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CHAMBER MUSIC PROGRAM

Open to members of the Symphony Orchestra and Repertory Orchestra and new members by Audition. 

The ESYO Chamber Music Program strives to develop young musicians' ensemble skills, expand their knowledge and appreciation for chamber music literature, and empower musical leadership in a non-conducted ensemble. Designed and open to members of Symphony Orchestra and Repertory Orchestra, the program begins in October. Students participate in a minimum of six coachings led by a professional musician in preparation for a final performance to conclude the program.

The Chamber Music Ensembles will be organized into trios, quartets, or quintets according to skill level and appropriate instrumentation. There is no audition required for current members of Symphony and Reperatory Orchestras to participate in the Chamber Music Ensembles. New Members (not currently in an ESYO ensemble) may submit an audition for consideration.

Why Chamber Music?

In a high-intensity environment, chamber musicians learn key skills of becoming self-confident, expressive and able to connect with others through joint music making. Playing chamber music is the fast track to becoming skillful on the instrument, being able to breathe and tell stories together - and to interact with each other by finding a perfect balance of listening and leading. By the way: first-class orchestra playing is simply chamber music playing in a large group so there’s no better way to become a better orchestra player and be ready for leadership tasks in orchestra than to play chamber music!

"Even though I started playing the violin when I was four, my early chamber music experiences helped build a strong foundation for my solo work, as all music is a rich language and dialogue that is shared on stage, no matter what the size of the ensemble.”

Anne Akiko Meyers, internationally renowned American solo concert violinist and the top-selling classical instrumentalist of 2014 on Billboard’s traditional classical charts

"I love chamber music because of the close feeling all the participants have together. It allows me to really get to know the musicians I play with, and I have made some wonderful memories while playing in chamber groups."

Faith Borkowski, ESYO Symphony Orchestra violinist 2022

REHEARSAL TIMES & LOCATION

The six 90-minute rehearsals will be scheduled on Sunday between 2:30 pm and 7 pm. Exact times will be based upon the group’s mutual availability and all rehearsals will take place at Brown School in Schenectady.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Rehearsal

SUNDAY,OCTOBER 6
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
Rehearsal

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Dress Rehearsal

Concert dates DECEMBER 15, 5:00pm

There will be many performance opportunities for chamber music groups throughout the spring. Each group will have the opportunity to sign-up for the performances that work best for them. 

Director
David Bebe

Coaches
David Bebe, Etienne Abelin and guest coaches

Cost & Registration Guidelines

For all seven scheduled events (six coaching, one dress rehearsal and the concert) and any special masterclass opportunities:

Chamber Ensemble Participant (Current ESYO Members) = $180

New Members = $180 + $50 Audition Fee

Tuition assistance is available and participation is not dependent on the student’s ability to pay the full tuition. 

We do our best to place all registered students in an appropriate chamber music ensemble. Depending on the instrumentation of those enrolled for that session, winds and string might be in a mixed ensemble. Great repertoire for strings and winds has been performed in the past; Mozart’s Flute Quartets, Britten’s Phantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings, Brahms Clarinet Quintet, etc. All-wind chamber music groups are also possible, and pre-formed groups are encouraged to sign-up. If there is no appropriate chamber music ensemble placement for a registered student, they will be issued a full refund.

Please contact Dr. David Bebe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions!

Interested Musicians should conatact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.