CMS Orchestras & Ensembles

Community Music School orchestras and ensembles are structured to enhance students’ skills beyond individual performance and to support the education process in school music programs. CMS orchestras and ensembles meet during the academic year at the CMS Center on the main campus at Webster University.

See Audition Requirements

Download the 2023-2024 Orchestras & Ensembles Brochure (.pdf)

Things to know about the Orchestras & Ensembles at CMS

  • Students in CMS orchestras are instructed by top conductors, receive sectional coaching from experienced professional musicians, perform challenging and diverse musical literature, and socialize with peers from across the St. Louis Metro region.
  • Membership in the CMS orchestra and ensembles program is by audition for both new and returning students.
  • Applicants must participate in their school band/orchestra program on the same instrument on which they audition for CMS programs. This policy is waived only when no orchestra or band program exists.
  • Need-based tuition assistance, scholarships and discounts (including an orchestra discount for students taking lessons at CMS) are available.


Callout image

String Ensemble (SE)

Callout image

Conducted by Graham Woodland

  • Beginning String Ensemble for violin, viola & cello students
  • Emphasizes reading and ensemble skills

Average age of student is 7-10 years.

2023-2024 Tuition: $465

Auditions:  August 26-27, 2023

Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
2023-2024 Start Date: September 20, 2023


string orchestra

String Orchestra (SO)

string orchestra

Conducted by Nancy Daby

  • Intermediate String Orchestra for violin, viola, cello and double bass
  • Builds on and refines skills learned in String Ensemble; emphasizes ensemble playing and literature.
  • Strong preparation for the Young People's Concert Orchestra

Average age of student is 10-12 years.

2023-2024 Tuition: $465

Auditions:  August 26-27, 2023

Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
2023-2024 Start Date: September 20, 2023


ypco

Young People's Concert Orchestra (YPCO)

ypco

Conducted by Sarah Klevorn

  • Full Orchestra for violin, viola, cello, double bass, piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba & percussion
  • Emphasizes development of ensemble skills, intonation, rhythm, and sight-reading
  • Performs original and arranged orchestral literature

Average student musician is in middle or high school.

2023-2024 Tuition: $585

Woodwind & Brass Auditions:  August 13, 2023
String Auditions: August 19-20, 2023

Weekly rehearsals Thursdays 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.
2023-2024 Start Date: September 28, 2023


ypso

Young People's Symphonic Orchestra (YPSO)

ypso

Conducted by Patrick Jackson

  • Advanced Orchestra for violin, viola, cello, double bass, piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba & percussion
  • Builds on and refines skills learned in YPCO
  • Performs orchestral literature in its original form
  • All members are eligible and invited to audition for the YPSO Concerto Competition

Average student musician is in middle or high school.

2023-2024 Tuition: $624

Woodwind & Brass Auditions: August 13, 2023
String Auditions: August 19-20, 2023

Weekly rehearsals Mondays 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.
2023-2024 Start Date: September 18, 2023


ypop

Young People's Orchestra Percussion (YPOP)

ypop

Directed by Michael Faris

  • Percussionists for the YPCO and YPSO ensembles
  • Emphasizes fluency, proficiency and technique on orchestral percussion
  • One-on-one/small-group coaching, then large ensemble rehearsals with YPCO & YPSO as assigned

Average student musician is in middle or high school.

2023-2024 Tuition: $495

Auditions: August 13, 2023

Weekly rehearsals same as YPCO or YPSO based on group assignment
2023-2024 Start Date: October 23, 2023

 


high school jazz ensemble

Webster University High School Jazz Ensemble

high school jazz ensemble

Nick Savage, Ensemble Director

Webster University, well-known for its innovative jazz studies program offers a program for rising young jazz musicians to work on improvisation, ensemble interaction, and personal musicianship.

Average age of Student is in grades 8-12

Tuition: $525

Auditions are by appointment

Weekly rehearsals Tuesdays 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.
2023-2024 Start Date: August 22, 2023