Instrumental
Each year, our ensembles take music beyond the Academy, sharing it with the community. While awards and honors are meaningful, our student musicians have a greater purpose – to bring joy through music and create meaningful and lasting experiences for those around us. Being part of the Academy Orchestra is more than just playing an instrument. It’s about growing as an artist and working together as a team. Music here is something to be felt, experienced, and shared.
For those looking to deepen their skills, the Academy provides many opportunities. Students can join the Academy Orchestra, audition for the Chamber Orchestra, play in the Jazz Ensemble, or form small chamber groups with friends. The Handbell Choir is available to both Middle and Upper School students.
With frequent performances and top ratings in regional competitions, our musicians have the chance to showcase their dedication and passion, bringing their music to life for all to hear.
Musicians at AHA have earned recognition both locally and internationally, winning awards and securing spots in regional and state honor ensembles. Many also take part in pre-college programs at Juilliard, the Manhattan School of Music, and the New York Youth Symphony Orchestra. Students can join select ensembles for course credit, helping them meet graduation requirements.
Handbell Choir
Playing in the handbell choir is truly a team effort. With 11 playing positions each individual player contributes to the overall sound. Previous playing is not required. All are welcome to this unique ensemble.
Academy Orchestra
Academy Orchestra is open to anyone who plays an instrument, regardless of level or experience. Participating in this ensemble helps musicians of all levels to develop technique and musicianship, and gives each student the opportunity to perform along side of their peers. Our orchestra performs at the Christmas concert, Spring Concert, Graduation, attends music festivals and competitions, as well as local outreach performances. While students can join on a volunteer basis, many choose to enroll in Academy Orchestra for credit, which satisfies the Academy’s Fine and Performing Arts graduation requirement.
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned group that rehearses similarly to a professional ensemble, and performs classic orchestral literature. Participating in this ensemble helps advanced musicians refine their chamber music skills, collaborate with other advanced students, and experience how professional ensembles rehearse. This ensemble performs at all school-based concerts/events, and participates in prestigious programs, such as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the New Jersey State Solo & Ensemble Festival.
Jazz Ensemble
AHA is the proud home of New Jersey’s only all-female high school Jazz Ensemble! This ensemble is open to all who wish to participate, and performs classic Jazz repertoire, modern Pop charts, and everything in between. Jazz Ensemble provides students with the unique opportunity to perform written and improvised solos, which helps to develop musicianship and self-confidence. The performance opportunities range from the Christmas and Spring concerts, to flash-mobbing the main lobby during Music in Our School’s Month.
