December 10, 2025
*In-Person*
Wednesdays, February 4 - May 20, 2026 | $343
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, musicians from this group will perform at local festivals and events while developing unique and beautiful repertoire (and working on it in a group of mixed instruments), including the Irish Fair of Minnesota. Students in the Advanced Youth Ensemble need to commit to traveling to the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil in St. Louis on the weekend of May 8-10, 2026.
We ask students not to miss more than 2 rehearsals. u15 céilí band, u18 céilí band and u18 grúpa ceoil rehearsals on April 23 are mandatory.
Save these performance dates for 2026:
- February 28 - Éigse, A Gaela Event at St. Paul Event Center
- March 17 - IAM St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Landmark Center (Tuesday)
- May 8-10 - Midwest Fleadh Cheoil in St. Louis
- May 16-17 - Spring Term Youth Recitals
In 2025-26, 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.
Additional Information:
Reminder: Weekly private lessons on principal ensemble instrument from a CIM instructor are required. Private lessons with CIM instructors support learning the ensemble repertoire and reinforce technical & stylistic aspects of each student's instrument. Financial aid is available.