SMALL ENSEMBLES

Rehearsals: Sundays, 12:45 - 1:45 PM

Location: Housewright Music Building (HMU) at FSU’s College of Music

Coaches are assigned once groups are formed

Chamber Music Programs deepen musical independence, communication, and leadership skills through demanding repertoire. String students can fill out the interest form at the beginning of the season and will then be placed in a group appropriate to their level. Students interested in the TYO Symphony Quartet must take the audition in early fall.

String ensembles participate in one Small Ensemble concert each semester and may participate in community events or full TYO concerts. Woodwind, brass, and percussion students may participate in small ensembles led by their sectional coaches. These ensembles participate in one Small Ensemble concert each semester and may participate in community events or full TYO concerts. 

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What Teachers Should Know

Level: ASTA 4–5.5 | FOA AF | ASTACAP 6–8 | Suzuki Books 6+

• Plays individual parts independently without conductor guidance. 

• Maintains rhythmic precision and intonation in exposed settings. 

• Adjusts dynamically and tonally based on visual and aural cues from peers. 

• Uses chamber communication skills (eye contact, breathing, gesture) to lead or follow entrances and cut-offs. 

What Parents Should Know

Students in Small Ensembles can:

• Play in small groups where everyone has a unique role. 

• Listen closely and adjust their sound to match others. 

• Work together to decide how the music should be played. 

• Selection is based on readiness for small-group collaboration, not lesson count.