About Strings@Smith

An exciting time for youth string studies! Strings@Smith offers four levels of instruction for students ages 10 to 18. Students under 10 years of age may attend the program, if accompanied by an adult. Student participants are placed according to Sunday audition results and the balance needs of the ensemble.*

JUNIORS PROGRAM

For commuting students entering grades 4-6

Requires a minimum reading level in keys of C, F, Bb, G, and D major in first positions on all strings. Students should be able to perform basic rhythm patterns which include whole, half, dotted half, quarter, dotted quarter and eighth notes. The schedule will include orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, technique classes, and recreational activities. The program will end at 5:30 pm each day.

PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS OF JUNIOR PROGRAM AGE LEVEL MUST COMMUTE TO THE PROGRAM AND BE DROPPED OFF AND PICKED UP EVERY MORNING AND AFTERNOON!

Please choose commuter meal plan A or B on registration form.

INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM

For students entering grades 7 and 8 plus high school students not ready for senior program, and exceptionally advanced 5th and 6th graders.

This schedule will include orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, technique classes, introductory chamber music, world dance & drumming and recreational activities.

Students in the Intermediate and Senior Programs may choose either a residential or commuter package. Students who are commuters will end their program at 9:30 pm each day.

SENIOR PROGRAM

For high school students, grades 9-12, and exceptionally advanced 7th and 8th graders.

This schedule will include orchestral rehearsals, sectionals, chamber music, world dance & drumming, enrichment classes and recreational activities.

Students in the Intermediate and Senior Programs may choose either a residential or commuter package. Students who are commuters will end their program at 9:30 pm each day.

CONSERVATORY PREP PROGRAM
NEW THIS YEAR!!!

For exceptionally advanced students, by advance audio CD audition.

This schedule will include an advanced chamber orchestra (enrollment permitting), a more advanced chamber music experience, more individualized instruction, and all the enrichment activities included in the Senior Program.

Audition Requirements for the Conservatory Prep Program
Please send the following audition materials for the Conservatory Prep program. Your audio examples may be sent on a CD, a cassette recording, or as MP3 files. MP3 files may be emailed.

1. A solo piece, no more than 5 minutes, demonstrating the applicant’s ability
2. Three octave scales and arpeggios in the following Major keys: C,G,D,A,E,F,B-flat, E-flat and their relative minors
3. Sighreading excerpts. When you are ready to record your audition, please send an email requesting the sighreading excerpts. The excerpts will be emailed to you for you to print out. You must postmark your CD within one day of receiving the excerpts.
4. A letter of recommendation from a private teacher, chamber music coach, or conductor.
5. Application fee of $10, check payable to Strings@Smith.

All materials must be submitted together. Materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, postage paid envelope.

Please email strings@smith.edu for further information on the Conservatory Prep Program.

CHAMBER MUSIC RECITAL AND GALA CONCERT

Our program will conclude on Friday evening with a Gala Concert of all the orchestras and chamber ensembles. Students of all levels will perform.

* The director reserves the right to limit participation to ensure the musical balance and integrity of each orchestra. Processing will be according to postmark.