Ensembles

Now Enrolling for Fall 2022

CMS offers a variety of ensembles for all ages that are designed to encourage students to expand their music skills and knowledge. Students need not be enrolled in private study at CMS to participate in an ensemble. Registration is required. Contact our Registrar for more information or to register for a class or ensemble.

Ensembles for Kids and Teens

Chamber Music Program – Intermediate to Advanced Strings, Piano, Winds & Harp

Chamber music is often regarded as the most rewarding and challenging of all music literature to perform. Participation in a three to five member chamber ensemble provides fine-tuning of rhythmic, intonation, and communication skills as well as stylistic guidance from faculty coaches. Ensembles can be comprised of a wide variety of instrumental combinations. Successful chamber ensembles require a great deal of practice and compatibility between all players. For this reason, we encourage members of chamber ensembles to view it as a year-long commitment.

Please check back for updates or email us to inquire: info@cmsmusic.org

Skill Requirement:
All Strings*: Two Octave Scales up to 3 sharps and 3 flats, out of 1st position, slurred/separate, quarter note = 120.
Violin: Suzuki Book 4 & Above or equivalent repertoire level
Viola & Cello: Suzuki Book 3 & Above or equivalent repertoire level
Piano: By audition and/or teacher recommendation. Intermediate to Advance Level players,  All major and minor scales, two-octaves, hands together quarter note = 80 and arpeggios
Harp & Winds: By audition and/or teacher recommendation.  Intermediate to advanced students.
Ensembles meet on weekday evenings depending on group placement.
For more information or to register: info@cmsmusic.org or 610-489-3676

Junior Chamber Ensemble

The Junior Chamber Ensemble is for string players Suzuki Book 2/3 and above who are interested in learning to play chamber music in mixed ensembles such as trios and quartets. Students should be enrolled in private lessons in addition to ensemble. Suzuki group students should check with their teacher to see if they are ready to move beyond Suzuki Group Class to Junior Chamber Ensemble.

  • Tuesdays 6:00-6:45pm

Please click here to enroll in this ensemble.

Flute Ensemble

This ensemble will focus on a variety of musical styles. It will be a fun way for flute students to strengthen their musicality and ensemble playing skills! The Flute Ensemble is most suited for students in grades 6 and above with two years playing experience.

Check back for updates about the next session of this class!

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble at Community Music School is for student jazz musicians ages 10-18 who have at least two years of experience on their instruments. Each week will include ensemble work as well as improvisation instruction. The Jazz Ensemble will have the opportunity to perform at CMS concerts and other special events.

Musical Theatre Performance

This exciting workshop is for the student in grades 6 and up who loves musical theatre! Each actor needs to make the commitment to work hard and learn everything there is to put on a performance. Our director and choreographer will provide training in acting, singing and dancing through the rehearsal process of a Musical Revue. Every participant, no matter what level, will get lines, solos and features in the show. The semester ends with a performance for family and friends!

  • Please check back for updates about the next session of this workshop.

Brass Ensemble

CMS is excited to launch its new Brass Ensemble under the direction of CMS faculty, Harry Oehler. Brass Ensemble will supply its members with focused weekly rehearsals, access to much of the brass repertoire, and multiple live performance opportunities. By joining Brass Ensemble, you will be able to play with many of the best brass players in the area working to develop your individual and collective ensemble skills.

  • Mondays 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Ensembles for Adults

Adult String Ensemble

Adult violin, viola, cello and double bass players are welcome to join this low-pressure, big fun group!  We recommend at least 1 year of playing experience for ensemble members. CMS has a limited number of instruments available for rentals. Please call 610-489-3676 to inquire.

New Horizons Band

Do you love music? Did you miss out on the opportunity to learn a musical instrument when you were a child? Are you black and blue from kicking yourself for quitting music lessons all those years ago? Are you looking for a fun, creative way to spend time with other adults who enjoy music? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Community Music School has an exciting New Horizons Band program that you are sure to love!

New Horizons is a band program for adults (18+) who are new to music playing or who have previous instrumental experience and want to pick up where they left off! All band instruments are welcome–flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba, and percussion.