Spend your summer under the direction of esteemed conductors, tackling challenging repertoire carefully chosen for musicians in grades 6-9. During your time here, you will grow as a musician and artist, and experience the joy of performing with fellow young musicians from around the world.
Students in the three-week strings for orchestra program perform with one of the two large ensembles:
- In the Intermediate Symphony Orchestra (view 2017 repertoire) you will perform challenging, full orchestra and string orchestra repertoire.
- As part of the Intermediate Concert Orchestra (view 2017 repertoire) string orchestra, you will further develop technique and ensemble skills.
In this program you will experience:
- Daily orchestra rehearsals held in a three-hour block, including two sectionals per week.
- One period of chamber music/performance skills each day, which gives you a chance to work in small ensembles with coaching. The purpose of this class is to help you to develop small ensemble performance techniques and improve musicianship skills. Those needing extra help in basic and essential skills will be given additional instruction during this period. Students are placed in groups of similar experience levels.
- Weekly private lessons with a member of our distinguished faculty and dedicated practice time on days when no lesson is scheduled.
- Round out your experience with one elective class. Choose from other music classes, or use the opportunity to explore another art form. (See elective options.)
When you're not in class, you'll have numerous opportunities to enjoy student, faculty, and renowned guest artist presentations in a variety of art forms.
Each session of this program is three weeks long, and students are welcome to attend two three-week sessions. A multiple session discount is offered.
Performance Venues
Performance venues include the 3,900-seat Kresge Auditorium, the 950-seat Corson Auditorium, the open-air historic Interlochen Bowl, and the beautiful Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall. Kresge Auditorium was recently named one of the ten best outdoor performance venues in the nation by USA Today.
Audition Requirements
Audio or video files #1 and #2: Two solo works of contrasting style. There is no required repertoire for intermediate applicants, however the audition recording should demonstrate both technical and lyrical playing. Piano accompaniment is preferred, but not required. Percussionists should demonstrate their skills on snare drum, mallet instruments and timpani.
Audio or video file #3: Two major scales.
Concerto Competition
Students may compete for the opportunity to perform a concerto with the intermediate division's full orchestra or wind symphony. Learn more about the concerto competition.