CMS Summer Programs Feature Regional Music Educators, Guest Artists

Members of Clarion Brass at String Orchestra Camp 2025

Each summer, the Community Music School of Webster University hosts an impressive lineup of faculty, guest artists and clinicians, bringing together CMS's dedicated teaching staff with musicians and music educators from across the St. Louis region. This collaborative model ensures students receive diverse perspectives and specialized instruction across all musical disciplines.

2025 Program Highlights

CMS Flute Camp continues to be coordinated by faculty member and principal flutist of the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra Nadine Hur. She also conducted master classes during Band Camp.

CMS String Orchestra Camp featured conductors Brad Besand (violin), Twinda Murry (CMS String Orchestra) and Sarah Klevorn (CMS YPCO). Section coaches included CMS faculty Andrew Binder (double bass), Gary Lee (cello), Amy Meschke (violin) and Ingrid Popp (viola), plus Clay McKinney from Parkway Middle School and Julia Sakharova on violin. Students enjoyed a special performance by Clarion Brass.

Chamber Music Encounter brought together coordinators Matt Pankratz (piano) and John Thomas (horn) with coaches, including Ingrid Popp (viola), Tara Santiago (Suzuki cello) and Davin Rubicz (cello) from the Chamber Music Society St. Louis. The 314 Quartet, featuring Wendy Hymes, Mary Bryant, Carrie Smith, Hank Skolnick and Tricia Jostlein provided a guest performance.

CMS Band Camp showcased regional partnerships with conductors Jeff Pottinger (St. Louis University High School) and Madeline Watts (Washington School District). Section coaches included Michael Faris (percussion), Chris Hubbard (saxophone), Clara Richter (flute), Emily Mehigh (clarinet), Carla Colletti (oboe), Dan Smith (trumpet), Kyle Spies (low brass) and John Thomas (horn). St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians Scott Andrews, Cally Banham, Tod Bowermaster and Shannon Wood served as additional coaches, while master classes were led by Nadine Hur (flute), Katie Myler (clarinet) and Ilya Litvin (trumpet). The IMI Chamber Players Woodwind Quintet provided a guest performance.

CMS Summer Composition Intensive offers aspiring composers opportunities under coordinator John Thomas, with coaches including Stephanie Berg, Zach Fendelman, Lance Garger, David Nalesnik (Maryville University), Matt Pankratz (piano), Ingrid Popp (viola) and Tara Santiago (Suzuki cello).

CMS Saxophone Summer Intensive is coordinated by Chris Hubbard with coaches Hugh Jones (Chaminade College Preparatory School) and Paul Shanker (Parkway Central High School).

CMS summer programs exemplify a commitment to fostering musical excellence through community collaboration, bringing together talented faculty with distinguished guest artists to provide students with rich, diverse musical experiences.