This week-long day camp is designed for students from Suzuki Book 4 through the concerto level.
The schedule will include daily independent rehearsal in small ensembles, daily coachings with a faculty member, a daily small ensemble masterclass (i.e. coaching in front of an audience), a chamber orchestra in which students and faculty members play together, as well as supplemental classes in music theory, history, improvisation and more! Each small ensemble will work intensively on a movement from the standard chamber music repertoire, and then present the movement in concert at the end of the week.
QUICK FACTS
Dates: Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2
Time: 9:00AM - 3:45PM
Final Concert: Friday, August 2, 7pm
Location: St. Timothy's Lutheran Church
Tuition: $450
Tuition cannot be refunded if a student withdraws from camp for any reason after initially accepting a spot. We will make an exception only in the unlikely case that we are able to replace the outgoing student with another participant who is able to cover the full tuition fee, but that is far from guaranteed.
Auditions: Saturday, March 16*
*Audition results will be released by the beginning of April so that families can plan their summers accordingly.
USEFUL LINKS
DAILY SCHEDULE
9:00AM-12:00PM: Quartet rehearsal, coaching, and supplemental
Students will spend one hour rehearsing independently with their other quartet members, one hour in coaching with a faculty member, and one hour in a supplemental class (music theory, music history, comparative listening, improvisation) with their other quartet members and a faculty member. (There is a 10-minute snack break at 11.)
12:00PM-1:00PM: Chamber Orchestra
Students will play with other students and faculty in a conductorless chamber orchestra.
1:00PM-1:45PM: Lunch break
2:00PM-2:45PM: Group Supplemental Class
2:45PM-3:45PM: Masterclass*
Each day will end with a small ensemble masterclass in which students will have the opportunity to perform and receive additional coaching in front of their peers. Every group will have three opportunities to perform during the week. Parents are invited to join the audience of the masterclass every day (depending on current public health guidance and capacity considerations).
*At the end of the week, each group will perform in masterclasses for a special guest artist, TBA
FACULTY
RYAN CAPARELLA is a small ensemble coach, theory coach and chamber orchestra principal/sectional coach, in addition to sharing directorial duties with Alex Revoal.
FACULTY Q & A
What is unique about the chamber music experience?
For me, the two greatest things about music are the opportunity to express myself, and the opportunity to collaborate in artistic expression with others. Chamber music—by far the most egalitarian form of music making—is the form that balances these two ideals perfectly.
What are your favorite works of Chamber Music?
I could list hundreds, but if I had to pick one piece—Schoenberg's Verklarte Nacht.
ALEX REVOAL is a small ensemble coach, theory coach and chamber orchestra principal/sectional coach, in addition to sharing directorial duties with Ryan Caparella.
FACULTY Q & A
What is your favorite thing about teaching at chamber camp?
My favorite thing about teaching at chamber camp is seeing the students develop a higher level of musical independence, identifying the areas where they can improve as a group, and discovering together how to go about making those improvements.
What are your favorite works of Chamber Music?
Schubert's String Quintet in C Major, D. 956, Beethoven Op. 131; Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor
MAEVE O'HARA joins us in 2022 for her sixth year as small ensemble coach, theory coach, and chamber orchestra concertmaster/sectional coach.
FACULTY Q & A
What advice would you give to a student considering chamber camp for the first time?
In the words of Nike: Just do it! Making chamber music is one of the most incredible experiences you'll ever have as a musician-- not only musically, but it's so much fun. And you end up making wonderful friendships, whether it's in the chamber group, camaraderie in orchestra, or in your sectionals, or even during the lunch hours. In my own musical upbringing, I liked playing my violin always, but it wasn't until I played chamber music that I just fell absolutely in love with making music. You'll be playing incredible music while having the most fun with your instrument. What's better than that?
What are your favorite works of Chamber Music?
My desert island chamber music is overwhelmingly the middle/late Beethoven quartets: Rasumovskys, Serioso, Op. 131! My teacher gave me a CD of this when I graduated high school-- I completely wore it out.
VICTORIA SZCZEPANIAK joins us in 2022 for her fifth year as small ensemble coach, and chamber orchestra principal/sectional coach.
FACULTY Q & A
What is your favorite thing about teaching at chamber camp?
I love playing in a small chamber orchestra, working on collaborating, and communicating without a conductor.
What is unique about the chamber music experience?
Chamber music is my favorite way to make music. It's like a whole new world that has yet to be discovered for a student that has never played chamber music before. And every time you play in a quartet, or trio etc., with different people, it is truly a unique experience. I love the collaboration, and learning to work together to create something beautiful. For a new student, this is a perfect opportunity to experience making music in a small group for the first time.
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PATRICK CONNOLLY joins us in 2022 for his third year as small ensemble coach.
FACULTY Q & A
What is your favorite thing about teaching at chamber camp?
My favorite part about teaching at the chamber camp has been seeing the growth of friendships at our program. I see students who go to different schools become really close through their similar interests. So close that they want to practice and play together after the camp! During group class you do not have much time to socialize with each other, but at the chamber camp you have time to know your colleagues and use that to help make more beautiful music.
What advice would you give to a student considering chamber camp for the first time?
Don't be scared! It is a new experience in your musical career but it will really help you grow. The faculty are patient and helpful and they make sure everyone's experience is enjoyable.
TESTIMONIALS
“This summer was my first year coming to chamber camp, so I was a little nervous and not exactly sure what to expect coming in, but I made so many friends, learned a ton, and it was just such a fun experience. I am definitely going to audition again this year!"
Anjana, Student
“My daughter Miya surprised herself at how much she learned AND enjoyed her second year at chamber camp! The faculty expertly interwove the skills of music theory, relationship building and constructive communication, all in a short span of time. Almost wish the camp was for two weeks!"
Kristen, Parent
"Chamber camp is a great mix of instruction in both playing and musical theory. The kids learn to work together in their groups and really drive the artistic direction themselves. The instructors include team-building activities and general play to keep the kids moving and engaged. I love the end-of-camp concert—the groups always sound amazing."
Rita, Parent
APPLICATION & AUDITION
While we wish we could guarantee space for every student who is interested, the nature of chamber music necessitates that we form well-balanced groups to ensure that every student has a satisfying experience. If a student is not accepted for participation this summer, this is not at all an indication that a student did not perform well in their audition: it simply means that we did not have enough other students at the right level to form a group for that student. That being said, every opportunity to perform a live audition and receive feedback is a great learning experience for students, regardless of the outcome!
Audition Requirement
A well-polished piece that demonstrates the student's overall level of playing, including details such as tone, intonation, vibrato, technique, and musicality. Discuss with your teacher what repertoire best represents your current level of playing.
Audition Date
Saturday, March 16
In Western Springs