Music | The Wellington School
Source: http://www.wellington.org/music
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
Music | The Wellington School
Music
The sound of potential
Music at Wellington engages both heart and mind, activating parts of the brain that strengthen focus, memory, and creative thinking. From their first songs in early childhood to advanced ensembles in upper school, students build confidence, discipline, and collaboration skills that extend well beyond the stage.
Performances
Music Moves Me showcases student growth and brings families together.
All students, whether in strings, band, or choir, perform each year.
Wellington musicians are regularly invited to share their talents at events on and beyond campus.
Music in our Curriculum
Music begins with joyful exploration in the early years. Students sing, move, and experiment with rhythm as they build a strong foundation in musical expression. Each year builds sequentially, helping children sharpen listening skills, strengthen memory, and connect music to culture and history. Along the way, they grow in confidence, creativity, and collaboration.
In middle school, students deepen their skills and begin to focus on strings, band, or choir. They learn technique, expand their musical range, and practice the discipline of rehearsal while also experiencing the joy of ensemble performance. Whether in rehearsal or on stage, middle school musicians strengthen focus, persistence, and teamwork as they prepare for the more advanced opportunities of upper school.
Upper school musicians pursue their passion through band, strings, and choir, with opportunities ranging from entry-level ensembles to advanced audition-based groups. Students refine their technical skills, explore challenging repertoire, and collaborate in chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and a cappella performances. They also represent Wellington at festivals and competitions, building confidence and artistry while experiencing the joy of performing for wider audiences. These experiences prepare students to carry creativity, discipline, and collaboration into college and beyond.
Meet the Wellington Music Department
James Becker
Middle and Upper School Band Director
becker@wellington.org
Dawna Rone
Middle School and Upper School Orchestra Director
drone@wellington.org
Allison Enchelmayer
Middle and Upper School Vocal Music Director
aenchelmayer@wellington.org
Alyson Vigneron
Early Childhood and Lower School Music Teacher
vigneron@wellington.org
Alumni in the Arts
Ellie Rui 瑞 ’20
A Chicago-based jazz drummer, Ellie is known for her bold rhythms and genre-crossing style. From late-night sets to experimental collaborations, she brings curiosity and creativity to every beat.
Read her story
Laura Gamboa ’13
A violinist, educator, and doctoral student at the University of Southern California, Laura studies with L.A. Philharmonic concertmaster Martin Chalifour. She brings presence and depth to every performance, finding meaning in the stillness between the notes.
Read her story
Max Schmitz ’14
As a bassist, songwriter, and founder of Magnetic Service Records, Max builds bold, boundary-pushing sounds while helping others launch their own creative work.
Read his story
Explore more alumni stories in the arts
Explore
Music
The sound of potential
Music at Wellington engages both heart and mind, activating parts of the brain that strengthen focus, memory, and creative thinking. From their first songs in early childhood to advanced ensembles in upper school, students build confidence, discipline, and collaboration skills that extend well beyond the stage.
Performances
Music Moves Me showcases student growth and brings families together.
All students, whether in strings, band, or choir, perform each year.
Wellington musicians are regularly invited to share their talents at events on and beyond campus.
Music in our Curriculum
Music begins with joyful exploration in the early years. Students sing, move, and experiment with rhythm as they build a strong foundation in musical expression. Each year builds sequentially, helping children sharpen listening skills, strengthen memory, and connect music to culture and history. Along the way, they grow in confidence, creativity, and collaboration.
In middle school, students deepen their skills and begin to focus on strings, band, or choir. They learn technique, expand their musical range, and practice the discipline of rehearsal while also experiencing the joy of ensemble performance. Whether in rehearsal or on stage, middle school musicians strengthen focus, persistence, and teamwork as they prepare for the more advanced opportunities of upper school.
Upper school musicians pursue their passion through band, strings, and choir, with opportunities ranging from entry-level ensembles to advanced audition-based groups. Students refine their technical skills, explore challenging repertoire, and collaborate in chamber groups, jazz ensembles, and a cappella performances. They also represent Wellington at festivals and competitions, building confidence and artistry while experiencing the joy of performing for wider audiences. These experiences prepare students to carry creativity, discipline, and collaboration into college and beyond.
Meet the Wellington Music Department
James Becker
Middle and Upper School Band Director
becker@wellington.org
Dawna Rone
Middle School and Upper School Orchestra Director
drone@wellington.org
Allison Enchelmayer
Middle and Upper School Vocal Music Director
aenchelmayer@wellington.org
Alyson Vigneron
Early Childhood and Lower School Music Teacher
vigneron@wellington.org
Alumni in the Arts
Ellie Rui 瑞 ’20
A Chicago-based jazz drummer, Ellie is known for her bold rhythms and genre-crossing style. From late-night sets to experimental collaborations, she brings curiosity and creativity to every beat.
Read her story
Laura Gamboa ’13
A violinist, educator, and doctoral student at the University of Southern California, Laura studies with L.A. Philharmonic concertmaster Martin Chalifour. She brings presence and depth to every performance, finding meaning in the stillness between the notes.
Read her story
Max Schmitz ’14
As a bassist, songwriter, and founder of Magnetic Service Records, Max builds bold, boundary-pushing sounds while helping others launch their own creative work.
Read his story
Explore more alumni stories in the arts
Explore