About the Program
The Summer Youth Chamber Music Program for string, woodwind and piano students is designed to offer a thoughtful approach to ensemble playing and a deeper understanding of music. The heart of the program is the ensemble experience – coached chamber music groups, orchestra, workshops and performances.
All students are asked to audition for the program, after which they are assigned to groups based on age and proficiency. Students in 4th and 5th grade should expect to attend the Jr. program, while students in 7th through 12th grade should expect to attend the Sr. program. 6th graders will be recommended to either the Jr. or Sr. program based on the coordinators’ assessment of their skill level in relation to others who will be attending the program.
All students rehearse daily in their chamber ensembles with an NCMC faculty member as their assigned coach. Sr. Program participants also have uncoached rehearsal time. String and woodwind players also play in a chamber orchestra, while pianists participate in 4- hand piano workshops. A variety of additional classes and workshops are offered to both supplement the educational experience and offer some contrast to the other activities of the day. Participants with the most experience may be assigned duties to mentor the less experienced participants.
A final performance for family and friends, featuring all of the students of both the Jr. and Sr. programs, is held on the final day at 1:30 p.m. at Edwards Church, 297 Main Street, Northampton. Parent volunteers will be needed to transport students from NCMC to the church at 11:30 a.m. for the dress rehearsal preceding the concert, as well as provide refreshments for the pot-luck reception following the concert.
Auditions
Auditions are scheduled in 10-minute increments during any of the following days and time periods. Their purpose is to help the program coordinators assemble compatible ensembles. Please schedule an appointment for an audition with NCMC’s Registrar at the same time you register.
Audition Dates and Times:
Friday, February 17th - RESECHEDULED TO MARCH 3 DUE TO ILLNESS
Friday, March 3rd - 4:00 - 6:30pm at NCMC
Friday, April 14th, 4:00 - 6:30pm at NCMC
Saturday, April 15th, 1:30 - 4:40pm at NCMC
Students should be prepared to play two contrasting pieces or movements, play scales in the keys of those pieces, and do some simple sight-reading. Students should bring two photocopies of the sheet music for the pieces they will perform with them to the audition.
Schedule
Jr. Program (grades 4-6)
Block A: 9:15-10:00
Jr. Orchestra
Block B: 10:00-10:4.
Coached Ensembles/ Special Workshop
10:45-11:00
Break (bagels/lemonade provided)
Block C: 11:00-11:45
Coached Ensembles/ Special Workshop
Block D: 11:45-12:30
Creative Improvisation
Sr. Program (grades 6-12)
Block A: 9:00-10:00
Sr. Orchestra
Block B: 10:00-11:00
Coached Ensembles/ Special Workshop
11:00-11:15
Break (bagels/lemonade provided)
Block C: 11:15-12:15
Coached Ensembles/ Special Workshop
12:15-1:30
Lunch (not provided)
Block D: 1:30-2:15
Uncoached Rehearsals/ Special Workshop
Block E: 2:15-3:00
Uncoached Rehearsals/ Special Workshop
Block F: 3:00-4:00
Faculty Recital (Mon)
Creative Improv (Tue)
Musical Jeopardy (Wed)
CareOne Performance (Thu)
Modified Schedule for Friday
On Friday, June 30, there will be an abbreviated schedule for all participants during the morning hours. At 11:30, parent volunteers will help transport students and instruments to Edwards Church, 297 Main Street, for the dress rehearsal and recital. Students should bring a bag lunch, and parents are asked to contribute refreshments for a potluck reception immediately following the recital.
Recital
Friday, June 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Edwards Church, 297 Main Street, Northampton
Free Admission, Open To Public
This program made possible with support from:
Coordinators
Anne Werry
Capella Sherwood
Anne Werry (cello) was a Fulbright Scholar at the Boston Conservatory and has training in Orff, Musikgarten and Music Together. She has performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and was assistant and acting principal cellist of the Wellington Sinfonia. In The U.S., Anne has played with the Waterbury Symphony, the Nashua Symphony, and the Eastern Connecticut Orchestra and was a featured soloist with the Holyoke Civic Symphony. In addition to teaching on NCMC’s faculty since 1997, Anne teaches at the Smith College Campus School and is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She is the current Head of NCMC’s Suzuki Cello Dept. and was the previous coordinator of NCMC’s chamber music program.
Capella Sherwood (violin, viola) received her M.M. in Viola Performance from the New England Conservatory where she studied with Kim Kashkashian, and her B.M. in Viola Performance from McGill University where she studied with Andre Roy. Capella taught in Ireland and Canada for many years, and has performed with the Cork Concert Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company and the Esprit New Music Orchestra in Toronto. Capella currently coordinates the chamber music program at NCMC during the school year, and serves as one of the Dept. Heads for NCMC’s Suzuki Violin Program.
