Youth Summer Chamber Music

The Youth Summer Chamber Music Program for strings, woodwinds and piano students is designed to offer a thoughtful approach to ensemble playing and a deeper understanding of music. The heart of the program is the ensemble experience – coached chamber music groups, orchestra, workshops and performances!

To enroll, you must submit a registration form and book an audition, after which participants are assigned to ensembles based on age and proficiency. (Students entering 5th or 6th grade should generally expect to attend the Jr. program, while students in 7th through 12th grade should expect to attend the Sr. program.)

All students rehearse daily in their chamber ensembles with an NCMC faculty member as their assigned coach. Sr. Program participants also have uncoached rehearsal time. String and woodwind players also play in a chamber orchestra, while pianists participate in 4-hand piano workshops. A variety of additional classes and workshops are offered to both supplement the educational experience and offer some contrast to the other activities of the day. Participants with the most experience may be assigned duties to mentor the less experienced participants.

A final performance for family and friends, featuring all of the students of both the Jr. and Sr. programs, is held on the final day at 1:30 p.m. at Edwards Church, 297 Main Street, Northampton. Parent volunteers will be needed to transport students from NCMC to the church at 11:30 a.m. for the dress rehearsal preceding the concert, as well as provide refreshments for the pot-luck reception following the concert.

Auditions

Auditions take place at NCMC and are designed to help the program coordinators assemble compatible ensembles. Each audition lasts 10 minutes or less, and students should be prepared to play two contrasting pieces or movements, play scales in the keys of those pieces, and do some simple sight-reading. Students should bring two photocopies of the sheet music for the pieces they will perform with them to the audition.

Schedule your audition at ncmc.net/book

It doesn't matter whether you book your audition or submit a registration form first, but you must do BOTH.

Audition Sessions:

Friday, February 16th - 4:00 - 6:30pm at NCMC

Friday, April 12 - 4:00 - 6:30pm at NCMC

Saturday, April 13th, 1:30 - 4:40pm at NCMC

Schedule

Jr. Program (grades 4-6)

Block A: 9:15-10:00

Jr. Orchestra

Block B: 10:00-10:45

Coached Ensembles/ Special Workshop

10:45-11:00

Break (bagels/lemonade provided)

Block C: 11:00-11:45

Coached Ensembles/ Special Workshop

Block D: 11:45-12:30

Creative Improvisation

Sr. Program (grades 6-12)

Block A: 9:00-10:00

Sr. Orchestra

Block B: 10:00-11:00

Coached Ensembles/ Special Workshop

11:00-11:15

Break (bagels/lemonade provided)

Block C: 11:15-12:15

Coached Ensembles/ Special Workshop

12:15-1:30

Lunch (not provided)

Block D: 1:30-2:15

Uncoached Rehearsals/ Special Workshop

Block E: 2:15-3:00

Uncoached Rehearsals/ Special Workshop

Block F: 3:00-4:00

Faculty Recital (Mon)

Creative Improv (Tue)

Musical Jeopardy (Wed)

CareOne Performance (Thu)

Modified Schedule for Friday

On Friday, June 28, there will be an abbreviated schedule for all participants during the morning hours. At 11:30, parent volunteers will help transport students and instruments to Edwards Church, 297 Main Street, for the dress rehearsal and recital. Students should bring a bag lunch, and parents are asked to contribute refreshments for a potluck reception immediately following the recital.

Recital

Friday, June 28 at 1:30 p.m.

Edwards Church, 297 Main Street, Northampton

Free Admission, Open To Public

This program made possible with support from: