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. If you want additional information about tuition costs for season programs, they are summarized at https://short.ironhorsemusic.org/programcosts.
Everyone at Ironhorse enjoyed this summer’s Last Camp Music Camp (and are excited for the upcoming Last Chance Lesson Camps), but we are ready to get to work in the 2025-2026 season!
Ensembles
Ironhorse Full Orchestra (IFO) – Time TBD, Thursday, CRA Middle School
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) – Time TBD, 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) – Time TBD, Thursday, CRA Middle School
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 younger 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 participate in the Full Orchestra (at no additional charge) on a limited rehearsal schedule.
Ironhorse Youth Chorus (IYC) – Time TBD, 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)
Everyone was thrilled with the addition of a children’s chorus to the Helena Symphony’s 2022 performance of Carmen. Ironhorse looks forward to the next opportunity to bring this ensemble together and collaborate with the Helena Symphony!
Ironhorse Academy Orchestra (IAO) and Academy Band (IAB)
We are thrilled to once again offer 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 continue her work and extend the program to musicians interested in learning band instruments.
Beginner – Times TBD, Monday and 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 – Times TBD, Monday and Thursday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church – This academy ensemble is for students who have completed at least one year of instrumental instruction. Literature and related activities will be geared toward students with playing experience.
Other Programs
Early Childhood Music
Ironhorse is excited to offer first classes for the youngest musicians in our community, toddlers and preschoolers! Both classes will be scheduled based on family interest.
Movers and Shakers – Time TBD, 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 – Time TBD, 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 18, November 8, January 10, February 14, May 2)
Ironhorse music is excited to support and assist with the Live in Schools program again this season. For eighteen 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!