Performing Ensembles

Students participate in annual concerts, festivals, studio recitals and workshops on the Wheaton College campus, as well as opportunities to share their talents in the community. CSA provides opportunities for students to develop visual and aural music literacy though our sequential curriculum of Reading Orchestras and Theory followed by advancement into CSA's Chamber Program. Beginning and Reading 1 through Advanced Chamber Ensembles students receive improvisation instruction in Creative Ability Development (CAD).

Beginning to Intermediate Students 

Reading Orchestras

CSA offers a graded note reading orchestra program to introduce the fundamentals of orchestral playing, strengthen student’s sight-reading skills, and to provide a foundation in music theory and improvisation. CSA uses the Creative Ability Development (CAD) improvisation method endorsed by Dr. Suzuki.

Reading I/Theory and CAD
Reading II/Theory and CAD
Advanced Reading/Theory and CAD

Intermediate to Advanced Students 

Chamber Program 

Intermediate and advanced string and piano students enrolled in CSA private lessons who wish to enhance their music study by performing in a trio or quartet, may participate in the  Chamber Program. Students are assigned to an ensemble based on ability level. Performing as part of a chamber group inspires musicality, develops advanced listening and rhythmic skills, and provides a venue for collaboration and fun. Students continue studies in improvisation through the Creative Ability Development (CAD) improvisation method endorsed by Dr. Suzuki.

Performing Ensembles 

Vivace 

Vivace is an auditioned chamber ensemble.  The group performs both classical and popular selections from around the world, under the direction of CSA instructors Sarah Lindquist and Christopher Pettit. Email csa@wheaton.edu for booking inquiries. 

Cello Choir

The CSA Wheaton Cello Choir is an ensemble of 12-24 advanced cello students. Members range in age from 11 to 18 and come from DuPage, Cook and Kane counties. The choir was formed in 1989 under the direction of Carol Ourada and rehearses weekly on Saturday mornings. The group performs locally and nationally at community events, church services and music conferences. The choir has provided preconcert music for the Wheaton College Artist Series and worked in collaboration with other cello choirs in Minnesota and the Chicago area. Recent performances include preconcert music at the Wheaton College Grand Celebration for the new Concert Hall in Armerding Center for Music and the Arts on the Wheaton College campus. Email csa@wheaton.edu for booking inquiries.