In our ongoing effort to expand the reach and exposure of our Chamber Music Program, we are CONTINUING OUR other Chamber Music Ensembles this season!
Students participating in Chamber Music will pay a small, Chamber Music "Add-On" fee to help offset the cost of extra coaches, music, etc. Students may "add on" more than one ensemble (if their schedule allows) for only one fee.
Chamber Ensembles - $60.00 a year
Percussion and Flute Choir members are already in a "Chamber Ensemble" by default.
Chamber music fees are non-refundable. Financial assistance can be used to help offset these fees.
If you would like to participate in the ASYO Chamber Music Program this year, please complete the availability form.
Submitting the form will serve as your official indication that you would like to participate in the program. Please complete the form by September 12, our ASYO Kickoff.
We will have a brief 15-minute chamber music meeting during the ASYO Kickoff so that everyone participating in the program can meet in person, go over a few important details, and start the year together.
Please read through the information below carefully, as there are several important details about rehearsals, coachings, performance opportunities, and program expectations.
Once we have reviewed all submitted availability forms, we will begin organizing our ensembles. This process involves carefully matching students based on their instrumentation, experience, and schedules. Individual ensemble placements will be communicated once assignments are finalized.
Rehearsals
ASYO chamber musicians meet every Monday when there is an ASYO rehearsal.
- Youth Philharmonic chamber groups: 5:30–6:40 p.m.
- All other chamber groups: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
In addition to regular ensemble rehearsals, there will be occasional group masterclass-style sessions during our normal chamber music times. These sessions will bring chamber musicians together to work on practical skills that apply to every ensemble, such as cueing, navigating tempo changes, recovering when a musician gets lost, communicating musical ideas, and responding to one another while performing. These sessions will help all of our musicians become more confident and independent chamber musicians.
Chamber groups will also have regular coaching sessions with ASYO faculty and coaches. These coachings will take place during normal rehearsal times and will focus on helping each ensemble develop both musically and collaboratively. A coaching schedule will be shared once it has been finalized.
Attendance & Communication
Because chamber music depends on every member of the ensemble, regular attendance is important. If you need to miss a rehearsal, please communicate your absence in writing to both me and the other members of your ensemble as soon as possible. Community message boards will be the ideal place to do this.
If more than half of an ensemble is present, the group is still expected to meet and use the rehearsal time productively. This may mean rehearsing repertoire, working on individual parts, or focusing on other chamber music skills while a member is absent.
Mika Hood, Chamber Music Coordinator: mmhood@ashevillesymphony.org, 828-771-6683
Performance Opportunities
There are many additional performance opportunities available to chamber ensembles throughout the year.
Please keep the following in mind:
- Indicating your availability does not guarantee that you will be asked to perform on a particular date.
- Once we have finalized the number of participating musicians and groups, I will send out the confirmed performance schedule.
- Additional performance opportunities may be added throughout the year.
- None of these performances are required. However, if you participate in the chamber music program, you are expected to make these opportunities a priority and honor the commitments you make.
Jasper String Quartet Masterclass
We are very fortunate to welcome the Jasper String Quartet for a masterclass on
Monday, March 1, 2027, from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
We will have an adjusted rehearsal schedule that day so that every ASYO musician can attend, even if you are not selected to participate directly in the masterclass.
Paid Performance Opportunities
Concert Orchestra and Youth Philharmonic chamber groups only
There is also potential for paid performance opportunities for musicians in these groups. Last year, two churches hired our string quartets to perform during church services, and I have started receiving more inquiries about similar opportunities.
I would love to make these opportunities available more regularly. However, that will depend on everyone’s reliability with communication, responding to emails, preparing music independently, and following through on commitments.
Repertoire & Program Expectations
Concert Orchestra and Youth Philharmonic Chamber Groups:
My goal is for each group to learn one or two larger works while also building a broader repertoire of easier music that can be used for background performances and smaller features. Musicians in these groups should be prepared to take increasing responsibility for learning their music independently and coming to rehearsals prepared.
Divertimento and Sinfonia Chamber Groups:
For our younger musicians, the focus will be on developing strong chamber music skills: listening to one another, balancing as an ensemble, following a leader, communicating musically, and learning how to rehearse effectively as a group. We will work toward building a repertoire that is appropriate for their level while giving them opportunities to perform and grow throughout the year.
Making the Most of the Program
For a very small program fee, you are receiving access to a wealth of performance and educational opportunities. I hope that, if you choose to participate, you will take the program seriously and make the most of the experience. Chamber music is a collaborative commitment, and the success of each group depends on every musician being prepared, reliable, and engaged.
Thank you, and I’m looking forward to another great year of chamber music!
