VCU & Richmond Symphony Orchestra Project

June 21- 26 & June 28 - July 3 Camp runs Monday thru Friday 9am-3pm (Sunday Afternoon Orientation) Campus of VCU • Richmond ,VA

Overview

VCU & Richmond Symphony have partnered to create Orchestra Project, a unique orchestra camp for young wind, brass and string musicians who have completed between grades 3 & 12 . Orchestra Project is an exciting summer music camp staffed entirely by the most talented players and teachers in Richmond: VCU professors and full-time musicians from the Richmond Symphony. It is designed to immerse young players in the magic of great music making. Our mission is to bring about transformative growth in young musicians.

The following documents need to be completed and returned to an Orchestra Project staff person at orientation:

Activity Waiver.pdf
conductpolicies 09.pdf
Orchestra Project medical form.pdf

For Resident Campers Only:

2009 resident checklist.pdf

Strings

String Odyssey June 21-26, 2009

This week is designed for beginning to advanced string players with at least two years experience on their instrument.

  • Three Orchestra levels (beginning to advanced)
  • Sectionals
  • Theory/Electives
  • Optional Private Lessons

Download the appropriate excerpt below. Please choose ONE audition excerpt to play for the conductors. We are asking you to challenge yourself (don’t pick the one you can sight read easily!) in your selection, but to honor where you are in your technical abilities. In addition to the excerpt, you will need to prepare a G Major & D Major 2 octave scale, you will be asked to play one. Students preparing excerpt letter “C” (for basses letter "B") will also need to prepare a c melodic minor scale in addition to G & D Major scale.

Odyssey Bass Audition Excerpt.pdf
Odyssey Cello Audition Excerpt.pdf
Odyssey Viola Audition Excerpt.pdf
Odyssey Violin Audition Excerpt.pdf

String Intensive June 28-July 3, 2009

Designed for the advanced string player. Intensive study of chamber music and full symphonic literature.

  • Chamber music with daily coachings
  • Individual Practice (with practice coach)
  • Full Symphony Rehearsals
  • Sectionals
  • Optional Private Lessons
  • String Intensive is filled by audition only

Winds/Brass

Wind Odyssey – June 21-July 3, 2009

One wind octet will study chamber literature intensively with Orchestra Project staff.

  • Wind Octet with daily coachings
  • Classes in Alexander Technique, Reed Making & more!
  • Wind Sectionals
  • Optional Private Lessons
  • Wind Odyssey is filled by audition only

Wind & Brass Intensive – June 28-July 3, 2009

Intensive study on full symphonic literature for winds and brass.

  • Repertoire Class (rotating faculty)
  • Guest Artist Master Classes
  • Full Symphony Rehearsals
  • Theory centered on repertoire
  • Optional Private Lessons
  • Winds & Brass Intensive is filled by audition only

Download the 2009 Orchestra Project Brochure
Download the 2009 Orchestra Project Registration Form
Download the Financial Assistance form

Additional Information

Auditions
Windy Odyssey, Wind, Brass & String Intensive

Applicants are encouraged to audition early:

  • Saturday, April 18, 2009
  • Saturday, May 9, 2009
  • Saturday, May 16, 2009

Audition Requirements:
Two contrasting pieces (contrasting tempo & style)
Two scales of your choice
Sight reading

No formal audition required for String Odyssey participants. An orchestra placement audition will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2009. Students will be asked to prepare the orchestral excerpt posted on the website in May.

Download the appropriate excerpt below. Please choose ONE audition excerpt to play for the conductors. We are asking you to challenge yourself (don’t pick the one you can sight read easily!) in your selection, but to honor where you are in your technical abilities. In addition to the excerpt, you will need to prepare a G Major & D Major 2 octave scale, you will be asked to play one. Students preparing excerpt letter “C” (for basses letter "B") will also need to prepare a c melodic minor scale in addition to G & D Major scale.

Odyssey Bass Audition Excerpt.pdf
Odyssey Cello Audition Excerpt.pdf
Odyssey Viola Audition Excerpt.pdf
Odyssey Violin Audition Excerpt.pdf

Private Lessons
Optional 60-minute private lessons will be available by Orchestra Project staff and guest artists, for an additional fee. Lessons will take place between 3:30-5pm each day. Students must indicate on their application if they are interested in receiving a lesson. Lessons will be filled on a first-come, first serve basis.

