CMS Now Accepting Applications for Auditions for 2023-2024 Orchestras & Ensembles
May 12, 2023
The Community Music School will be accepting applications to audition for all its orchestras and ensembles from April 1 through June 30. Audition times are assigned in early August. To complete an application, please visit webster.edu/cms-orchestras. Audition dates are as follows:
- YPCO/YPSO/YPOP Brass & Woodwind Auditions: August 13.
- YPCO/YPSO String Auditions: August 19 and 20
- String Ensemble & String Orchestra Auditions: August 26 and 27
- High School Jazz Ensembles: by appointment
- Preparatory Program: September 9 and 10
Conducted by Graham Woodland, our beginning String Ensemble for violin, viola & cello students emphasizes reading and ensemble skills. The average
age of the student is 7-10 years.
Conducted by Nancy Daby, this intermediate String Orchestra for violin, viola, cello and double bass students builds on and refines skills learned in String Ensemble; emphasizes ensemble playing and literature and is strong preparation for the Young People's Concert Orchestra. The average age of the student is 10-12 years.
Conducted by Sarah Klevorn, the Young People’s Concert Orchestra (YPCO) is the first full Orchestra for violin, viola, cello, double bass, piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba & percussion. YPCO emphasizes development of ensemble skills, intonation, rhythm, and sight-reading, and performs original and arranged orchestral literature.
Conducted by Patrick Jackson, the Young People’s Symphonic Orchestra (YPSO) is the advanced orchestra for violin, viola, cello, double bass, piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba & percussion. YPSO builds on and refines skills learned in YPCO, and performs orchestral literature in its original form. All members are eligible and invited to audition for the YPSO Concerto Competition.
Directed by Michael Faris, the Young People’s Orchestra Percussion (YPOP) provides the percussionists for the YPCO and YPSO ensembles and emphasizes fluency, proficiency, and technique on orchestral percussion in the form of one-on-one/small-group coaching, then large ensemble rehearsals with YPCO & YPSO.
Under the leadership of Nick Savage, the High School Jazz Ensemble leverages the expertise of Webster University’s innovative jazz studies program for young jazz musicians to work on improvisation, ensemble interaction, and personal musicianship.
The CMS Preparatory Program (Prep) is an intensive Chamber Music program offering high-caliber coaching from professional musicians, real-world performance opportunities, artistic mentoring, and advanced theory.