Learning & EngagementStudent Programs

Summer String Institute 2023

25th Anniversary

Cathy Stewart, Director

National Philharmonic created its wildly successful Summer String Institutes in 1998 to nurture the skills and talents of young musicians and encourage their participation in classical music now and throughout their lives. This summer, join National Philharmonic principal players and other distinguished faculty for a challenging and exciting week of chamber and  orchestral music. Join us for a week long journey focused on enriching the orchestral, chamber, and solo musician. While Summer String Institute students work on ambitious repertoire to develop true professionalism, they also enjoy camaraderie and the adventure of creating great music.

Location: Rockville Unitarian Universalist Congregation – 100 Welsh Park Dr. Rockville, MD 20852

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  All activities, including concerts, will be within this time.

Tuition: $800.00 per student per session. 

Special Offer:  Attend 2 sessions for just $1400.00 or Sessions 1, 2 and 3 for $2100.00. 

Sessions

Session 1: July 17 – 21, 2023                    Concert, July 21, 4:00

Session 1 Concert Video Session 1 Concert Program

Session 2: July 24 – 28, 2023                   Chamber Concert, Friday, July 28 @1:00                   Orchestra Concert, Friday July 28 @ 4:00

Session 2 Orchestra Concert Video Session 2 Chamber Concert Video Session 2 Orchestra Concert Program Session 2 Chamber Concert Program

Session 3: July 31 – August 4, 2023                  Chamber Concert, Friday, August 4 @ 1:00                  Orchestra Concert, Friday, August 4 @ 4:00

Session 3 Orchestra Concert Video Session 3 Chamber Concert Video

Session 3 Orchestra Concert Program Session 3 Chamber Concert Program

 

Session 1, July 17-21, 2023

Pop Goes the Creativity! 

Grades 6 – 12 July 17 – 21, 2023, 9:00-5:00 daily Developing musical skills through Creativity, Improvisation, Movement, Theory, Sight Reading and Orchestra. Repertoire will include Pop Music, Show Tunes, Classical music, and music from around the world. No Chamber Music, no Private Lesson in this session.

There will be an Orchestra concert Friday, July 21, @ 4:00.

Conductor: Yoshi Horiguchi

 

Session 2, July 24 – 28, 2023

World Music ALIVE!

Grades 6 – 9 July 24 – 28, 2023, 9:00-5:00 daily Developing Chamber MusicWe will be developing skills to play in Chamber Music Ensembles and play in Orchestra. We will be increasing skills with Movement, Theory Sight Reading, Chamber Music Coaching, Orchestra rehearsals and 2 Private lessons.

There will be a Chamber Music Recital, Friday, July 28 @ 1:00 and an Orchestra Concert on Friday,July 28 @ 4:00

Conductor: Veronica Jackson

 

Session 3, July 31 – August 4

Music Moves You

Grades 9 – 12 July 31- August 4, 2023, 9:00-5:00 daily Advanced Chamber MusicWe will be studying advanced Chamber Music and Orchestral repertoire.  To increase skills we will be studying Theory, Sight Reading, Movement, Chamber music coaching, Rehearsal techniques, Orchestra sectionals, Orchestra rehearsals and have 2 Private lessons.

There will be a Chamber Music Recital, Friday, August 4 @ 1:00 and an Orchestra Concert, Friday, August 4 @ 4:00.

Conductor: Veronica Jackson

 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

  Application to SSI will open January 18, 2023. Applications will close May 31, 2023. Please submit 1 video as part of the application process.  You do not have to play all the excerpts in one take, but all excerpts must be combined into a single video clip. Only prepare excerpts for the Session(s) you wish to join. Video is part of the application on Acceptd. Excerpts are available on the Landing Page on the “Resource” tab. You will also need a recommendation from your teacher. The form is on the application. You may start the application, save, and submit the video anytime before the May 31, 2023 deadline.   No applications will be accepted after June 7, 2023 *Be sure to list the chamber music you have studied and part you played. This response is used to decide the piece and part you will study at SSI.*

Audition Excerpts

Sessions 1 & 2 Violin Sessions 1 & 2 Viola Sessions 1 & 2 Cello

Session 3 Violin Session 3 Viola Session 3 Cello Session 3 Bass

 

Interns:

Up to 40 hours of Student Service Learning Hours may be earned by Interning.  Interns may be asked to help with clerical work, assist teachers, assist chamber music rehearsals, play in orchestra or chamber groups.  Students must attend at least one session as a participant, in order to intern. You will also be asked to provide a letter of recommendation.

Refund policy: 

  • There is a $30.00 non refundable application fee.
  • Deposit of $250.00, due upon application to SSI. The deposit WILL be returned if NOT accepted. If accepted, deposit is non refundable.
  • Students will be notified of acceptance within two weeks of within two week of submitting their application..
  • The tuition balance is due by May 31, 2023.
  • No refunds for any reason after May 31, 2023

Scholarships:

Need based scholarships are available.

 

Faculty

Director: Cathy Stewart

Conductors: Yoshi Horiguchi & Veronica Jackson

Movement: Isiah Johnson

Improvisation: Mari Carlson

Theory: Mark Pfannschmidt

Sight Reading: Yoshi Horiguchi & Alan Stewart

Private teachers and Chamber Coaches – TBA

COVID:

SSI 2023 will be following strict safety protocols per CDC guidelines, as well as MCPS and Rockville Unitarian Universalist Congregation mandates. All faculty will be vaccinated against COVID. Students are required to be vaccinated to attend SSI. If somehow COVID restrictions do not allow SSI to be live, then SSI will be cancelled and deposits refunded, minus application fees.  All Sessions will take place at Rockville Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 100 Welsh Park Dr. 20852. There is ample parking. All performances will be held onsite.

For questions about NP’s Summer String Institutes, please contact Cathy Stewart, Cathy@nationalphilharmonic.org   

SSI 2023 Sponsors:

Potter Violins

DC Federation Of Musicians

Lashof Violins

Gales Violin Shop

 

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