Community Music School Young People's Orchestras: A Legacy of Excellence and Resilience
Young People's Orchestra in 1982 at 560 Trinity in University City
The Community Music School (CMS) of 精东影业's Young People's Orchestras continues to represent the pinnacle of youth orchestral training in the St. Louis area, fostering a deep appreciation for musical excellence and artistic collaboration.
As part of a sequential system that supports individual lessons and school music programs, these orchestras provide high-level training to motivate young musicians through professional-standard rehearsals and performances.
Founded in 1978 as the Conservatory Young People鈥檚 Orchestra, the program began with 48 young musicians under the leadership of founding conductor Henry Loew, then the Principal Double Bassist with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and a faculty member of the St. Louis Conservatory/CASA. The orchestra quickly grew in size and reputation, with subsequent conductors such as William Martin (1979-1980), Donald Chen (1980-1981) and Daniel Holt (1981-1998) further shaping its trajectory. By 1988, membership had reached 94 musicians, and in 1989, the ensemble was divided into two groups: the Young People鈥檚 Symphonic Orchestra (YPSO) for advanced players and the Young People鈥檚 Concert Orchestra (YPCO) for younger musicians, ensuring a tailored progression of musical instruction.
Today, under the baton of conductor Patrick Jackson, the YPSO continues to flourish, showcasing its talent and dedication at prominent events. The orchestra has performed twice at the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference, a prestigious platform for showcasing musical excellence. Most recently, the 101-member ensemble performed at New York City's legendary Carnegie Hall in April 2025 鈥� a testament to their dedication and artistic growth.
The YPCO, conducted by Sarah Dane, nurtures younger and emerging musicians, offering a strong foundation for future orchestral engagement. Today, it boasts 84 dedicated members, who receive professional-level training to hone their skills and broaden their musical horizons.
Notably, during the global pandemic of 2020-2021, the YPSO and YPCO were the only youth orchestras in the St. Louis area that continued to meet and perform. Their commitment to maintaining musical momentum and connection during a challenging time exemplifies their resilience and dedication to enriching their members' lives through music. Together, these orchestras continue to be a beacon of excellence and opportunity for the region's young musicians, enriching the cultural landscape of St. Louis and beyond.