The Wren Ensemble is an intermediate level mixed-instrument ensemble. Directed by Mary Vanorny with assistance from Morien McBurnie (guitar, banjo), students will learn tunes and arrange them in sets to perform together as a group. This class has a strong focus on building ensemble skills including playing fluently, adding variations, listening to each other, maintaining excellent rhythm, using simple harmonies, preparing for performances, increasing knowledge of traditional Irish music, and having fun with each other and the music!

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.

The Swallowtail Ensemble class is an intermediate level mixed-instrument ensemble. Directed by Hannah Flowers and Carmen Pasquerella, students will learn tunes and arrange them in sets to perform together as a group. This class has a strong focus on building ensemble skills including playing fluently, adding variations, listening to each other, maintaining excellent rhythm, using simple harmonies, preparing for performances, increasing knowledge of traditional Irish music, and having fun with each other and the music! New members are welcome, but should contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org to be sure the ensemble is a good fit. 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.

The Starling Ensemble is a fun and challenging class for intermediate-advanced musicians who are well on their way with Irish music. Directed by fiddler Mary Vanorny with ensemble assistant Gabby Pasquerella (flute, guitar), the Starling Ensemble students know lots of tunes and can play them with solid rhythm and groove. Students will learn tunes and arrange them in sets to perform together as a group.

This class has a strong focus on building ensemble skills including playing fluently, adding variations, listening to each other, maintaining excellent rhythm, using simple harmonies, preparing for performances, increasing knowledge of traditional Irish music, and having fun with each other and the music!

Mark your calendars for the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil in St. Louis on the weekend of May 7-9, 2027. Members of this ensemble will most likely participate in group competitions.

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.

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.

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.

This mixed-instrument ensemble is open to young musicians who know about 10-15 full-length Irish tunes (jigs, reels, or polkas). Directed by Hannah Flowers and Carmen Pasquerella, students will work together to improve their core Irish music skills which include learning music by ear and maintaining excellent rhythm and pitch.

New members are welcome, but should contact us at admin@centerforirishmusic.org to be sure the ensemble is a good fit.

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.