Wisconsin Conservatory of Music - Combos & Ensembles

Call (414) 276-5760

We're here for you!

Combos & Ensembles

Experience the joy of making music with others when you join one of our combos or ensembles. Since each member plays his/her own part, ensembles simultaneously foster teamwork and independence. Ensemble members improve their rhythm and listening skills while having fun playing with other musicians. There are a wide variety of ensembles in different musical styles to choose from at the Conservatory. Students find that being a part of a combo or ensemble is a great way to enhance their musicianship and meet new friends.

New Student Placement Hearings for the Summer 2012 semester will be held on Saturday, May 5, or by appointment. Deadline for a Placement Hearing is Saturday, June 11, 2012. Please call 414/276-5760 for an appointment.

Receive $20 off when registered for at least 6 weeks of individual instruction!

Click on class links below to find specific class information or scroll down on page for detailed class information including time, location, instructor and date.

Jazz Institute	Brass Ensemble
Beginning Rock/Blues Combo	Trombone Choir
Blues Combo	Trumpet Choir
Classic Rock Band	Clarinet Choir
Old World Ensemble	Chamber Duos: Strings and Piano
Percussion Ensemble	Chamber Duos: Piano Chamber Music
Woodwind Ensemble	Chamber Duos: Playing with the Classical Pros
Saxophone Ensemble	Conservatory Community String Orchestra

