August 25, 2026
Wednesdays, September 9, 2026 - January 20, 2027 | $366
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.
Save these performance dates for 2026-2027:
Performances take place at the Celtic Junction Arts Center unless otherwise marked
- Wednesday, October 14 - Special visit from Artist-in-Residence Sorcha Costello. AYE & Starling combined class.
- 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
- Wednesday, March 17, 2027 - IAM St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Landmark Center
- 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.