It’s Unique.
Students are encouraged to express themselves—and be themselves—as they learn the power of a rigorous, disciplined approach to music-making. Their technical and creative growth occurs in an inspiring and supportive community of expert teachers, administrators and staff.
Full Orchestra
110 students aged 13-18 performing professional-level works by contemporary composers. Recent performances have included the works of Joan Tower, Christopher Rouse, Michael Daugherty and Mason Bates, as well as commissioned pieces. The ensemble’s signature Rock the Orchestra concert pairs a legendary rock artist with the group to perform well-known popular music on the symphony stage. Students play at an advanced level and are selected through a competitive audition process.
Following the school calendar, the season consists of 3-4 public concerts, and rehearses Saturdays from 8:30 – 12:30 on our home stage at Cuyahoga Community College, Metro Campus. Members also participate in monthly sectionals led by professional musicians.
Origins Chamber Music & Masterclass Program
Helps students achieve musical and technical goals that require greater mastery of their instruments. Each musician joins a small ensemble of two to five members and receives the focused, personalized attention of a dedicated coach for the entire school year. Origins ensembles perform traditional stage concerts and at various local community events. Students become more proficient musicians and are prepared for careers as working musicians having learned about professionalism in a gig economy.
In addition to this ongoing expert guidance, monthly masterclasses feature the nation’s leading orchestral musicians and music industry gurus. Imagine performing challenging repertoire for noted artists and receiving individual guidance from their perspectives. It’s the kind of coaching that takes playing to another level.
CAPP (College Audition Preparation Program)
Gives students an inside track on the entire process of auditioning. Being prepared to do one’s best requires rigorous preparation carried out in a mindset of confidence and positivity. Working one-on-one with professional musicians, CAPP students and parents learn the tips and techniques to ensure an ultimate performance.
Students are led step-by-step through a proven method designed to nurture individual excellence and take the guesswork out of creating a bulletproof recording for college, competition or festival auditions. Individualized meetings with CAPP faculty help organize, prepare for and submit the music school portion of the college application. Professional recording time is included in the fee. Nailing an audition is an art unto itself, CAPP gets students ready to give a masterful performances.
Summer Drum Line Intensive
Takes students’ chops, sound and reading ability to the next level. Five intensive days with legendary performer and teacher, Mike McIntosh and his team, discovering just how much better each student can be. These expert coaches provide one-on-one and small group attention, helping students shape their performances to peak potential. Intended for high school snare, tenor and bass drum players up to the challenge of shredding 6-plus hours a day in pursuit of percussive perfection. Motivated students join us, dig in and are ready to hit the field with a competitive advantage in the fall. It’s Legendary Learning designed for Peak Performance.