JAZZ INSTITUTE
Click here to view all our current Jazz Institute Combos & Ensembles.
ROCK, BLUES & WORLD
Beginning Rock/Blues Combo \| 8 Weeks \| $132 & 6 Weeks \| $100
Teen and Adult Open to drummers, bassists, guitarists, keyboardists and vocalists. Prerequisite: New Student Placement Hearing required or consent of the instructor. Perfect for the teen or adult who has started playing rock and blues but has never had a chance to play in a group. You will have fun playing basic repertoire from the rock and blues genre. 8 Weeks Prospect • Thursdays 6:00-6:55pm 3965 • Starts 6/14/12 Instructor: Matt Schroeder 6 Weeks Audubon Court • Tuesdays 6:00-6:55pm 3964 • Starts 6/26/12 (no class 7/3) Instructor: Jamey Buencamino Return to top
Blues Combo \| 8 Weeks \| $132
Teen and Adult Open to instruments from the blues genre. Prerequisite: New Student Placement Hearing or consent of instructor. Blues Combo offers the opportunity to perform various blues and blues/rock styles in an ensemble setting. Chord progressions, rhythms, dynamics, improvisation, and repertoire will be discussed. Prospect • Thursdays 8:00-8:55pm 3967 • Starts 6/14/12 Instructor: Matt Schroeder Return to top
Classic Rock Band \| 8 Weeks \| $132 & 6 Weeks \| $100
Teen and Adult Open to all drummers, bassists, guitarists, keyboardists and vocalists. Prerequisite: New Student Placement Hearing required or consent of the instructor. This is a performance oriented ensemble class allowing students to learn and play music from the classic rock era. Meet like-minded individuals and get a band started! 8 Weeks Prospect • Thursdays 7:00-7:55pm 3972 • Starts 6/14/12 Instructor: Matt Schroeder 6 Weeks Audubon Court • Tuesdays 7:00-7:55pm 3971 • Starts 6/26/12 (no class 7/3) Instructor: Jamey Buencamino Return to top
Old World Ensemble \| 8 Weeks \| $132
Teen and Adult For mandolin or guitar players as well as string and woodwind players. Intermediate to advanced levels. Learn works from classical and folk traditions in a truly unique setting under the guidance of a master performer. Performance opportunities in the community are often available to this group. Prospect • Tuesdays 7:30-8:25pm 4005 • Starts 6/12/12 Instructor: Mikhail Litvin Return to top
WOODWIND, BRASS & PERCUSSION
Percussion Ensemble \| 7 Weeks \| $116
Middle and High School No prior percussion experience required. Students will develop percussion techniques, reading, rhythm and ensemble skills by preparing a varied selection of pieces written for percussion ensemble. Instruments include snare, bass, hand drums, timpani, auxiliary and keyboard percussion. This class is a great opportunity for students of all instruments. Prospect • Thursdays 6:00-6:55pm 4035 • Starts 6/14/12 Instructor: Bony Plog-Benavides Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Return to top
Woodwind Ensemble \| 6 Weeks \| $100
High School For high school players of the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn with a intermediate to advanced playing ability. Prerequisite: New Student Placement Hearing required or consent of the instructor. Please call 414/276-5760 to schedule an appointment. Experience the challenge and fun of chamber music. Multiple sections of this course will ensure a balanced instrumentation and fulfilling experience for all players. Coaching sessions will culminate in a performance at the Conservatory. Ensemble class dates and times will be determined by the instructor and the students in the ensemble. Prospect • Day/Time TBA, 55 minutes 4036 • Starts week of 6/12/12 Instructor: Linda Jones Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Return to top
Saxophone Ensemble \| 8 Weeks \| $132
Teen and Adult Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced playing ability. Come join fellow saxophonists and play some of the great repertoire written specifically for the Saxophone ensemble. Classes culminate in a performance at the Conservatory. Prospect • Saturdays 10:00-10:55am 4037 • Starts 6/16/12 Instructor: Aaron Gardner Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Return to top
Brass Ensemble \| 8 Weeks \| $132
High School-Adult For players of the trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium (baritone), and tuba with an intermediate to advanced playing ability. Prerequisite: New Student Placement Hearing required or consent of the instructor. Please call 414/276-5760 to schedule an appointment. Brass players, keep the music making going this summer. Multiple sections of this course will ensure a balanced instrumentation and fulfilling experience for all players. Coaching sessions culminate in a performance at the Conservatory. Ensemble class dates and times will be determined by the instructor and the students in the ensemble. Prospect • Day/Time TBA, 55 minutes 4038 • Starts week of 6/12/12 Instructor: Jake Tomasicyk Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Wilson Center • Day/Time TBA, 55 minutes 4039 • Starts week of 6/12/12 Instructor: Jake Tomasicyk Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Return to top
Trombone Choir \| 8 Weeks \| $66
Entering Grade 10-Adult Intermediate to advanced playing level required, or by consent of instructor. Ensemble discount does not apply. This performance class will further develop the student’s ensemble skills, stylistic awareness and sound concept while exploring the rich repertoire for this magnificent ensemble. A concert completes the experience. Prospect • Wednesdays 7:00-7:55pm 4040 • Starts 6/13/12 Instructor: Jake Tomasicyk Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Return to top
Trumpet Choir \| 8 Weeks \| $66
Entering Grades 8-12 Ensemble discount does not apply. Trumpet choir offers students the opportunity to explore the more advanced skills in the arts of trumpet playing. Enjoy an environment in which members can learn from one another. The repertoire ranges from baroque to jazz. A concert completes the experience. Prospect • Wednesdays 6:00-6:55pm 4041 • Starts 6/13/12 Instructor: Eric Jacobson Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Wilson Center • Thursdays 6:00-6:55pm 4042 • Starts 6/14/12 Instructor: Eric Jacobson Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Return to top
Clarinet Choir \| 6 Weeks \| $50
Middle School-Adult For clarinetists at the intermediate level. Prerequisite: New Student Placement Hearing required or consent of the instructor. Please call 414/276-5760 to schedule an appointment. Create or expand your chamber music experience. Join the clarinet choir and play all styles from baroque to jazz. Classes culminate in a concert at the Conservatory. Ensemble class dates and times will be determined by the instructor and the students in the ensemble. Prospect • Day/Time TBA, 55 minutes 40343 • Starts week of 6/12/12 Instructor: Linda Jones Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Return to top
CHAMBER MUSIC
Chamber Duos: Strings and Piano \| 8 Weeks \| $100
Teen and Adult Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced level. Open to string and piano players who wish to enhance their music study by performing in a small group setting. Chamber music enhances players' musicality, listening, rhythm and ensemble skill while developing poise and confidence. Students will receive a high degree of individual attention. Prospect • Wednesdays 7:00-7:40pm 3969 • Starts 6/13/12 (no class 7/4) Instructor: Steve Ayers Final Concert: Friday, August 3, 6:30pm at Prospect Ave. Return to top
Chamber Duos: Piano Chamber Music \| 8 Weeks \| $132
Teen and Adult Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced level. Study and perform masterworks for two pianos in addition to the piano duet literature with the member of the professional piano duo team, Varshavski-Shapiro, winner of a number of international competitions. Wilson Center • Thursdays 7:00-7:55pm 4006 • Starts 6/14/12 Instructor: Diana Shapiro Return to top
Chamber Duos: Playing with the Classical Pros \| $30/32 per 30 min. session
High School-Adult Students must sign up for a minimum of three sessions. Flexible scheduling is available. Call Student Services at 414/276-5760 to register. Enjoy this unique opportunity to play chamber music with one of our faculty members. You will develop the skills involved in the collaborative process as you experience the joy of playing with a professional musician. Students will improve ensemble and listening skills. The class will address stylistic awareness, rhythm, phrasing, interpretation, and responding to nonverbal cues. Students will receive feedback and try out suggestions on the spot. Repertoire will be determined by the coach and student. Day, Time, & Location TBD by students & faculty 4007 • Starts week of 6/12/12 Instructor: Classical Faculty Return to top
Conservatory Community String Orchestra \| 8 Weeks \| $99
Adults No other discounts apply. If you played the violin, viola, cello, or bass as a youngster and would like to dust off your instrument and renew your skills, or if you play a bit now and would like the experience of playing in a larger group, here is an exciting opportunity for you. The Conservatory offers a community string orchestra for adults in a friendly and supportive group setting. Everyone is welcome and all that is needed is rudimentary music literacy and your instrument. Music Book: Fiddler's Philharmonic by Andrew Dabczynski and Bob Phillips, Alfred publishing. Please purchase book prior to first class. Folders and additional sheet music will be provided. A placement hearing is not required. Audubon Court • Thursdays 7:30 – 8:55 pm 3973 • Starts 6/14/12 Instructor: Laura Rooney Watch video of the 2011 Summer Semester CCSO final recital! Return to top