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.
Download the 2022-2023 Orchestras & Ensembles Information Brochure
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.
2022-2023 Tuition: $465
Auditions: August 27-28, 2022
Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
2022-2023 Start Date: September 21, 2022
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 9-10 years.
2022-2023 Tuition: $465
Auditions: August 27-28, 2022
Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
2022-2023 Start Date: September 21, 2022
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.
2022-2023 Tuition: $585
Woodwind & Brass Auditions: UPDATED: August 14, 2022
String Auditions: August 20-21, 2022
Weekly rehearsals Thursdays 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.
2022-2023 Start Date: September 29, 2022
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.
2022-2023 Tuition: $585
Woodwind & Brass Auditions: UPDATED: August 14, 2022
String Auditions: August 20-21, 2022
Weekly rehearsals Mondays 4:15 - 6:15 p.m.
2022-2023 Start Date: September 19, 2022
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.
Tuition: $495
Auditions: UPDATED: August 14, 2022
Weekly rehearsals same as YPCO or YPSO based on group assignment
2022-2023 Start Date: October 24, 2022
Webster University High School Jazz Ensemble
Directed by Nick Savage
Education Direction by Paul DeMarinis
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. This program is administered in partnership with the Community Music School.
Tuition: $525
Auditions are by appointment
Weekly rehearsals Tuesdays 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
2022-2023 Start Date: August 23, 2022