The Community Music School's orchestras and ensembles provide opportunities for motivated, pre-college instrumental musicians to perform with peers of similar ability and commitment, from String Ensemble (for strings players who have just begun to read music), through the Young People's Symphonic Orchestra (a full orchestra for advanced instrumentalists).  Jazz Lab Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble offer group learning and performance options.  CMS orchestras and ensembles meet during the academic year (September-May). 

The 2012-2013 Audition Booklet for all CMS orchestras and ensembles has detailed information on audition dates and requirements, repertoire, fees, and rehearsals.  

Click on the header of each group for more information.

STRING ENSEMBLE (SE)
Average age: 7-10 years  ·  Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
This beginning level ensemble for strings emphasizes reading skills.  Members must have a thorough and accurate knowledge of first position, a familiarity with letter names of notes, and show good left and right hand playing positions.  Suzuki Book equivalents are Violin Books 2 and 3 and Cello Book 2. 

STRING ORCHESTRA (SO)
Average age: 9-14 years  ·  Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
This intermediate-level string ensemble emphasizes music reading skills, understanding of ensemble playing technique, and experience playing repertoire more advanced than String Ensemble repertoire.  Members must have a thorough and accurate knowledge of first position and the ability to read music.  The median playing level is Suzuki Violin Book 4 and Suzuki Cello Book 3.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT ORCHESTRA (YPCO)
Students through high school   ·  Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion
YPCO is the first full orchestra in the CMS system.  For many students, it is their first experience with strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments together in a group.  Emphasis is placed on the development of ensemble skills, accurate intonation, rhythm, and sight-reading. Orchestral literature is arranged and original form is introduced. 

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA (YPSO)

Students through high school   ·  Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion 
This full orchestra is the most advanced of the School’s ensembles.  Established over 25 years ago, this orchestra focuses attention on the refinement of ensemble skills, intonation, sight-reading, and orchestral discipline, while increasing performance standards. 

Established over 30 years ago, the YPSO is the most advanced of the School’s ensembles, performing a wide range of orchestral literature in its original form. This full orchestra focuses members' attention on the refinement of ensemble skills, intonation, sight-reading, and orchestral discipline, while increasing performance standards.

JAZZ LAB ENSEMBLE (JLE)

Students in grades 8 – 12   ·  Brass, Woodwind and String instruments plus a rhythm section of Guitar, Vibraphone, Piano, Drum Set, Latin Percussion, and Bass (electric or acoustic)  
All melodic instruments are welcome to participate in the jazz lab ensemble, which will develop students’ skills in improvisation, ensemble interaction, and personal musicianship.  Prior experience in jazz is helpful but not mandatory.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES (PE)

Students in grades 9 – 12   ·  All Percussion Instruments

Designed to supplement individual and/or class percussion instruction, Percussion Ensembles help students develop strong fundamental skills in all areas of percussion and improve ensemble performance skills.  Students have the opportunity to perform in a wide variety of ensemble settings including large and small mallet keyboard ensembles, ethnic/world percussion and traditional “mixed percussion” ensembles. 

Questions?  Contact Katie Myler, CMS Ensembles Coordinator, at
myler@webster.edu or 314-246-4450.