Presents
VIRTUOSI STRINGS ENCOUNTER WORKSHOP
The third annual Virtuosi Strings Workshop Encounter is open to advanced string players age 13 or older. Those string players who study the Suzuki Method should be at Book 6 level or above (violin) or Book 4 and above (viola and cello). Students who do not study the Suzuki Method materials are also welcome and should be able to play at comparable levels. Advanced String Bass students are encouraged to apply for virtuosi Strings if they can demonstrate facility in string bass techniques, including shifting and use of the bow. String Bass students are encouraged to contact the director for more information on entrance level expectations.
The Virtuosi Strings Workshop Encounter will begin the day before and overlap the regular Texas State University Suzuki String Institute. Faculty for the workshop is drawn from the regular institute faculty.
Students in the Advanced String Camp will have a full schedule of music activities: three basic classes (orchestra, chamber ensemble, and music theory), one private lesson, and one additional class of the student’s choice. Additional private lessons may be available at an additional cost of $45/lesson.
BASIC CLASSES
Orchestra: Students are expected to be able to read music at a level comparable to the student’s playing ability to participate in the Virtuosi programs. Upon arrival, students will play a short audition so that the faculty may determine the best placement of the student in orchestra and chamber groups. Students are asked to prepare 2 short contrasting pieces (different speeds and styles) and a 3 octave scale of the student’s choice.
Chamber Ensemble Class: After the short audition upon arrival each student will be placed in a chamber ensemble based on the student’s age, playing ability, and chamber music experience. Students will be placed in small chamber ensembles (string quartets, trios, and duos) and will work to develop musicianship, musical expression, leadership, and ensemble playing skills through the vehicle of the small chamber ensemble. Students are expected to be able to read music at a level comparable to the student’s playing ability in order to participate in this program. Pre-formed chamber ensembles are encouraged to apply for this program (please inform the director at the time of application). String Bass students will automatically be enrolled in a Bass Ensemble class.
Music Theory Class: Upon arrival, students may be given a brief music theory test to determine the music theory level appropriate for the student. Each student will then be assigned to the appropriate music theory class.
Private Lesson: Each student will be given a private lesson with a faculty member. Depending on enrollment and faculty commitments, students may be able to take additional private lessons at the cost of $45/lesson.
ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Conducting Class: This class is open to all students and is grouped by age and prior conducting experience. Students will learn the fundamentals of conducting techniques. Through this class the student will become more aware of the interplay between the conductor and the performer, and how the student can improve his or her ensemble performance as a result.
How to Practice: This class is open to all students who are serious about practicing and would like to improve their practice methods, habits, and routines. Students will learn what good practice is, how to structure a practice session, how to develop an effective practice solution to performance problems, how to set realistic practice goals, and effective strategies to motivate oneself to want to practice.
University and Orchestra Auditions Class: This class is open to all students of an advanced playing level. Students will learn about the typical components of a successful university or professional orchestra entrance audition and methods to prepare for the audition. Students may discuss several common elements often requested for university or professional orchestra auditions, including sight reading excerpts. Students will learn how to practice these excerpts, the audition purpose behind each excerpt, and the elements necessary to perform the excerpt well. The class will also discuss audition tips and strategies.
Scale Class: This class will present students with the creative use of scales to improve technical facility, musical expression, rhythmic clarity, and focus and concentration.
Viola for Violinists: This class is open to all violin students and will be grouped by age and playing ability. Students will need to provide their own viola for this class or can call Blackerby Violin shop of
CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES: The orchestra and chamber ensemble groups will present a final concert for the institute students as part of the regular institute orchestra performances on Friday afternoon, 7/27/07, at 4 pm and Friday evening, 7/27/07, at 7 pm. The exact performance times will be arranged during the institute week. Students should be in concert clothes for the final concerts. Concert clothes consist of nice dress clothes; there is no specific concert dress code.
TUITION: In addition to a registration fee of $50 (before
ACCOMMODATIONS AND TEEN DORM: The Virtuosi Strings Workshop Encounter is designed to be an intense musical experience; therefore, participants are encouraged to stay on campus or within the
All dormitory costs include the full meal plan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Questions and information about housing are covered in the FAQ located on this website. Students are encouraged to state preferred roommate assignments, and all such requests will be honored if possible.
Commuter Meal Plans: The full meal plan is provided to those students staying on campus. For those students who are staying off campus or who choose to commute daily to institute, there are meal tickets available for direct purchase at the cafeteria; the Institute will no longer provide commuter meal tickets.
Parking Permits: Students staying in the teen dorms are not permitted to retain any car keys. However, if a student drives a vehicle and leaves it on campus (keys must be surrendered to the director or institute counselor), the student must purchase a parking permit for the vehicle at a cost of $5.
STUDENT ENROLLMENT: Student enrollment is limited by facility and available space. Registration applications are processed and accepted in the order that they arrive. Early registration before May 15th is highly recommended. All applications must be accompanied by full payment. A separate Student Registration Form must be filled out for each student in the family and may be photocopied for additional student registrations. TSUSSI reserves the right to cancel any classes if enrollment is insufficient to sustain the class. In this event, students will be assigned to available alternate classes.
CANCELLATION: There is a registration fee of $50 per student on or before
REGISTRATION AND DORMITORY CHECK IN: Registration and dormitory check-in will be available to students on Sunday,
AUDITION FOR ORCHESTRA AND CHAMBER ENSEMBLE PLACEMENT: In order to determine which orchestra and chamber ensemble level would best suit the students’ abilities, students will play a brief audition shortly after checking in on Sunday, July 22nd, Students are expected to prepare a 3 octave scale of the student’s choice and excerpts of two contrasting pieces of no more than 5 minutes in length. Additionally, the student will be asked to read some music at sight.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES: Classes will generally meet from and daily.
Basic Schedule of Activities will include:
Morning classes
Lunch
Afternoon classes
Dinner
Evening Activities
Classes include orchestra, orchestra sectionals, chamber ensemble coaching or rehearsal sessions, private lessons, or enrichment classes. The scheduled evening social activities are part of the program and will be supervised by experienced adult counselors. Evening activities will include:
Monday movie night
Tuesday faculty artist concert
Wednesday free time or games night
Thursday talent/skit show
Friday final performances
MORE INFORMATION: For any information not covered in the FAQ about Virtuosi Strings, please contact:
Paula E. Bird, Director (TSUSSI)
1500 Longhorn Trail
512-694-7687