Camerata Ensemble
Camerata Ensemble
The First Step
The Camerata Ensemble, led by conductor Marisa McLeod, is comprised of musicians who are early in their musical training. It introduces students to the basics of ensemble playing, following a conductor, and listening across a musical group while playing. Students in the Camerata Ensemble must have at least one year of experience on a string, wind, brass, or percussion instrument (either in a group setting or private lessons).
“Both my children have progressed so much since joining Camerata. More importantly, they are finding joy in learning and playing their instruments!”
“I like to be in the orchestra because it’s fun to play in it listening to the wonderful sounds of all the instruments… The coordinated sounds make the music better!”
Program Highlights
- Be part of a fun, inspiring community of young musicians collaborating together in weekly rehearsals.
- Expand musical skills through nine months of coaching by a team of expert and supportive faculty including conductor Marisa McLeod, winds coach Karen Dutton, and local professional musicians for instrument-specific sectionals.
- Play fun and challenging music as a string ensemble or concert band, AND with all instruments together as a symphonic orchestra.
- Perform three public concerts each season.
- Interact with and learn from the Santa Barbara Symphony’s extraordinary professional musicians and visiting guest artists in masterclasses and open rehearsals.
- Receive two free tickets to every concert in the Santa Barbara Symphony’s subscription series, and access to reduced-price tickets for additional family members.
- Participate in collaborations and enrichment opportunities with community partners such as Music Academy of the West, State Street Ballet, CAMA, Westmont College, UCSB, SBCC, and local school music programs.
- Receive an official Santa Barbara Symphony Youth Ensembles T-Shirt.
Participant Guidelines
- Attend weekly Sunday rehearsals from 1-2:30pm. Students rehearse during the school year from September through May and must be on time for all rehearsals and performances.
- Students are expected to further their musical education outside of rehearsals by:
- Practicing their instruments and assigned material on a daily basis
- Participating in their school music program
- Attending at least 5 Santa Barbara Symphony concerts
- Taking private lessons is highly recommended
- Families are expected to:
- Help students keep a regular practice schedule
- Volunteer for and participate in social events and fundraising activities.
Audition Information & Requirements
Upcoming Concerts
Meet the Conductors
2025-2026 Tuition
All-inclusive tuition for the nine-month program $535
As a non-profit, generous annual donations from Symphony supporters enable us to keep tuition fees to a minimum. Need-based tuition assistance, payment plans, and sibling discounts are available and admitted musicians will not be turned away due to finances. If tuition fees pose a challenge, please reach out to us at [email protected] or 805-898-1417.
Support this program!
Would you like to join The Symphony’s family of donors and support this program? Annual donations at any level have a big impact. They can fund scholarships, help pay our faculty, provide instruments and more!
