Ensembles include the Youth Jazz Orchestra; Jazz Comobs; Latin Salsa Band; OPC Symphony Orchestra; Zimbabwe Marimba Band; Symphonic Wind Ensemble; Count Basie Tribute Orchestra, Shekere Ensemble, and the Frederick Douglass Youth Ensemble.
I am Me uses the music of Branice McKenzie to teach life lessons. Through singing music from South African Township to Big Band Swing, children learn about friendship, community, listening, family, gratitude, manners, and much more through play, movement, and song.
The Preparatory Choir is for anyone, regardless of ability. It is designed to provide basic choral training and performance opportunities to beginning level students and with the additional goal of increasing students talents through training and performance. Section I: ages 5-12; Section II: Ages 13 & up. The Youth Performance Choir is more advanced and by audition only. Student will learn more difficult music, will do some a capella singing, more complex music, some jazz singing, close harmony work.
Unlike pianists who can be self-reliant, most of the time instrumentalists, such as violinists or cellists, need to perform with accompaniment that makes ensemble experiences a mandatory part of their musical learning process. This Orchestral Ensemble gives the students the exposure to work in a large group setting and will help expand their teamwork and acute listening skills very early on. The guitar ensemble gives students an opportunity to benefit from the experience of playing with a group to build better listening skills, and the ability to work with others.
We offer group classes in piano, guitar and music theory.
The Preparatory Program is available to students ages 9-18. This program offers conservatory quality training complete with private lessons, master classes, keyboard and theory classes, ensembles and performance opportunities. Benefits of the program include access to instruments, academic support, and college preparation support. Participants in the Preparatory Program are required to complete 30 hours of community service yearly.
The Mainstage Performance Co. includes instruction in acting, singing and choreography in preparation for performance of a full-scale Broadway Musical. Additional rehearsals are mandatory.
The ECYS Percussion Ensemble is comprised of percussionists currently in the Sinfonietta, Wind Orchestra and Senior Symphony. The section meets separately from orchestra practice to rehearse and to prepare their programs with coaches.