Music at Roxbury Latin
Music, in one form or another, is woven into the fabric of Roxbury Latin life. With the chance to become involved in the school’s singing groups, the Jazz Band, the chamber groups, Guitar Ensemble, individual recitals, and the spring musical, nearly all RL boys contribute directly, in some way, to this vital component of our arts program. Add to these the special guest performances, visiting professional groups, and a variety of concerts throughout the year, and virtually no boy escapes the power of music within our walls.
The Glee Club (open to Classes I-IV by audition) rehearses during the academic day and performs sacred, folk, musical theater, and traditional songs for men’s chorus. It collaborates annually with a girls’ chorus to perform a major choral work—most recently Brahms’ Requiem. The Glee Club tours in the spring—most recently to Italy; Austria and the Czech Republic; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C. and Virginia; and Puerto Rico.
The Latonics, comprised of about 14 singers selected from the Glee Club, perform more challenging a cappella music, often in original arrangements by group members. They rehearse twice a week after athletics practice, and maintain an extensive performance schedule. Over the years, the Latonics have produced 11 albums.
The Junior Chorus is open by audition to boys in Classes V and VI. Its repertoire includes three- and four-part arrangements, both accompanied and a cappella. The Junior Chorus rehearses once a week. It performs in December and April at Glee Club concerts.
The Jazz Band, Chamber Ensembles, and Guitar Ensemble are for boys who demonstrate proficiency in instrumental performance. They rehearse once each week after sports practices and perform several times during the academic year.
Each term, by arrangement with the Director of Music, boys may perform in recital before the school. These performances often include chamber ensembles gathered by the Director of Music.
Musical Performance Calendar 2023-2024
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Men's Choral Festival: November 3, 2023Friday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m.Rousmaniere HallThis celebration of men’s choral music will feature the Roxbury Latin Glee Club, the Latonics, and guest high school boys’ choruses.
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Holiday Concerts: December 15, 2023Friday, December 15, at 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.Rousmaniere HallAll three RL choral groups—the Glee Club, Latonics, and Junior Chorus —will sing to welcome the beginning of Winter Break and to celebrate the holiday season.
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Joint Concert with Winsor School: March 3, 2024Sunday, March 3, at 6 p.m.The Winsor SchoolRL Glee Club will join forces with the girls of the Winsor Chorale and Small Chorus to perform a joint vocal concert with a full orchestra of professional and student musicians, as well as selections from each school.
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Glee Club Tour of Italy: March 15 through March 23, 2024
Members of Roxbury Latin’s Glee Club and the Latonics will embark on a tour of Italy over the spring break, performing at various locations while learning about the people and history, culture and food of areas of Italy.
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A Cappella Fest: April 5, 2024Friday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m.Smith TheaterThe Latonics will host the popular, annual A Cappella Fest, featuring professional, collegiate, and high school a cappella groups from the Boston area.
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Senior Concert: April 19, 2024Friday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m.Rousmaniere HallThe Glee Club, Latonics, and Junior Chorus will all perform in a concert that honors the Class of 2024.
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Spring Instrumental Concert: May 17, 2024Friday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m.Rousmaniere Hall & Smith TheaterRL’s Chamber Ensembles, Big Band, and Jazz Combo will perform in the final concert of the school year.