A sequential orchestra program
Community Music School orchestras are structured to enhance students’ skills beyond individual performance and to support the education process in school music programs. CMS orchestras meet during the academic year at the CMS Center on the main campus at Webster University.
Things to know about the Orchestra Program 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 and cello students.
- Emphasizes reading and ensemble skills.
Average student musician is in elementary or middle school.
2025-2026 Tuition: $510
Auditions: Aug. 23-24, 2025
Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 4:30–5:30 p.m.
2025-2026 Start Date: Sept. 17, 2025
String Orchestra (SO)
Conducted by Twinda Murry
- 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 student musician is in elementary or middle school.
2025-2026 Tuition: $510
Auditions: Aug. 23-24, 2025
Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 4:15–5:30 p.m.
2025-2026 Start Date: Sept. 17, 2025
Young People's Concert Orchestra (YPCO)
Conducted by Sarah Dane
- 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.
2025-2026 Tuition: $630
Woodwind & Brass Auditions: Aug. 10, 2025
String Auditions: Aug. 15-17, 2025
Weekly rehearsals Thursdays 4:15–6:15 p.m.
2025-2026 Start Date: Sept. 25, 2025
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 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.
2025-2026 Tuition: $672
Woodwind and Brass Auditions: Aug. 10, 2025
String Auditions: Aug. 15-17, 2025
Weekly rehearsals Mondays 4:15–6:15 p.m.
2025-2026 Start Date: Sept. 15, 2025
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 and YPSO as assigned.
Average student musician is in middle or high school.
2025-2026 Tuition: $522
Auditions (UPDATED): August 17, 2025
Weekly rehearsals same as YPCO or YPSO based on group assignment
2025-2026 Start Date: Oct. 27, 2025