Playing in a music ensemble is an enjoyable way to nurture musicality, listening carefully, playing with accurate rhythm, note reading and playing in tune with others of similar ability. All age groups are welcome to all of the ensembles listed below, although there will be an ADULT Recorder Ensemble available in 2010 if there are sufficient enquiries.

At CSM, recorder students build on their skills in their weekly lessons and after one year students are encouraged to join the Junior Recorder Ensemble (JRE).

These ensembles are free for students taking lessons through CSM, however students/adults are welcome to join any of these ensembles subject to an informal audition. We welcome families who are interested, to come along and watch these groups and get a feel for the fun way we teach at CSM!

JRE is the foundation recorder ensemble and leads into the more sophisticated Intermediate Recorder Ensemble (IRE) where a broader range of recorders are played and a wider variety of music is introduced.

Older, experienced  students are encourarged to audition for the Christchurch Youth Recorder Ensemble (CYRE), led by Neville Forsythe, which has more challenging repertoire and is renowned for its high standard of performance.

The ADULT Recorder Ensemble will be available in 2010 depending on enrolment numbers. This ensemble will be aimed at adults who havent played for a while, for parents who have learned the basics in JRE/IRE and have sparked an interest to take the instrument further or for those wanting to brush up their skills in a supportive and fun environment. The time and day TBA. For details contact recorder supervisor Maree Parr.