Chamber Days

June 19 through 23, 2023

A week-long chamber music workshop for string players of middle-school to college age, featuring extensive daily coaching and performing opportunities designed to:

  • Improve your instrumental playing ability
  • Improve your performing ability
  • Improve your musicianship
  • Develop ensemble skills
  • Develop rehearsal skills
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Have fun with other musicians while learning great repertoire!!

Instructional Format

Chamber music represents the pinnacle ensemble experience for musicians where instrumental playing skills, musicianship, leadership and collaborative skills are developed to the highest level in small ensembles in which every player has the opportunity to shine in both soloistic and supporting musical roles while performing the greatest literature written for our instruments. Students will receive daily coaching from expert faculty in a small group learning environment as well as in larger ensembles:  In addition to their small chamber groups, all string players will perform in a non-conducted large string ensemble and pianists will perform in piano duos and quartets. Each day includes multiple rehearsal and coaching sessions and culminates with an afternoon performance class wherein each group has the opportunity to perform material mastered, that day.  By the end of the week, students will have had multiple performance opportunities in preparation for the Final Concert for family and friends.

And for Pianists - Piano Camp

Study piano duets, chamber music for piano and other instruments, and solo pieces. Daily masterclasses and lessons on both solo and ensemble music with WWU piano faculty, Judith Widrig.

Dates and Schedule

End of Week Gala Concert for Family and Friends

Friday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Western Washington University Concert Hall

Daily schedule

  • First Day Orientation Meeting: Monday, June 19 at 9:30 a.m. in Performing Arts Center Choir Room (Room 16)
  • Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
  • Friday 10 a.m. through 7 p.m.
  • Includes multiple coaching sessions and an afternoon performance classes wherein each group will have the opportunity to perform material mastered, that day.

Coaches

  • Grant Donnellan (Professor of Violin, WWU, Director, North Sound Youth Symphony)
  • Samantha Sinai (Private Cello Instructor)
  • Judith Widrig (WWU Piano Faculty)
  • Victor Costanzi (Bellingham Festival Artist)
  • Afternoon Masterclasses with WWU faculty and guest artists

Application and Registration

Auditions

New students must submit an audition video for acceptance via the online application process.

Audition video requirements

  • A major and minor scale showing position work
  • An excerpt (5 minutes or less) from solo repertoire of your choice

Registration

  • Please register online by May 22
  • Registration after May 22 will still be accepted; but on a space-available basis.
  • You will receive confirmation afterwards as to whether we have space for you in one of the ensembles.
  • Do not send payment at this time – wait to receive admission confirmation.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions

Students and faculty will follow all guidelines in effect. Students will be grouped in small ensembles/cohorts with individually assigned rehearsal spaces. Hand sanitizing stations are situated throughout the facility. Students and faculty are encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to attending.

More information about Chamber Days

Contact Grant Donnellan

 

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Looking for more information?

If you have any questions, we're happy to find you an answer. Call the Music Department Office 360-650-3130, or view the directory of faculty and staff.