Ironhorse Music offers a variety of programs for early childhood through high school. For detailed rehearsal or class meeting schedules, please visit https://ironhorsemusic.org/rehearsals.
Everyone at Ironhorse has enjoyed this summer’s Last Chance Lesson Camps and Last Camp Music Camp, but we are excited to get to work in the 2024-2025 season!
Ensembles
Ironhorse Full Orchestra (IFO) – 3:30-4:30 pm, Thursday, CRA Middle School
4:30-5:00 pm, Required string sectionals (second rehearsal of each month)
The Ironhorse Full Orchestra is one of the oldest in our organization. It is open to string students of all ages and ability levels as long as they are willing to practice and attend rehearsals. This ensemble plays repertoire for string orchestra and also performs a variety of symphonic orchestral works that include winds, percussion, and choir.
Ironhorse Orchestral Winds and Percussion (IWP) – 3:30-4:30 pm, Thursday, CRA Middle School
As Ironhorse Youth Orchestra expanded its repertoire to include symphonic literature, students from band programs were invited to join the ensemble. This orchestral ensemble is open to woodwind, brass, and percussion students of all ages and ability levels as long as they are willing to practice and attend rehearsals. This group explores chamber music and jazz standards in addition to orchestral repertoire.
Ironhorse Camerata Orchestra (ICO) – 4:30-5:30 pm, Thursday, CRA Middle School
4:00-4:30 pm, Required string sectionals (first rehearsal of each month)
The Camerata Orchestra was formed to provide additional challenges to string students at the high school level. It is open to all high school students without audition, and to other advanced players by audition. This ensemble plays advanced repertoire for string orchestra and other chamber music by established composers. Students in Camerata Orchestra are invited to attend Youth Orchestra (at no additional charge) on a limited rehearsal schedule.
Ironhorse Youth Chorus (IYC) – 5:30-6:30 pm, Thursday, CRA Middle School
The Ironhorse Youth Chorus is a community choir open to all singers in grades three through eight. The ensemble performs traditional and contemporary choral literature and joins the Youth Orchestra for various selections featuring orchestral accompaniment.
Ironhorse Opera Chorus (IOC) – 4:30-5:30 pm, Tuesday, Helena Middle School
Everyone was thrilled with the addition of a children’s chorus to the Helena Symphony’s 2022 performance of Carmen. We are excited to partner with the Helena Symphony again in the Fall of 2024 for their performance of Hansel and Gretel! Carson Yahvah has agreed to serve as chorusmaster and is excited to work with students in the coming months.
Ironhorse Academy Orchestra (IAO) and Academy Band (IAB)
We are thrilled to introduce beginner and intermediate ensembles for strings, winds, and percussion designed specifically for students without access to public school instrumental instruction. Allison Elliott built this program in 2023-2024 for string students; Ironhorse is excited to build on her work and extend the program to musicians interested in learning a band instrument.
Beginner – 12:30-1:15 pm, Monday and 1:30-2:15 Thursday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church – This academy ensemble is for students without any instrument experience. Instruction will focus on instrument setup, initial sound production, and ensemble skills.
Intermediate – 1:15-2:00 pm, Monday and 1:30-2:15 Thursday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church – This academy ensemble is for students who have completed one year with Mrs. Elliot or in a Beginner ensemble. Literature and instruction will be geared toward students with playing experience.
Other Programs
Early Childhood Music
Ironhorse is excited to introduce it’s first classes for the youngest musicians in our community, toddlers and preschoolers! Both classes will be scheduled based on family interest.
Movers and Shakers – 9:00-9:30 am, Wednesday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
This thirty minute class will provide our youngest musicians and their accompanying grown-ups an opportunity to sing, move, create, and explore together! We will use lap bounces, poems, songs, and dances to engage growing brains and create an environment filled with joy and creativity. We will build nurturing connections between children and their loving adults that will carry well beyond the walls of our music learning space.
Walkers and Dancers – 10:00-10:30 am, Wednesday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
This thirty minute class will provide learners of preschool age (and the adults who join them for class) space to explore music with more independence. We will focus on vocalization, creative movement, and early literacy skills. We will sing, dance, play instruments together, and explore a wide variety of musical styles from around the world.
Private Instruction – Individually scheduled by students and teachers
Nothing builds musical skills as effectively as private instruction, so Ironhorse is excited to continue our private lesson program this season. Students of all ages and skill levels are welcome in private lessons, but availability depends on enrollment and teacher schedules.
The MET Live in Schools – Saturday mornings (October 19, November 23, December 7, January 25, April 26, May 17)
Ironhorse music is excited to support and assist with the Live in Schools program again this season. For seventeen years, the Helena School District’s partnership with the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York has allowed hundreds of students to see live, world class opera for free in our local movie theater. Because the program aligns with our organizational mission, Ironhorse staff are planning to provide instruction and student supervision at operas this season. The MET Live in Schools is and always will be free and open to every student!