Ironhorse Music offers a variety of programs for elementary through high school students. 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 2022-2023 season!
As always, the well being of students, instructors, and supporters remains our highest priority. Our health protocols were updated in March 2022, but they will continue to be monitored and adjusted. We want them to reflect current community needs while maintaining everyone’s safety. As always, your feedback is appreciated.
Ensembles
Ironhorse Full Orchestra (IFO) – 3:30-4:30 pm, 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) – 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
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 Rock and Funk Band (IRF) – 4:30 pm-5:30pm, Thursday, CRA Middle School
During the spring semester of 2021, the first Ironhorse rock and funk band was born! Because students and staff both enjoyed it so much, we are once again offering the joy of rock ‘n’ roll and funk music in our Ironhorse community. This ensemble is open to students with established skills on traditional rock instruments, but it also welcomes woodwind and brass students to fill out the horn line.
Ironhorse Youth Chorus (IYC) – 6:30-7:30 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)
Everyone was thrilled with the addition of a children’s chorus to the Helena Symphony’s 2022 performance of Carmen! The Helena Symphony doesn’t need Ironhorse ensembles this season, but we look forward to working with them again in the future!
Ironhorse Woodwind Ensemble (IWE)
This ensemble, first formed in 2021-2022, is temporarily on hold.
Other Programs
Music and Technology Class – 4:00-5:00, Tuesday, Zoom Meeting
Started during the 2020-2021 season, this class explores broad topics related to technology in music (audio production, recording and editing tools, and music notation software are just a few topics). This class will be presented in 10 online sessions (using Zoom and starting September 13), but some additional classes may be scheduled in person. This class is open to middle and high school musicians from any discipline.
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 22, December 10, April 1, April 29, May 20)
Ironhorse music is excited to support and assist with the Live in Schools program again this season. For fifteen 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!