Community Music School

Summer 2026 Programs

String players of every age, making music together all summer, and one free concert under the trees.

A Program of the Traverse City Philharmonic

The Community Music School’s summer string programs run from June into early August. This year’s Civic Summer Pops sessions dig into the world of video game music, and the Cello Club gathers high school and adult cellists into an all-cello orchestra.

All of them share one stage on Monday, August 3 at String-a-palooza!, a free community concert at the Civic Center Amphitheater. Bring a chair, bring the family, and hear what everyone has been working on.

← All Community Music School programs
Summer 2026

This Summer’s Ensembles

The Summer Pops sessions began in June and are no longer taking registrations, but the Cello Club is still open to join. Questions? Email CMS@tcphil.org or call 231-947-7120 ext. 5.

A violin and a viola resting side by side

Prelude

Civic Summer Pops: Prelude String Orchestra

New in 2026. An entry point into the Summer Pops season for players with about a year of experience, exploring video game music alongside musicians of all ages.

MeetsTuesdays, 5:45 – 6:45 pmTraverse City Philharmonic Center
SessionJune 16 – July 28, 20268 weeks
ConcertMon, Aug 3 · 6:00 pmString-a-palooza! · Civic Center Amphitheater
Cost$150 per sessionScholarships available
Session underwayAsk about next summer →

Directed by Lynne Tobin

Hands on a game controller in front of a glowing screen

Sinfonia

Civic Summer Pops: Sinfonia String Orchestra

The advanced Summer Pops ensemble for violin, viola, cello, and bass, taking on the fun and the challenge of music written for video games.

MeetsTuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pmTraverse City Philharmonic Center
SessionJune 16 – July 28, 20268 weeks
ConcertMon, Aug 3 · 6:00 pmString-a-palooza! · Civic Center Amphitheater
Cost$150 per sessionScholarships available
Session underwayAsk about next summer →

Directed by Lynne Tobin

Two cellists playing outdoors under a tent on a summer evening

Still open to join

Civic Cello Club

Calling all high school and adult cellists. A chance to play cello ensemble repertoire in an all-cello orchestra with mellow cello fellows from your community. Players should be in 9th grade or older with solid technique, good reading skills, and 3+ years of study.

MeetsTuesdays, 5:45 – 6:45 pmTraverse City Philharmonic Center
SessionJuly 7 – 28, 20264 weeks
ConcertMon, Aug 3 · 6:00 pmString-a-palooza! · Civic Center Amphitheater
Cost$60 for the sessionScholarships available
Register →

Directed by Daniel Jones

Faculty

Your Instructor

Lynne TobinLynne TobinDirector, Civic Summer PopsLynne directs the Civic String Orchestras year round, from the Prelude ensemble through Sinfonia, and leads both Summer Pops sessions.Read bio →

Scholarships are available for all programs. Apply online with the form below. Questions? Email CMS@tcphil.org or call 231-947-7120 ext. 5.

Apply for a Scholarship

TC Phil Education Programs made possible in part by grants from the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, Eagles for Children, the Biederman Family Foundation, the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundation, the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, Rotary Charities, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, the Oleson Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support from patrons like you!