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.
String Ensemble (SE)
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 (SO)
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
Young People's Concert Orchestra (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
Young People's Symphonic Orchestra (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
Young People's Orchestra Percussion (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
Webster University 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