August 25, 2026
Wednesdays, September 9, 2026 - January 20, 2027 | $366
The Center for Irish Music Advanced Youth Ensemble (AYE) is a year-round program for experienced youth musicians who love to play with others, arrange music and perform. Musicians in this ensemble have a large repertoire of tunes, learn quickly by ear and have the skills to play Irish traditional music with great rhythm and style. Throughout the year, this ensemble will perform at local festivals and events while developing unique and beautiful repertoire (and working on it in a group of mixed instruments).
In 2026-27, Advanced Youth Ensemble musicians will be working with Brian Miller, with artistic support from other CIM instructors throughout the year. Admission to AYE is at the discretion of CIM’s Youth Ensemble Leadership Team and may require an audition.
Students in the Advanced Youth Ensemble compete in group competitions at the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil and need to commit to traveling to St. Louis on the weekend of May 7-9, 2027 for this event.
Save these performance dates for 2026-2027
Performances take place at the Celtic Junction Arts Center unless otherwise noted.
- Wednesday, October 14 - Special visit from Artist-in-Residence Sorcha Costello. AYE & Starling combined class in Scanlan.
- Saturday, November 21 - Youth Ensemble Concert, Hamline University Sundin Music Hall, 2pm
- Saturday, December 5 - Fall Term Youth Recitals, 9:30 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:00 pm
- Saturday, February 27, 2027 - Éigse, A Gaela Event at Profile Event Center
- Wednesday, March 17, 2027 - IAM St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Landmark Center
- May 7-9, 2027 - Midwest Fleadh Cheoil in St. Louis
- Saturday, May 22 - Spring Term Youth Recitals, 9:30 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:00 pm
Ensemble students are required to take weekly private lessons from a CIM instructor. Private lessons with CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.