The Children's Orchestra Society (COS) will be performing two free summer concerts in August. On Monday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m., COS presents its Faculty Brass and Friends at the Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset. The COS Faculty Brass and Friends will be showcasing the music of Bernstein, Host, Schmidt and more. The COS Faculty are a respected, dedicated group of teachers with active performing careers. Raindate: August 16. Admission is free.

On Wednesday, August 23 at 7 p.m., the COS Elite String Ensemble will be performing at the Abilities Center, 200 I.U. Willets Rd., Albertson. Special guest includes Tenor Lei Huo who is the winner of the New Jersey State Opera's International Vocal Competition and the Puccini Foundation Award. Admission is free but tickets are required. Please call 311 or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: COS, Department of Parks & Recreation, 1801 Evergreen Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040.

The COS Faculty Brass & Friends is comprised of top New York City professional musicians who serve as the principal brass faculty of the Children's Orchestra Society in Manhasset, NY. This group of exciting artists performs in and around the New York City area bringing to their audiences thrilling performances of music ranging from classical to popular to jazz. The ensemble also performs in COS recitals and during the COS Young Musician's Festival, held each summer in Manhasset. With a particular emphasis on educational concerts, the COS Faculty Brass & Friends brings the joy of music to children in the school systems of the greater Long Island area, while providing greater exposure to the beauty of brass instruments.

The Elite String Ensemble (ESE) was formed in 2004 by COS Music Director Michael Dadap to provide leadership training for young players and to create opportunities for them to learn and perform challenging and captivating repertoire. Since its inception, the ESE has performed in venues such as the Rusk Institute for Rehabilitation in Manhattan, Old Westbury Gardens, and The Ralph and Ricky Lauren Center for the Performing Arts at The Lexington School for the Deaf. All members are also part of COS's most advanced orchestra, the Young Symphonic Ensemble (YSE). The YSE has performed annually at Lincoln Center with internationally renowned guest artists for the past 13 years.

On June 1, 2007, the Young Symphonic Ensemble of COS will be making their debut at Carnegie Hall. COS will be holding auditions in August for all orchestras, including the Young Symphonic Ensemble, which has openings for French horn, tuba, trombone and bassoon. The other orchestras have openings for violas, cello, bass, and brass instruments. For more information, please visit the COS website at www.childrensorch.org.

The Young Symphonic Ensemble is a unique and dynamic youth symphony orchestra. The members of the YSE serve as role models for the younger orchestras and are frequently called upon to perform in civic and cultural events. Under the mentorship of COS Music Director and Conductor Michael Dadap and his coaching staff, the YSE performs challenging orchestral and concerti repertoires. They toured and performed in the Philippines and Taiwan, as well as in major cities of North America. During the Summer of 2005, they performed in London and participated in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.