Young Ensembles Program
Grades 6-8
Please note that the submission deadline has been extended. All materials must be received by Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
The Young Ensembles Program is one of several training programs offered by the Education Department of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Middle/junior high school and homeschool consortium music teachers may submit their school chamber ensembles (one person on a part) to be considered for participation.
Ensembles will be selected to receive professional coaching by Chamber Music Society artists. The ensembles will then be presented in a culminating performance in the Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Studio at Lincoln Center.
Instrumental, vocal, or mixed ensembles with only one performer per part may apply. A school or homeschool consortium may submit no more than three ensembles for consideration. To best support chamber music instruction in school music programs, the Young Ensembles Program is only for ensembles meeting the following guidelines:
- All students in the ensemble must attend the same middle/junior high school or homeschool consortium at the time of application as well as at the time of performance
- All students in the ensemble must actively participate in their school music program (eg. orchestra, band, chamber music club)
- The application must be submitted by the school music teacher on behalf of their students. The school music teacher must agree to be the sole point-of-contact between CMS and the student ensemble
- The program is open to students in public or private schools and homeschool consortiums, but not pre-professional or community music schools
Ensembles must select a single movement, or single movement work, from the chamber music repertoire. No arrangements or instrument substitutions will be accepted without prior approval by the CMS Education Department. Original student compositions are also acceptable. The difficulty of the music chosen should reflect the ability of the players.
Duos and Sonatas (piano with one instrument) should feature equally challenging parts. Please note these ensembles are judged to a higher standard than larger ensembles that are more inclusive of students from the school music program.
Works for two pianos are not eligible. Ensembles involving percussion must provide their own percussion instruments.
The Young Ensembles Concert will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Studio at Lincoln Center.
Young Ensembles Program Application Instructions
Please note COVID-related guidelines included in the Application Instructions.
Ensembles with percussion must be able to provide and transport their own percussion instrument(s) and equipment if selected.
For repertoire ideas, please refer to the Young Musicians Concert Repertoire Guide.