CSUSB Cello Ensemble
The CSUSB Cello Ensemble provides a wide range of performance, career development, and educational outreach opportunities. Its purpose is to introduce music students to the vast array of performance literature for cello ensemble and advance the performance practice of the cello ensemble. It develops cellists and bring out their highest playing levels every season, and members perform concerts at prestigious venues. This ensemble is modeled after the elite professional chamber cello group (consisting of twelve members) formed by the members of the Berlin Philharmonic and London Cello Orchestra.
The CSUSB Cello Ensemble’s activities include rehearsals, sectionals, master classes and workshops that feature world-renowned professional artists and highly respected pedagogues, and concerts with guest artists. In addition, this ensemble provides the unique opportunity for cellists to perform as a soloist within an orchestral setting in local, national and international venues. Each year, the Cello Ensemble holds a solo concerto competition to identify a talented and deserving student to perform a concert/solo piece with the Cello Ensemble Orchestra. This ensemble is dedicated to challenging and motivating students to bring out their potential to be outstanding young musicians and help them with their artistic and professional development. Members of the Cello Ensemble are full-time CSUSB students and students enrolled through CSUSB’s Open University Program and High School University Program. High school students and others, may audition for the ensemble.
The Director
Esther Back
Lecturer of Applied Cello; Conductor, Cello Ensemble
Office Location: Performing Arts Building 124
E-mail: esther.back@csusb.edu
Phone: (714) 296-6918
Ms. Back conducts the CSUSB Cello Ensemble, is the applied cello instructor, and teaches string pedagogy. View full bio for Esther Back.
Ensemble Rehearsal Times
Wednesday, 5:00 - 6:50 p.m., Room 125, Performing Arts Building. Due to COVID-19, rehearsals will be conducted temporarily online for the fall semester, August 26 – December 2, 2020. This is subject to change for spring semester 2021.
CSUSB Cello Ensemble Membership
Students, CSUSB faculty members, and community artists are all invited to participate in the California State University, San Bernardino Cello Ensemble. Membership in the CSUSB Cello Ensemble is open to all students regardless of major; you do not have to be a music major to participate. High school students are eligible to participate through Open University (freshman and sophomores) and CSUSB’s High School University Program (juniors and seniors), and middle school students are eligible to participate through Open University with their instructor’s permission. Transferable university/college credit is available through both Open University and the High School University Program, and so please email Ms. Back to receive the registration forms and information. Membership is by audition only and auditions are held the first week of each semester.
CSUSB Cello Ensemble Opportunities
The CSUSB Cello Ensemble is a touring ensemble and is next slated to perform at Carnegie Hall on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. There are still a few spaces available, and so consider joining us next summer as we embark on this concert tour to New York! It will be a life-changing experience as you perform at the world-famous historic venue, Carnegie Hall on the Isaac-Stern Auditorium/Ronald O. Perelman Main Hall Stage, or travel as family to see your child to perform. The required tour dates are June 17 – 19, 2021 and financial assistance is available to those who are eligible and apply. An audition is required. If interested in participating, please contact Ms. Esther Back at Esther.Back@csusb.edu or (714) 296-6918.
In addition to touring, members of the CSUSB Cello Ensemble also have access to a variety of special opportunities that include a collaborative relationship with the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, and access to participation in the CSUSB American String Teachers Association Student Chapter: Yotie Edition.
California State University, San Bernardino Student Chapter: Yotie Edition Opportunities:
- Membership for any student musician (string, woodwind, brass, percussion, keyboard, voice), in the largest national association for string and orchestral performance, pedagogy, and advocacy
- Professional development opportunities
- California State University, San Bernardino Summer Orchestra, Piano, Guitar & Chamber Music Camp Student Internships
- Access to reduced registration prices for the American String Teachers Association National Conference
CSUSB Cello Ensemble Upcoming Performances
- April 25, 2021, 4:00 p.m., CSUSB Recital Hall, Performing Arts Building
- June 18, 2021, 7:30 p.m., Carnegie Hall (Issac Stern Auditorium/Ronald O. Perelman Stage) in New York City
Current Member Resources
Contact
Admission into the CSUSB Cello Ensemble is by audition and non-majors are welcome. For more information about auditions for the California State University, San Bernardino Cello Ensemble, please contact Mrs. Esther Back at Esther.Back@csusb.edu or (714) 296-6918. You may also connect with us on the String & Orchestral Program's Facebook page.