If you are between the ages of 12 and 18 and play violin, viola, cello, or bass you are invited to join a special summer camp coached by local professional performers and master teachers.
Chamber music is the classical music equivalent of a rock band (but without the singing): There’s no conductor and each member of the group is responsible for their own part.
If you’re used to playing in an orchestra – or if you’re new to playing with people other than your teacher – get ready for a great new experience where your group members are in charge of making everything happen the way you want it to.
PROGRAM FORMAT
The camp meets for one week, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Monday through Thursday, you’ll attend three hour-long learning/playing sessions plus breaks and lunch.
Friday, you’ll devote the morning to rehearsing and give a late afternoon performance for each other and invited guests.
DAILY SESSIONS
At the day’s first session, you’ll work and play together on one or more aspects of basic musicianship – rhythms, intervals, harmonies, musical forms, and more.
At your second session, you’ll focus on a piece of chamber music for string ensemble – trio, quartet, or quintet – which you’re assigned well in advance. In addition to learning your own part, you’ll learn the skills required to put together a good performance in a short preparation time. (This is the music you’ll be performing on Friday.)
At your third session, you’ll explore the collaborative techniques that are special to chamber music, which involve intense listening, careful watching, and effective communication with the members of your group.
PERFORMANCE
At week’s end, you’ll put your enhanced musicianship skills and brand-new chamber music techniques to work in the service of delivering a polished performance in front of your fellow workshop participants and invited guests.
COACHES
The string faculty of Marin Community Music School, including violinists Kathy Marshall and Patricia Miner, violinist/violists Tara Flandreau and Meg Eldridge, and cellist David Lusterman.
DATES
August 4 – 8, 2025, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
August 11 – 15, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
August 18 – 22, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
FEES AND FINANCIAL AID
The participation fee is $600. Financial assistance is available to qualified applicants. You do not need to be currently enrolled at Marin Community Music School to participate.
A refundable deposit of $200 is required upon registration, with the balance due on June 30. 2025. No refunds will be issued after July 1.
SAVE $50 when you register by March 31. We’ll subtract that amount from your balance due on June 30.
For more information, please contact info@marincommunitymusicschool.org.
To register, please complete this form.