Ensembles
Beginning Orchestra, Edwardsville String Ensemble and Edwardsville Youth Orchestra, are the reading orchestras of the Saturday morning group classes for the SIUE Suzuki String Program. Students of any ages or programs may join. Acceptance to the Edwardsville Youth Orchestra is by audition only.
Our advanced ensembles, Cello Ensemble, Viola Camerata and Tour Group, are by audition only and open only to private students of our program teachers.
Ensemble Seating Audition Info Fall 2026
All orchestra members should complete a seating audition for Fall 2026. Auditions are in person (sign up at appropriate link below) or by video. Unlisted YouTube videos are perferred for video audtions.
If you are CHANGING orchestras, you should also make sure to complete your Promotional Conference. Only those students changing orchestras need to do a Promotional Conference. People who need to do Promotional Conference have received that information via email.
ESE Seating Audition Info- all instruments click here for audition material. Sign up for audtion on 8/22 here or send Jennifer a recording by 9/5 at jlgoodman543@icloud.com
EYO Seating Audition Info- all instruments click here for audition material. Sign up for audition on 8/22 here or send Jun a recording by 9/5 at cellojun@hotmail.com
ACE Seating Audition Info- violin click here, viola click here, cello click here. All auditions are by recording, so send Dan a recording by 9/5 at DMieloch23@gmail.com
Beginning & Intermediate
Suzuki Program Calendar (Rehearsals and Concert Dates)
First Steps to Orchestra - Taught by Kim Gindler, this is our beginning reading class.
Beginning Orchestra - Directed by Vera McCoy-Sulentic, this is our first reading ensemble.
Edwardsville String Ensemble - Directed by Jennifer Goodman, ESE an orchestra for our advancing readers. The beginner-level string orchestra emphasizes music reading skills and refinement of ensemble-playing technique. ESE complements students’ school and/ or private lessons and helps them prepare for participation in Edwardsville Youth Orchestra.
Edwardsville Youth Orchestra - Directed by Dr. Jun Seo, EYO advances our players' skills in a larger, more advanced ensemble.
Advanced Chamber Ensemble - Directed by Dan Mieloch, ACE is our most advanced orchestra.
Orchestra Seating Statement for ESE, EYO, and ACE: Seating has been determined by the individual's audition. Strong players are spread throughout each section in order to achieve a balanced ensemble. Each member of the section, front to back, has the same notes and parts to learn. The expectation is that our orchestra will have strength throughout each section, creating the best ensemble possible.
Advanced
- Tour Group & Viola Camerata - Our Violin Tour Group, directed by Allison Woerner, and Viola Camerata, directed by Mikaila Seo, are our most advanced ensembles for these instruments. They often perform together as a part of the larger Tour Group. They perform original works from a variety of periods and styles. Emphasis will be on increasing ensemble skills and improving intonation.
- Cello Ensemble - A cellos only ensemble, directed by Stephanie Hunt, that performs original works from a variety of periods and styles. Emphasis will be on increasing ensemble skills and improving intonation.
