Strings Camp

Making music together is at the heart of Strings Camp. The student experience includes chamber music, orchestra, master classes, and a musicianship class. Solo recitals throughout the week offer an opportunity for everyone to perform solos with a professional accompanist. Our daily enrichment presentations have included an improvisation clinic, a bluegrass band, and activities designed to foster social connection among students.

Strings Camp is appropriate for violinists, violists, and cellists ages 9 – 14 who have taken private lessons for at least one year or played in a school ensemble for at least two years. Students must be fluent readers at an elementary level. (Bass players will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested, please contact the Director of Strings Camp.) The camp is organized to both challenge experienced ensemble players and to provide an excellent introduction to chamber music to new students. All ensembles perform in the final concert on Friday afternoon.

Parents must fill out the Placement Audition Form before enrolling. An audition allows us to form groups and make repertoire assignments appropriate for a student’s skill level. Students should prepare one major and one minor scale with the corresponding arpeggio and one solo. Students will also be asked to sightread.

The best camp experience requires preparation of repertoire in advance. Music will be sent out in early July.

Sample Schedule

10:00 AM Orchestra

11:00 AM Master Class

Lunch

1:00 PM Small ensemble

2:00 PM Musicianship/musical creativity

3:00 PM Presentation or concert

*Early drop-off is available for an additional charge, beginning at 9 AM.

For more information, please contact Dr. Patrick LeStrange, Strings Department Chair, at (202) 686-8000 x1110 or PLeStrange@levinemusic.org.