CIYS Ensembles

The past 4 years have seen the addition of the Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, String Quartets, the Flute Choir and Clarinet Choir, bringing our total number of small ensembles to 8. This is in addition to our already established Percussion Ensemble and Brass Ensemble. The new ensembles reflect a decision to give opportunity for the less-featured instruments in our orchestras to grow their musical skills, have some fun, and play selections arranged especially for their instrument. These ensembles are all professionally coached , and have the opportunity to perform in our ensemble concerts as well as other engagements.

Central Illinois Percussion Ensemble

The Central Illinois Percussion Ensemble consists of percussionists from both the CIYS and the CICO Orchestras and was formed during the 1997-1998 season. The mission is for students to perform percussion ensemble literature that not only showcases the percussion section and its players, but allows them to enhance their performing abilities.

Central Illinois Brass Ensemble

The Central Illinois Brass Ensemble was formed in January 2006 to provide additional educational and enrichment opportunities for the brass students participating in the Concert Orchestra and Youth Symphony as well as local students not currently playing in either orchestra. Building their skills while showcasing their talents, the Brass Ensemble helps students transition from playing in a symphonic band to playing in a symphony orchestra.

Central Illinois Flute Choir
Central Illinois Clarinet Choir

Formed in January of 2008 , these ensembles provide additional educational and enrichment opportunities for the brass, flute and clarinet students participating in CICO and CIYS as well as local students not currently playing in either orchestra. Serving as another performance option for these musicians and showcasing their talents, these ensembles add depth to the symphonies and help students transition from playing in a symphonic band to playing in a symphony orchestra.

Central Illinois Woodwind Quintet , Brass Quintet & String Quartets

The Central Illinois Woodwind and Brass Quintets consists of the top woodwind & brass players in the Youth Symphony and the Quartets are formed from the top string players. These ensembles give the organization's most advanced players further enrichment and provide additional performance experiences.

Interested in auditioning for a small ensemble or know someone who might be? It's not too late! Students who participate in the brass and percussion ensembles, clarinet choir or flute choir do not have to be members of one of our orchestras. Email our CIYS Manager, or call 1-888-218-4650 to schedule an audition.

And do you know the ensembles are for hire? Have an upcoming social event where you'd like a little music? Just contact our orchestra manager for details: (ciysmanager2@gmail.com) or 1-888-218-4650. Help us spread the word and promote the fine work of our students!

The Small Ensembles are partially supported from a grant from the Morton Community Foundation.

A Message from Peggy Bonner, Percussion Ensemble Conductor

I want to welcome all the students back to another exciting year at CIYS and CICO. I am looking foward to working with all the percussion students and want to welcome all of our new members!!

The summer,without a doubt, has gone fast and furious. I directed a summer band program that had four performances, taught a few lessons and did needed projects around the house!! And even enjoyed some well deserved time away from Peoria.....

So while I am getting my band room ready for school I hope all of you are enjoying the last of your summer. Remember, keep practicing your instrument and for me I am just learning to get up early again!!

Peggy Bonner, Percussion Ensemble

A Message from Bradley Harris, Brass Ensemble Conductor

Dear Parents, Students, and Musicians alike,

I am excited to return this year as the Brass Ensemble conductor and coach of the newly formed Brass Quintet of the CIYS organization. Having received my Master�s Degree in Trombone Performance and Conducting at Illinois State University in 2008, I am thrilled to be working with some of the finest young brass instrumentalists in Central Illinois. The participants of the Brass Ensemble can look forward to a challenging, yet rewarding repertoire this fall. Selections include: Debussy's Claire de Lune, Gliere's Russian Sailor's Dance, and an arrangement of the Fanfare from the Janacek Sinfonietta. The Brass Quintet will focus primarily on the standard chamber repertoire.

This is sure to be a fun and enriching year. I look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Sincerely and respectfully,
Bradley Harris, Brass Ensemble

A Message from Becky Schutte, Flute Choir Director

Dear Flute Choir,

It seems impossible that summer is nearly over, but it is, and I can't wait to see all of you. I can't wait to hear what you did over the summer � and especially to hear how all of you are playing.

I have had so much fun picking out new music for you--Haydn, Boismortier, Satie, even Peter Schickele. Our first couple of rehearsals, we will sightread, sightread, and do some more sightreading. Then we will put our fall program together as a group.

We have six regular rehearsals scheduled--always from 5:30-6:30 in the lower level of the Mennonite Church: August 20, September 3, September 17, October 1, October 15 & October 29. Our dress rehearsal is November 12, and the small ensemble concert is November 15.

Please double check your family calendars, and make sure you can attend all of our rehearsals. Since we only meet every other week, we need to make the most of our rehearsal time together.

Remember it is not too late to sign up for flute choir. If you have a friend who would like to come with you to a rehearsal just to see what it is like, they are most welcome. They should bring their flute! Remember, too, if you need help with orchestra or school band music, IMEA music, or if you just want to stay after flute choir to play duets or trios, I'm always happy to do it.

If you have any questions before our first rehearsal August 20, here is my top-secret cell phone number: (309) 533-0802. Please call me. See you August 20th!

-Becky Schutte, Flute Choir

A Message from Sherril Diepenbrock, Clarinet Choir & Woodwind Quintet Director

Hello Fellow CIYS musicians! What a quick summer! I have been doing a lot of teaching, playing and helping out with band camp sectionals this summer. I'll bet some of you are relating to the band camp! The weather has been wonderful for outdoor performing and hope you have all been able to enjoy the season.

I'm really looking forward to working with the Clarinet Choir and Woodwind Quintet again this year and am anticipating sharing many challenging and rewarding musical experiences together. CIYS is a fantastic organization and offers such a variety of exciting and varied musical opportunities. I truly look forward to working with you all soon.
Sherill Diepenbrock
Clarinet Choir, Woodwind Quintet

A Message from Jane Hoffmire, Director of Quartets

What a joy to be writing as we finish up the summer and get ready for another fantastic season for the CIYS string ensemble. I�m very much looking forward to the new experience of coaching the string quintet during the upcoming season! Our repertoire is varied this year, utilizing the St. Paul Suite as our concert piece and adding additional gig pieces as well. As I look forward to continuing home schooling in a few weeks, I�m grateful for the fun family times of trips to Mississippi, Michigan as well as exploring different parts of our own back yard. My family and I are also privileged to have a Japanese foreign exchange student for a few weeks in our home. There has been a lot of charades played in order to communicate! Enjoy the final days of summer and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Jane Hoffmire
graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, private instructor, performer

Rehearsal Schedule

Percussion Ensemble: Rehearsals will normally take place from 6-7 at First Mennonite Church. Please plan to arrive at 5:45 so that you have ample time to move percussion equipment up to your rehearsal space so that rehearsal can begin promptly at 6.

Brass Ensemble: Rehearsals will normally take place from 5:30-6:30 at Advent Lutheran Church in Morton.

Flute Choir: Rehearsals will normally take place from 5:30-6:30 at First Mennonite Church.

Clarinet Choir: Rehearsals will normally take place from 5:30-6:30 at Advent Lutheran Church. Brass Quintet: Rehearsals will take place from 5:30-6:30 at Advent Lutheran Church.
Brass Quintet: Rehearsals will take place from 5:30-6:30 at Advent Lutheran Church.

Woodwind Quintet: Rehearsals will take place from 5:30-6:30 at Advent Lutheran Church.

String Quartets: Rehearsals will take place from 6-7 at First Mennonite Church.
All Ensembles please refer to the included calendar, as your rehearsals do not meet every week.