Conductor | Kati Kyme
The CYS String Ensemble program has grown steadily from one small string ensemble to two full string ensembles: the Intermezzi Strings and the Virtuosi Strings, totaling 140 students. The Intermezzi and Virtuosi Ensembles perform major works from the standard string orchestral and chamber music literature while focusing on technique, basic and intermediate string repertoire, musicianship, presentation skills, and other tools needed for excellent orchestral playing and advancement into the CYS Associate Orchestra and CYS Senior Orchestra. Repertoire includes music of all periods, from Bach and Vivaldi to Copland and Debussy. In addition, the Strings Program offers an exciting summer camp for both groups, which includes chamber music coaching every day as well as sectionals, music history and theory classes, sectionals, and full orchestra rehearsals.
Performances
The CYS String Ensembles perform at the Cañada College Theater and San Mateo Performing Arts Center. The performance schedule will be available soon, please continue to visit our website.
Rehearsals
Sundays:
Virtuosi Strings - Calltime 8:45 AM, Rehearsal 9:00-11:00 AM
Intermezzi Strings - Calltime 11:00 AM, Rehearsal 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM (11:15 AM-12:45 PM starting in 2025-26)
Rehearsal schedule changes are at the discretion of the Music Conductor
Summer Day Camp & Workshops
The CYS String Ensembles begins its season preparing new music at the annual CYS Summer Day Camp, which takes place at a Bay Area school campus. In late July to early August each year, student musicians spend a week learning new music and making new friends. Student musicians receive group coaching, which enables them to build solid, fundamental technical and musical skills.
During the season, sectional workshops are held once per concert cycle, led by prominent musicians in the Bay Area.
Tuition Assistance
CYS offers need-based tuition assistance for musicians of all ensembles. Please view the Auditions page under "For Musicians" above for the application and deadline information.
