CMS Orchestras and 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.

View the 2024-2025 Orchestras and Ensembles Brochure (PDF)

Things to know about the Orchestras and 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 and cello students.
  • Emphasizes reading and ensemble skills.

Average age of student is 7-10 years.

2024-2025 Tuition: $480

Auditions: Aug. 24-25, 2024

Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 4:30–5:30 p.m.
2024-2025 Start Date: Sept. 18, 2024


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.

2024-2025 Tuition: $480

Auditions: Aug. 24-25, 2024

Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 4:15–5:30 p.m.
2024-2025 Start Date: Sept. 18, 2024


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 provided by YPOP.
  • 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.

2024-2025 Tuition: $600

Woodwind & Brass Auditions: August 11, 2024
String Auditions: Aug. 17-18, 2024

Weekly rehearsals Thursdays 4:15–6:15 p.m.
2024-2025 Start Date: Sept. 26, 2024


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 provided by YPOP.
  • 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.

2024-2025 Tuition: $640

Woodwind and Brass Auditions: Aug. 11, 2024
String Auditions: Aug. 17-18, 2024

Weekly rehearsals Mondays 4:15–6:15 p.m.
2024-2025 Start Date: Sept. 16, 2024

**YPSO was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2025.  All accepted 24-25 YPSO students will be required to make the commitment to participate in this March 28-31 trip and March 30, 2025, performance.  An additional financial obligation estimated between $2,200-2,600 per student is required. Participating in fundraising activities is also required. **


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 and YPSO as assigned.

Average student musician is in middle or high school.

2024-2025 Tuition: $504

Auditions: Aug. 11, 2024

Weekly rehearsals same as YPCO or YPSO based on group assignment
2024-2025 Start Date: Oct. 28, 2024


high school jazz ensemble

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: $540

Complete a High School Jazz Ensemble inquiry form here.

High School Jazz Ensemble Audition Requirements

Auditions are by appointment

Weekly rehearsals Tuesdays 4:15–6:15 p.m.
2024-2025 Start Date: Aug. 20, 2024