String Academy
Chamber Music in the Mountains
Download the 2012 WSMA Instrumentalist Application Form
Imagine this…four weeks on the Blue Ridge…practicing, rehearsing, having lessons, attending masterclasses, performing, going to concerts, working with young composers, seeing a play, hearing a lecture, etc., etc. In addition, you will be literally steps away from the hub of a world-class, four-season resort where you can hike, swim and enjoy the scenery. These are all elements of the Wintergreen experience.
The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Recent graduates may also apply, and we will consider applications from advanced high school junior and seniors. Age is not the deciding factor. We want to assemble a talented group of students who will complement each other as pre-professional artists.
Each string player will receive at least one private lesson per week.
String players will attend special Academy events, including masterclasses.
Each string ensemble (either pre-formed or developed through our audition process) will study up to four major works during the course of the festival.
String players will have multiple opportunities to work with the professional musicians of the Wintergreen Festival Orchestra.
String players will be able to hone their skills with regard to ensemble playing and rehearsal techniques by bringing standard repertoire to a very high level of performance in a relatively short period of time. This is definitely real-world experience!
Many of the string players will have an opportunity to work with one of the young composers attending the Composition Academy, including performing and recording a work. Each Academy student will receive a copy of the final CD.
During the fourth and final week, the Academy students will form the Academy Chamber Orchestra. The orchestra will perform in the Evans Center.
Each week will include the following:
Individual practice (as often as possible throughout the day)
Ten hours of ensemble rehearsal (generally in the morning)
Three hours of ensemble coaching (generally in the afternoon)
A private lesson (generally in the afternoons)
Academy students will be expected to attend the majority of the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival performances in order to be exposed to diverse performers and a wide-range of repertoire. The concerts are mostly in the evenings.
Academy students will present five public performances in our large performance tent, the John D. Evans Center.
There will be additional performance opportunities, including Academy Showcases and participation in the Music in Unusual Places programs.
