Camper Music

Chamber Music Groups

Each camper is placed in one or two chamber groups, based on an audition the first day of camp. A faculty coach picks an appropriate piece (pianists will have already prepared one), and the group starts to work, rehearsing six days a week- three days with their coach, and three days independently.

Once the piece is ready, the group performs for the whole camp, always to appreciative applause. Then, on to the next challenge- a more difficult movement from the same work, or a brand new piece.

Mid-session Sunday afternoons at 3:30 in our Rec Hall, we have camper concerts to which families and friends are welcome to attend. Campers are permitted to leave campus with family after the concert returning by 7:30pm for evening activities. For those campers whose parents are unable to visit, we have a special cookout on campus.

Private Lessons and Practicing

Campers have private lessons with their teachers, focusing on mastering their chamber music parts, but also learning solo pieces. The caring attention of our faculty in our informal setting often creates a special bond between student and teacher. Every camper has two scheduled practice periods daily; many also choose to spend a portion of their free time practicing.

Music Theory and Music Studies

Campers meet regularly in small Music Theory classes with other campers at their own level, working on basics like intervals, key signatures, and rhythm, or advanced topics like harmonic analysis.

All-camp Music Studies classes feature varied topics such as "How to rehearse without a coach," "Shostakovich's Russia," a Master Class with a guest composer, or a preview of an upcoming faculty performance. Always popular is a panel of faculty who share insights about their own musical careers.

Secondary Instruments

Music pops up outside of scheduled rehearsal as well. Some campers bring secondary musical instruments to play in their free time. Others gravitate toward musical activities such as group singing or improvising together. Skits often feature musical accompaniment.

Session Final Camper Concerts

At the end of each session on the last Saturday, campers perform in a final concert at 1pm at the Sslisbury Congregational Church. This is a rewarding experience for the entire camp community.

Sample Camper Concerts

Below you can find two sample end-of-the-session camper concert programs from prior years. Campers look forward to sharing the results of their hard work during camp with their families and friends on the last day of camp.