The Upper School string ensemble, Quadrivium, remains an integral part of Bryn Mawr’s performing arts program. Quadrivium, directed by cellist Dr. Levitov, consists of musicians from a variety of string and accompaniment instruments, including the violin, viola, cello, harp, and piano. The ensemble attracts a number of talented, experienced musicians across the Upper School who also play in several outside-of-school orchestral ensembles. In recent years, Quadrivium has been looking for ways to expand its program as more and more musicians are seeking new opportunities. 

Last year, a controversy struck Bryn Mawr’s musical world after two sophomores were denied auditions for Maryland’s highly competitive opportunity All-State Jazz Band. All-State is an organization of ensembles that select top musicians from across the state to rehearse and perform together. A prerequisite for All-State players is participation in a school ensemble. Because Bryn Mawr does not have a band nor enough woodwind or brass players to form a concert orchestra with the string ensemble, the sophomores could not meet this requirement. Therefore, they attempted to join Gilman’s jazz band. However, their efforts proved futile due to scheduling conflicts during 4th and 5th period. Jackie Wei, a clarenist, was “devastated by the outcome.” In not joining All-State, Jackie and other players are denied an incredibly prestigious opportunity and will miss out on the experience of playing in a full-band, thus hindering their growth as musicians.

But, this year, things in the music department are starting to look up. This year, Jackie and other  woodwind players have decided to collaborate to form the Wind Ensemble Club. Through the Wind Ensemble Club, players of all instruments will have the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians. Since the club is not officially part of the music department, leaders are currently working with Ms. Veihmeyer to possibly get school ensemble credit so that its members can audition for All-State and pursue other musical opportunities outside of school. The Wind Ensemble Club made its debut at Bryn Mawr’s annual spring concert. Furthermore, a percussion club has also been formed in the Middle School, and according to Dr. Levitov, the music department, in general, is “continuing to look at expanding our programs.” 

As the Gilman School’s choir and jazz prepare for trips to Portugal and New York, musicians at Bryn Mawr are wondering when they will be able to participate in similar opportunities. Sophomore Celeste Flores wishes for more “music-related field trips.” When presented with new ideas for Quadrivium, Dr. Levitov remained open and optimistic, suggesting that musicians meet with “student leaders and music teachers to see what might be possible.” He even added some of his own suggestions, including watching a concert or opera and visiting the musical instrument collection at the Smithsonian. His support for student proposals is exciting for the string ensemble. Oftentimes, the number of opportunities for high school musicians is limited, either due to a lack of funding or teachers. Levitov’s enthusiasm gives hope to Bryn Mawr musicians that proposed ideas may come into fruition. 

Along with numerous student proposals, Dr. Levitov has already implemented new opportunities for Quadrivium this school year. This season, he partnered with Ms. Veihmeyer to bring the Tri-M Music Honor Society to Bryn Mawr. This distinction recognizes students for their “service, leadership, and musical excellence.” Furthermore, for the 2023-24 school year, Quadrivium will become an accredited course, meaning that it will appear on transcripts and that students will receive course comments. Quadrivium and the performing arts program remains a valuable outlet for musicians to collaborate with peers and develop their musical skills. Because of this, it is essential for Bryn Mawr’s music program to continue to expand  and provide engaging opportunities for all musicians, regardless of the instrument that they play.