Ensembles

Musicians flourish when they play together and gain from the experience of others. Participation not only strengthens the individual student, but students improve their performance levels in their school band program. CIM ensembles are available to young people in Northeast Ohio whether or not they study privately at The Institute.

Beginning String Orchestra, Donna Dehn, Conductor

The basics of ensemble playing are learned here. Auditions required. Violin, viola and cello students must be able to play legato and staccato bow strokes and play major scales in A, D, G, and C. Auditions are in May. Rehearsals: Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Preparatory String Orchestra, Donna Dehn, Conductor

This ensemble was created for the intermediate to advanced student. Members should have at least one year of orchestral or chamber playing. Auditions are required. Students will be asked to play 3 octaves in major and minor scales from 3 sharps to 3 flats, perform a prepared solo piece that demonstrates a range of techniques, such as shifting, spiccato, and vibrato, and a short selection of sight-reading. Rehearsals: Saturday 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The CIM Youth String Camerata Orchestra, Marcia Ferritto and Deborah Price, Conductors

The string orchestra provides a dynamic learning atmosphere for students to develop music, technical and communications skills through repertoire from the Baroque, Classical and Contemporary repertoire. One movement of a concerto, sonata or show piece displaying contrasting musical moods, selected from Baroque, Classical or Contemporary periods; two or three octave scales in any major or minor key; sight reading. Rehearsals: Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony I & II, Gary Ciepluch, Conductor

The Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony is the premiere student wind ensemble in Northeast Ohio. It is open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion players. CYWS mission is twofold: to perform the most significant symphonic wind ensemble literature, and to provide the opportunity for outstanding musicians to rehearse and perform together on a weekly basis. Tours abroad are undertaken every other year, the most recent to Australia. Students in grades 8-12 may audition with a prepared solo piece with two contrasting movements or sections. Auditions are held in May each year.

CIM Percussion Ensemble, Paul Yancich, Director

The CIM Percussion Ensemble is open to students in elementary through high school. Beginning students must have developed a closed roll on the snare drum. Mallet and timpani playing are expected for advanced group placement. Auditions are held in September. Percussion ensemble provides a venue to thoroughly learn the styles and techniques of many different percussion instruments.

(Click here to access on-line application or to download application forms. You may also call our Operations Manager, Stefani Rose, at 216.791.5000, ext. 253.)

Chamber Music Program, Sandra Shapiro, Coordinator

Chamber music is a very valuable experience for the young musician that develops ensemble, promotes listening, communication and leadership skills. It cultivates musicianship and explores a variety of musical styles by introducing the student to some of the greatest music ever written. The Preparatory Chamber Music Program is designed for intermediate to advanced string and piano students. Players are placed in balanced, congenial groups and meet regularly with CIM faculty who demonstrate a high standard of excellence in coaching and performing chamber music.