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While she said it was hard for her to cancel the course, she said she thinks it was necessary as well as beneficial, as she says that the small ensembles have greatly improved the skill and responsibility of the original class members.

“Once we break into smaller groups, each individual group can pick what’s appropriate for their repertoire,” You said.

You herself is teaching an ensemble comprised of eight cellos (herself included) and one bass, a favorite mix of hers, since cello ensembles are rare. She said the group is doing well, since each student must pull their own weight and dedicate themselves to the ensemble because of its small size. She said she “[adores] every minute of rehearsal.”

“We work, we play and we laugh,” she said.

You said she feels that by placing more individual accountability on students and tailoring music selections to the skills of each ensemble the experience proved to be “a good lesson for everyone.” She will be incorporating this element of responsibility in the orchestra course she will be offering next fall by allowing three missed practices and requiring students to know their notes and rhythms one month before the concert date. She said she is excited and optimistic about next fall, and already has the orchestra pieces picked out.

In the meantime, there will still be a concert to highlight the work of the ensemble students at 4 p.m. on May 13 in Sundin Music Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.