After Camp Recreation
The Orchestra Project runs from 9am-3pm. Optional after-camp recreation is available on the campus of VCU for day-time campers. From 3:30-5pm students will have access to supervised social activities at the recreation center (including use of the pool and the sports fields). Additional fee of $25 per week.

Resident Camper
Middle and high school students who wish to reside at VCU during the Orchestra Project will be housed in Johnson Hall on the VCU campus. Counselors, also housed in the resident facility, will supervise student activities. An additional resident camper fee of $340 per week will be added to the tuition. The resident facility is not available on Saturday, June 27, 2009.

The resident camper fee includes 6 days, 5 nights, 16 meals and after camp recreation. Members of the opposite gender will be housed on opposite floors. A minimum of ten (10) residents is required to use the VCU facility. For more information on becoming a resident camper visit www.richmondsymphony.com or www.vcumusic.org.

Lunch at VCU
Students will have the option of bringing a bag lunch or purchasing lunch at the VCU dining hall during the week.

Orchestra Project Faculty*
Conductors
Christie-Jo Adams, Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program
Erin R. Freeman, Associate Conductor, Richmond Symphony
Rebecca Jilcott, Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program
Daniel Myssyk, VCU Director of Orchestral Activities

Strings
Kelly Ali, Bass, VCU Faculty & Richmond Symphony
Steven Hakel, Violin, Richmond Symphony
Susanna Klein, Violin, VCU Assistant Professor
Alice Lindsay, Viola, VCU Faculty
Dana McComb, Cello, VCU Faculty
Jason McComb, Assistant Principal Cello, Richmond Symphony
Molly Sharp, Principal Viola, Richmond Symphony

Winds & Brass
Ronald Baedke, Principal Trombone, Richmond Symphony
Mary Boodell, Principal Flute, Richmond Symphony
Jared Davis, Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
Bruce Hammel, Bassoon, VCU Associate Professor
Patrick Smith, Horn, VCU Associate Professor
Brian Strawley, Trumpet, VCU Faculty & Richmond Symphony
Shawn Welk, Oboe, VCU Faculty & Richmond Symphony
Charles West, Clarinet, VCU Professor

Electives
Rebecca Jilcott, Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program
James Wiznerovic, Theory, VCU Assistant Professor

* Orchestra Project faculty is subject to change

Tuition
In addition to the fees listed below there is a non-refundable $20 application fee.
String Odyssey: $225
String Intensive: $295

Wind Odyssey: $225
Wind & Brass Intensive: $295

Both Weeks: $420 (reflects $100 discount)

Other Fees
Resident Camper (optional): $340 per week
Includes housing for 6 days, 5 nights, 16 meals and after-camp recreation.

After Camp-Recreation for Day-time campers (optional): $25 per week
Includes access to the recreation center from 3:30-5pm Monday-Friday.

Private Lessons (optional): $50 per 60-minute lesson 60-minute lessons available during after-camp recreation.
Lessons will be filled on first-come first-serve basis.

Discounts/Refunds
Early Bird Discount
An early bird discount of $15 can be taken from the tuition if application is postmarked by Friday, May 1, 2009.

Multiple Week Discount
A $100 tuition discount will be applied to students who attend both weeks.
(Discount is reflected in the chart shown above).

Refunds
No refunds will be granted after May 29, 2009.

Financial Aid
A limited amount of financial aid is available. If you are interested in applying for financial aid please visit www.richmondsymphony.com or www.vcumusic.org to download an application. The financial aid application must be submitted with the Orchestra Project application by May 1, 2009. Financial Aid will be granted on a first-come, first serve basis.

Download the Financial Assistance form

Payment Schedule
String Odyssey $150 deposit due with application

Wind Odyssey, Wind, Brass & String Intensive $150 deposit due upon acceptance.

Final balance due June 1, 2009.

Deadlines
Limited space available—early application is encouraged.
May 1, 2009 Financial Aid due with completed Orchestra Project application
May 1, 2009 Last date for early bird discount
May 22, 2009Orchestra Project application deadline
June 1, 2009 Final balance deadline

For questions contact:

Megan Miller
Education and Community Engagement Manager
Richmond Symphony
300 W. Franklin St. Suite #103E
Richmond, VA 23220

p: (804) 788-4717 ext. 144
f: (804) 788-1541
www.richmondsymphony.com