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NIU Community School of the Arts

String and Orchestra Ensembles

CSA Symphonette

  • Ages 8 -16
  • 24 Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m. - 5:55 p.m., Room 161, Music Building
  • September 13 - May 1, no rehearsal December 6 - January 31.
  • The last fall rehearsal is November 29; spring rehearsals resume on February 7.
  • Concerts: November 29 and May 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the Concert Hall.
  • On concert nights, the parking sign in the lot south of the Music Building (Lot 3) will be adjusted to allow free parking without a pass.

Music comes alive for the players in this string ensemble. Players learn more about the basic elements of music theory, note reading, and rhythm comprehension. Play fun and challenging repertoire. Enjoy playing with other string players and gain the experience needed for CSA Sinfonia. This intermediate string orchestra is for students who have some ensemble experience. No auditions are required, but students are expected to be in Suzuki Books 3 or 4, or equivalent.

First night picnic: For all members and parents. The date and time are September 13 at 6 p.m., after rehearsal. The place is Annie's Woods (on Lucinda Ave, directly across the Music Building). Bring a dish to pass and a frisbee and come ready to have fun getting to know your fellow musicians.

BRING A FRIEND DAYS on September 20 and February 14: The second rehearsals of the fall and spring semesters are open to any player who would like to experience the group - for free! Current members of Symphonette are encouraged to invite a friend that day, but anyone is welcome to attend this rehearsal. There’s no fee and no obligation. We hope you’ll come back the following week to register for the semester.

Director: Linc Smelser
Fee: $210 (annual)

CSA Sinfonia

  • Ages 14 - 20
  • 27 Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Room 155, Music Building
  • August 31 - May 2; no rehearsal on November 9 and 23, December 14 - January 11, February 29, and April 4.
  • The last fall rehearsal is December 7. Spring rehearsals resume on January 18.
  • Admission is by audition only; call to ask about openings in the 2011-2012 ensemble.  Spring 2012 update:  CSA Sinfonia cold use two horns, one trombone, one tuba, one flute player, two-three percussionists, and all strings.  If you are interested in auditioning, call the office at (815) 753-1450 by January 17.
  • Concerts: Thursday, November 3; Wednesdays, February 22 and May 2, 7:30 p.m., Concert Hall. 
  • On concert nights, the parking sign in the lot south of the Music Building (Lot 3) will be adjusted to allow free parking without a pass.

String, wind, brass, and percussion players! Here's your chance to play original masterpieces by Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven, as well as music from the 20th century, including popular music classics by Led Zeppelin and the Beatles. The music is fun and challenging.

First night picnic: For all members and parents. The date and time are August 31 at 6 p.m. The place is Annie's Woods (on Lucinda Ave, directly across the Music Building). Bring a dish to pass and a frisbee and come ready to have fun getting to know your fellow musicians. Rehearsal begins at 7:30 p.m.

BRING A FRIEND DAY on January 25: This second rehearsal of the spring is open to any high school musician who would like to experience the orchestra – for free! Members of the group are encouraged to bring a friend that day, but anyone is welcome to attend this rehearsal. There’s no fee and no obligation. We hope you’ll call to sign up for an audition time on May 14 and, hopefully become a member of the orchestra next year.

CSA Sinfonia Concerto Competition

This competition is for musicians who are 18 years old or younger and who live within a 75-mile radius of DeKalb. Players are expected to perform one memorized movement of a standard concerto or work with orchestral accompaniment. Competitors need not be in the CSA Sinfonia. Winners may not compete again on the same instrument. Details and application forms are available online and in the office. The winner receives a prize of $200 and performs the concerto with the orchestra at the February concert. Applications are due October 24. Auditions are on November 7 beginning at 4:30 p.m. A poster is available for public use.

Auditions for the 2012-2013 CSA Sinfonia – May 14. Admission is by audition only; call to ask about openings in this year’s group. Auditions for next year’s orchestra are on Monday, May 14, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Call (815) 753-1450 for an audition time. Bring two pieces in contrasting styles (e.g., slow and fast) to play at the audition.

Note: All new and current wind, brass, and percussion players and all new string players must audition. Current string players are invited to register without auditioning.

Director: Linc Smelser
Fee: $247 (annual)

CSA String Quartet

  • Ages 10 - 18
  • 14 alternate Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. – 5:55 p.m., Room 103, Music Building
  • Fall: September 15 and 29, October 13 and 27, November 10, December 8 and 15
  • Spring: February 2 and 16, Mar. 1 and 15, April 19, May 10 and 17
  • Recitals: December 15 and May 17 at 6:45 p.m. in the Recital Hall.
  • On concert nights, the parking sign in the lot south of the Music Building (Lot 3) will be adjusted to allow free parking without a pass.

Discover the joys of chamber music! Students participate in seven coached rehearsals of major works from different periods and styles. Students improve their musicianship and listening skills and prepare for a performance. Coaching is available for established quartets or for those who would like to be placed with compatible players in a new quartet.

Director: Laurie Rodriguez
Fee: $85 (semester)