Step into the world of string quartets & trios!
VIOLIN - VIOLA - CELLO - BASS
Selected by audition from the top orchestra (Crescendo), a few highly skilled student musicians will have the special chance to perform in a string quartet or trio in addition to their main orchestra class. Participants will engage in daily rehearsals under the guidance of a seasoned chamber music coach, supplemented by additional self-directed practice sessions. These sessions aim to refine individual and ensemble skills, fostering a deep understanding of musical collaboration and expression. Participants will also actively contribute to the Crescendo Orchestra, ensuring a well-rounded musical development and a sense of camaraderie among peers. Additionally, all campers will have the opportunity to participate in our diverse range of recreation and enrichment activities.
Established string quartets and trios are encouraged to apply together, enhancing the cohesion and musical synergy within the group. Interested groups should contact the director at jodi_austin@ccpsnet.net for information on how to audition with their current repertoire. Please note that all members of established ensembles must audition and be accepted together. In cases where not all members are accepted, successful auditioning musicians may be assigned to new ensembles to ensure an enriching chamber music experience for all.
There is no additional cost for those accepted into the Chamber Music Track.
Embrace the opportunity to refine your musical skills and explore the intimate world of chamber music at Summer Strings on the James!
ELIGIBLE GRADES:
Students who will be entering grades 8th-12th in the fall.
PREREQUISTE SKILLS NEEDED:
Advanced rhythm reading (advanced syncopation and ornamentation/turns/grace notes.)
Musical independence (ability to play a unique line against contrasting melodic and rhythmic voices and stay in tempo)
Knowledge of multiple positions (through 6th position)
Advanced bowings and articulations (including spiccato, sautillé, martelé, double stops, and triple stops, etc.)
Prior experience playing chamber music (string quartets, piano trios, etc.) is helpful but not required.
Eligible participants must be present for all four days of camp from start to finish. If you cannot be present for all four days in their entirety, please do not apply for the chamber music track.
Established piano trios (violin, cello, and piano) should contact the director prior to auditioning.
Sample Day at for Chamber Music Participants*:
8:45-9:00 - Student drop-off (No entry before 8:45 am, please.)
9:00-9:45 - String Quartet - with chamber music coach
9:45-10:30 - Crescendo Orchestra rehearsal
10:30-10:45 - Break/Transition to recreation
10:45-11:30 - Recreation activities (kickball, nature walk, fiber arts, digeridoo, origami, Legos, or board games)
11:30-12:00 - Lunch
12:00-1:15 - Crescendo Orchestra rehearsal
1:15-1:30 - Break/Transition to enrichment
1:30-2:30 - Enrichment classes (advanced techniques, improvisation, conducting, karaoke, or bucket drumming)
2:30-2:45 - Break/Transition to main class
2:45-3:30 - String Quartet - student-directed rehearsal
3:30-4:00 - Crescendo Orchestra rehearsal
4:00 - Dismissal (Campers must be picked up on time each day.)
* This is a sample schedule. Actual rehearsal times for individual quartets will vary.
AUDITIONS:
Only a small number of our most advanced campers will be accepted. Auditions will be conducted virtually from April 15 to June 4. To maximize your chances in this competitive audition, please consider submitting both excerpts. The second excerpt is extremely difficult, so you may play an any steady tempo that you would like. Slow and accurate will earn more points than fast and sloppy! Detailed information can be found below. Good luck!
VIOLIN AUDITION
Practice one or both excerpts:
Romanza from Eine Kleine Natchmusik - excerpt as marked without repeat, tempo is Andante with a 45 bpm half note pulse.
Smetana Excerpt - first half as marked, tempo is Vivace.
Preparing and submitting both excerpts is strongly recommended for competitive consideration for the chamber music track.
Submissions at a slower tempo with superior intonation, rhythm, and articulations will score higher a messy audition at the correct performance tempo!
How to audition:
Practice one or both audition excerpts.
Record your audition. State your full name clearly at the beginning of your video. Your face, hands, and instrument must be visible in the video.
Upload your audition to your Google Drive. Chesterfield students can use their school Google Drive; however, students from other school districts must use a personal or parent-owned Google Drive. (Neighboring school systems limit access by adults outside their school network for safety reasons.)
Set the share settings so that "anyone with link" or "Chesterfield County Public Schools" is a viewer.
Visit THIS LINK to submit your audition.
VIOLA AUDITION
Practice one or both excerpts:
Romanza from Eine Kleine Natchmusik - excerpt as marked, tempo is Andante with a 45 bpm half note pulse.
Kayser #26 - first half as marked, includes treble clef, tempo is Allegro.
Preparing and submitting both excerpts is strongly recommended for competitive consideration for the chamber music track.
Submissions at a slower tempo with superior intonation, rhythm, and articulations will score higher a messy audition at the correct performance tempo!
How to audition:
Practice one or both audition excerpts.
Record your audition. State your full name clearly at the beginning of your video. Your face, hands, and instrument must be visible in the video.
Upload your audition to your Google Drive. Chesterfield students can use their school Google Drive; however, students from other school districts must use a personal or parent-owned Google Drive. (Neighboring school systems limit access by adults outside their school network for safety reasons.)
Set the share settings so that "anyone with link" or "Chesterfield County Public Schools" is a viewer.
Visit THIS LINK to submit your audition.
CELLO AUDITION
Practice one or both excerpts:
Romanza from Eine Kleine Natchmusik - except as marked, tempo is Andante with a 45 bpm half note pulse.
Büchler, Op 21, No 7 - first half as marked, tempo is Allegretto Grazioso.
Preparing and submitting both excerpts is strongly recommended for competitive consideration for the chamber music track.
Submissions at a slower tempo with superior intonation, rhythm, and articulations will score higher a messy audition at the correct performance tempo!
How to audition:
Practice one or both audition excerpts.
Record your audition. State your full name clearly at the beginning of your video. Your face, hands, and instrument must be visible in the video.
Upload your audition to your Google Drive. Chesterfield students can use their school Google Drive; however, students from other school districts must use a personal or parent-owned Google Drive. (Neighboring school systems limit access by adults outside their school network for safety reasons.)
Set the share settings so that "anyone with link" or "Chesterfield County Public Schools" is a viewer.
Visit THIS LINK to submit your audition.
BASS AUDITION
Practice one or both excerpts:
Romanze from Eine Kleine Natchmusik - excerpt as marked, tempo is Andante with a 45 bpm half note pulse.
Hrabe 86 Etudes, No 11 - first half as marked, tempo is Allegretto.
Preparing and submitting both excerpts is strongly recommended for competitive consideration for the chamber music track.
Submissions at a slower tempo with superior intonation, rhythm, and articulations will score higher a messy audition at the correct performance tempo!
How to audition:
Practice one or both audition excerpts.
Record your audition. State your full name clearly at the beginning of your video. Your face, hands, and instrument must be visible in the video.
Upload your audition to your Google Drive. Chesterfield students can use their school Google Drive; however, students from other school districts must use a personal or parent-owned Google Drive. (Neighboring school systems limit access by adults outside their school network for safety reasons.)
Set the share settings so that "anyone with link" or "Chesterfield County Public Schools" is a viewer.
Visit THIS LINK to submit your audition.