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 audition (details below), 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

In-Person Auditions: Saturday, April 5th, at NCMC. Book here.

Video Auditions: due Monday, April 14th at noon. Include the URL link on your registration form or upload your video to our Google Drive Folder (public). You may also email a link to registrar@ncmc.net

Students are expected to prepare two contrasting pieces or movements, and play scales in the keys of those pieces. In-person auditions last 10 minutes or less.

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

Schedule

JR. PROGRAM (grades 5-6)

9:00 arrival

9:15-10:00 Large Ensemble

10-10:45 Music Theory workshop & games

10:45-11:00 Break: Bagels & lemonade provided

11-11:45 Coached Small Ensemble

11:45-12:30 Creative soundscape workshop

12:30 Pick-up time

SR. PROGRAM (grades 6~12)

8:45 arrival

9-10:00 Large Ensemble

10-11:00 Coached Small Ensemble

11-11:15 Break: Bagels & lemonade provided

11:15-12:00 Music Theory workshop & games

12-12:30 Uncoached rehearsal/practice time

12:30-1:30 Lunch Break

1:30-2:30 Creative soundscape workshop

2:30-3:30 Daily workshops

3:30 Pick-up time

FRIDAY SCHEDULE

On Friday, June 27th, there'll 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, at

297 Main St, for the dress rehearsal and recital!

Students should bring a bag lunch, and parents are asked to contribute refreshments for a potluck reception after the recital.

Recital

Friday, June 27th at 1:30 p.m.

Edwards Church, 297 Main Street, Northampton

Free Admission, Open To Public

This program is made possible with support from: