The Pinellas Youth Symphony Chamber Ensembles are composed of advanced level string, brass, woodwind, and percussion students, who enjoy the experience of working together in small groups to learn and perform ensemble music. PYS Chamber Ensembles meet weekly on Sunday afternoons at Ruth Eckerd Hall and rehearse under the direction of the PYS artistic staff.
The ensembles perform in a variety of settings throughout the season. From time to time chamber ensembles are invited to perform at community/charity functions and on occasion prior to concerts and programs in local halls. Each season PYS chamber ensembles play in several chamber concerts as part of the “Evening At The Murray” series at Ruth Eckerd Hall. They also perform in an end-of-the-year concert.
In order to participate in a chamber ensemble, a student must be a member of a PYS orchestra. Ensemble rehearsals are scheduled on Sundays to allow students time to practice with their chamber groups as well as participate in one of the orchestras. Placement in a chamber ensemble is determined by audition as well as appropriate instrumentation to warrant forming a group.
Ensemble members must be committed to the group; students and parent(s) are required to sign a letter of commitment before becoming a member of an ensemble. Separate tuition is required for participation in a chamber ensemble. Reference copies of the letter of commitment and chamber ensemble policies are described in the PYS Handbook.