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.