Summer Chamber Music Festival

Summer Chamber Music Festival (Ages 9-18)

The Summer Chamber Music Festival at WCMS is a two-week chamber music program for string, piano and woodwind students ages 9 to 18. Participants develop the art of ensemble playing, sharpen musical and performance skills, and explore creative and arts-related topics—all in a fun and nurturing environment.

Program Features:

• Exceptional instruction with our SCMF Faculty
  • Daily chamber coaching
  • Master classes
  • Private lessons
• Guided rehearsal time
• Enrichment classes and special topic workshops with guest presenters
• Music games, recreation time, and talent show
• Final concert for family and friends

Ensemble-In-Residence (EIR) program: Open to a select few high school students (grades 10-12) to be placed in a more advanced chamber group to concentrate on challenging repertoire and refine skills as an ensemble. EIR members will have the flexibility to rehearse and work more extensively with our SCMF faculty and to participate in additional performance opportunities during the Chamber Festival. Please indicate interest on the application form, and contact the administrative directors for more information and EIR tuition rate.

Administrative Directors: 

• Laurie Russell and Sara Schwindt
• Please contact the administrative directors with any questions about the program!

Enrollment Information:  An audition is mandatory for everyone. Participants must be age 9–18 as of June 1, 2024, with the following recommended level of experience:

• Strings: at least in Suzuki Book 3
• Piano: at least Sonatina and early intermediate Romantic style repertoire
• Woodwinds: at least 3 years of playing

Please note that past participation is not a guarantee of future acceptance.

Audition Dates: Sign up online for a 15-minute time slot*:

• Saturday, April 27, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
• Sunday, May 12, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
• Sunday, May 19, 12:00 – 5:00 PM

* If unable to make the audition dates above, please contact WCMS to arrange an alternate date.

Audition Requirements:

• Scales with 3 sharps and 3 flats, minimum 2 octaves (major scales only for strings and woodwinds)
• Two contrasting pieces (5-8 minutes of music)
• Sight-reading

Please complete an Audition Form to bring with you to the audition. 

Once the audition process has been completed and you have been notified of acceptance into the program, our registrar will contact you to complete the enrollment process.