Axe ’Em, Jacks!
June 21 to 27, 2026
Open to middle- and high-school students, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Strings Camp is a week-long intensive study of string orchestra literature. You'll engage in musical studies with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ School of Music's string faculty members and guest orchestra conductors.
Recommended experience is at least one year of involvement in a school orchestra program or completion of Suzuki book one in private lessons.
Key dates
- April 1: Audition music will be available
- May 29: Chamber ensemble submission deadline
- June 10: Registration deadline
- June 12: Orchestra placement submission deadline
Orchestra placement
The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Strings camp offers two orchestras. Placement is based on your video audition submission using the provided music excerpts. These music excerpts will be posted below once details are finalized.
- Symphony Orchestra
- Placement based on advanced audition excerpts.
- Intended for high school juniors and seniors who are preparing to join orchestra in college.
- Philharmonic Orchestra
- Placement based on advanced audition excerpts.
- Intended for early high school level players who are advancing in their orchestra careers.
Chamber ensemble for advanced players
If you're also interested in joining a chamber ensemble, be sure to read the details of this opportunity before submitting your audition video. Submission deadline is May 29.
Pricing information
Regular camper rate
- Commuter: $325
- Resident camper: $575
- Includes meals and lodging
Scholarships
- High School All-Region scholarship: $75
- All-State scholarship: $200
- Incoming Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ music major scholarship: $145
When registering, you will need documentation in order to receive your scholarship. Documentation can include a picture of your name in your All-State/All-Region program or a letter from your director.
Refunds
- Prior to registration deadline: $40 fee
- After registration deadline: $50 fee
- After camp begins: No refund
Registration information
Register and pay online through the School of Music's secure marketplace store:
All major credit cards are accepted.
Registration deadline: June 10
Submit your orchestra placement audition video
- Print and learn either the Intermediate or Advanced Excerpts from the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Strings Camp website.
- Record a video using your phone or tablet of you playing both excerpts.
- Upload your video to your personal YouTube account as an unlisted video. This will ensure that once your video is shared, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Strings Camp can view your video but no one else can.
- The title of your video should be your first and last name, and which orchestra excerpts you are playing. Example:
Caroline Pagano – Advanced Excerpts - Make a copy of the shareable link and submit it using the .
Chamber ensemble placement (advanced players)
Please learn a solo at the level of Suzuki Book 4 or higher that is four to five minutes long.
- Record a video using your phone or tablet of you playing your solo.
- Upload your video to your personal YouTube account as an unlisted video. This will ensure that once your video is shared, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Strings Camp can view your video but no one else can.
- The title of your video should be your first and last name, "Chamber Audition," and the name of the solo you are playing. Example:
Caroline Pagano – Chamber Audition – Bach Sonata in G Minor - Make a copy of the shareable link and submit it using the .
Daily schedule and what to bring
Students will be involved in orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, music electives and optional private lessons. The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ string faculty members and guest artists guide all teaching facets of the camp. Students also will engage in extracurricular activities including movie night, a talent show, and various guest concerts.
Tentative schedule (PDF coming soon)
View the Strings Camp packing list.
