Does my child have to be a Chesterfield County resident?
No, students entering grades 4-12 from any local private school, public school, or home school can attend our camp!
Can my rising 3rd grader attend camp?
No, we will not be accepting any students younger than rising 4th grade in 2026. All campers must be entering grades 4-12 in the fall. We cannot make exceptions for any students regardless of maturity level or prior musical experience.
Is this a sleepaway camp?
No, camp runs daily, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Do we offer after care?
No, we do not have after care options. Please plan to pick up your child promptly each day.
Is transportation provided?
No, we do not have buses available. It may be helpful to sign up with friends and carpool, plus you will already have some friends at camp!
Can high school students drive themselves? Do we need a parking pass?
Student drivers can drive themselves to camp, the same as the regular school year, with their parents' permission. No parking pass is needed. Please park in the student lot. Please do not park in the circle at the front door.
What kind of individualized support for students with disabilities, behavioral needs, or emotional challenges does this camp provide? Are there any limitations to the support available?
Summer Strings on the James is a voluntary enrichment camp run by the school music program. It is not part of the formal academic curriculum, nor is it a therapeutic or special education program. While we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, we do not have the staffing, training, or resources to provide one-on-one behavioral support or individualized services beyond the general structure of a music camp.
Families are encouraged to share any information that may help us support their child, including learning needs, social concerns, or diagnoses. We will make reasonable efforts to work with students within the scope of the camp setting. However, all campers must be able to participate safely and respectfully in a group environment. Students whose behavior poses a safety risk, causes repeated disruptions, or significantly impacts the experience of other campers may be dismissed from the program.
We do not discriminate on the basis of disability and are committed to applying behavioral expectations consistently and fairly for the safety and well-being of all campers.
Is the audition required? Why should I audition? Where can I find the audition information?
No audition is required for general participation in camp; however, you must audition to be considered for section leader positions or for the chamber music track. Audition information will be located on the Int/Adv String Orchestras Page. If you take private lessons, it is recommended that you take the audition materials to your private lesson. Audition deadlines are hard deadlines that cannot be adjusted for family vacations, so please plan accordingly.
Is there an additional fee for those accepted into the chamber music track?
There is no additional fee.
What do we wear for final performance?
The camp t-shirt will be provided after lunch on Thursday. Please wear your camp t-shirt with any color pants, shorts, or skirt that you would like to wear. You do not need to dress up for the performance. If you are wearing a skirt, shorts underneath are strongly recommended because you will be on an elevated stage.
Are instruments provided?
For introductory classes (Intro to the Orchestra and Intro to Guitar), instruments are provided for all participants. Please note that choice of instruments is limited to our inventory and limited by the size of the student and the size of the instrument. We have a larger inventory of small sized violin and guitars than we have of small sized violas and cellos. If you are providing your instrument for an introductory course, please make sure you are providing the correct size instrument. Student success is dependent on having an instrument of the correct size, so please plan to use a school instrument unless you are certain that the instrument is appropriately sized for the beginning student.
For intermediate-advanced string orchestra classes, students should plan to provide their own instrument. If you need to borrow an instrument (especially basses), you must contact the director (jodi_austin@ccpsnet.net) to reserve an instrument by May 15th. This is a hard deadline as we may not be able to borrow instruments from other schools once summer break begins.
What are some local music shops that rent and sell stringed instruments and repair them?
Jan Hampton Violins – located in the West End – 231-7463
Music and Arts – located on Midlothian Turnpike near the Olive Garden – 272-1197
Music Tree - located in the Stoney Point Shopping Center - (804) 571-1973
Can I pick up the sheet music in advance?
Beginners will receive their materials on the starting day of class. Experienced musicians will have the option to pick up their music early at a designated time before camp; however, it is perfectly fine to wait until the first day of camp to receive your music.
Where can I locate information about orchestra at James River High School?
Please visit sites.google.com/ccpsnet.net/jrhsorchestra/home.