in the home of a private individual, even a king, as opposed to church or theater music.
A non-directed collective practice, this discipline is compulsory from the 3rd cycle onwards.
The music is shared in a more intimate setting (duo, trio, quartet, etc.), enabling exploration of a repertoire that is as diverse in style as it is in formation.