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Opportunities in Boston for Young Musicians

Students who do well in private lessons often move ahead of their peers and need a more challenging atmosphere in order to thrive. There are several excellent opportunities as detailed below. This being said, I feel it is very important to stay in the school music program as well. Even if you are one of the strongest players, you can still learn a lot from playing in the school band and receiving the support of your teachers and peers. Support music in our schools with your presence. Brass players also benefit from frequent playing to keep the lips strong and learn leadership skills from remaining in the band.

 

Special Opportunity
Harvard University Trombone Day

Saturday, October 7, 2006

An enjoyable an educational mix of masterclasses, trombone choir participation, and you get to attend and perform in a Harvard Football game for free. Geared especially for amateur trombonists and high school students. Info

 

New England Conservatory of Music, Preparatory Division
(617) 585-1130

Offers excellent wind ensemble programs including:

1) Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble (MYWE) for grades 10 - 12, and Jr. MYWE for grades 7 - 9. Rehearses late Friday afternoons. Both are excellent groups.

2) Brass Ensembles. Students audition at the start of the school year to be placed in compatable groups. Playing in a brass ensemble is a great morale builder, and students learn chamber music skills such as intonation, ensemble blend, and phrasing. In the small group situation, each player gets lots of feedback from the instructor and other students.

3) Orchestras include the NEC Youth Philharmonic, Symphony, and Repertory Orchestras. Brass players in an orchestra play less, and count a lot of rests, but the parts you do play are fantastic. In the orchestra, brass parts are generally not doubled, so each player has a unique and important part. The orchestras tend to attract the most advanced and experienced players, and it is more competitive to earn a spot. For the top two orchestras, trombonists should know tenor and alto clefs, and trumpeters should read C trumpet, and other transposed parts.

The benefits in taking part are immense and many students thrive here as they are surrounded by talented and enthousiastic peers and instructors. The financial and time commitments are substantial, but I strongly recommend that any of my students who are doing well in lessons call for a brochure. Auditions for large ensembles are held in the Spring, with additional auditions in the fall for any spots left unfilled.

Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra (617) 353-3348

  • Also has an excellent orchestra program, meeting on Sundays

Rivers Music School

  • Has good classes and programs including:
  • Chamber Music Program - scholarship brass ensemble (trumpet, trombone, french horn and tuba) and scholarship woodwind quintet (french horn).
  • Jazz Program - bands and small combos
  • Community Orchestra-standard orchestral brass component
  • Groups forming now and throughout the fall. Contact the Music School at 781-235-6840 for additional information and to set up an evaluation.

Junior and Senior District Festivals and All-State

  • Junior District is for strong Intermediate level players grades 6-9. Auditions are held in December. Those who make it participate in the Festival over a weekend later in the school year.
  • Senior District audtions are held in November for Advanced players grades 9-12. The top players from the district are invited to Audition in January for the All-State Festival.

For dates and audition information:

Summer Music Camps

Summer music camps are the ideal way to deepen your involvement in music. Below is information on a variety of camps I would recommend. They include day programs, two-week camps, and longer camps. Many find that after a summer at music camp, they have improved a whole year's worth, besides having a great time and making great friends!

  • Luzerne Music Center: I have just recently heard of this music camp, and it looks extremely good on paper!
  • University of New Hampshire SYMS: Short session, excellent faculty. Highly recommended for High School and Middle School players just starting to get serious about music. Phone 1-800-313-5327 for more info.
  • Boston University Tanglewood Institute: Very high quality program in the Berkshires including sessions for individual instruments, Wind Ensemble or Orchestra programs are available. The two week Trombone Workshop with Scott Hartman should be superb.
  • Interlochen Arts Camp: In my opinion, the ultimate music camp! You can find alumni in just about every major orchestra and music school.
  • New England Music Camp: A good camp experience with strong musical instruction.
  • Camp Encore/Coda: Good musical instruction. Emphasis seems to be on providing a fabulous "camp" experience.
  • South Shore Conservatory Summer Music Festival: Middle School and High School levels. Good day only program in Hingham. Phone 781-749-7565
  • Hartwick College Summer Music Festival & Institute: Impressive list of world class faculty.
  • Bar Harbor Brass Week: looks like an amazingly good program. It got a glowing review in the Spring 03 International Trombone Journal. This small program will likely be very competitive to gain admission. 2004 Festival is August 15-21st.
  • Kinhaven Music School. I received a tip on this camp from the parent of a high school student who had a wonderful time in this all classical program in Vermont. He did two concerts a week during the six week session including orchestra, brass, and wind ensemble programs. He found the level of the other players and instruction to be challenging and stimulating, and inspiring. There is also a shorter Junior session.
  • Signature Music Camp, In Ithaca New York - on the campus of a strong music school - looks like a very nice, supportive environment, especially for younger players, with a one week Youth Camp for ages 11-13 and a two week Teen Camp for ages 14-16.
  • Eastern U.S. Music Camp has a strong reputation.
  • Brass quintets including Atlantic Brass and Epic Brass offer brass ensemble seminars, which should be very valuable.
  • Music Institute at Rhode Island College. One week camp at an attractive rate. For wind and percussion entering 9th through graduating seniors.
  • BSO Days in the Arts (DARTS). One week camp of arts immersion at Tanglewood in the Berkshires for 5th, 6th, and 7th graders.
  • Skidmore Jazz Institute. Very well regarded two week program for high school and adult students who are serious about improving their jazz skills. Big time faculty!
  • Mason Dixon Jazz Camp. This one week camp in Gettysburg, PA is a great place for students age 14-18 to nurture a growing interest in jazz. Very reasonable tuition and board.
  • More camps are listed on Diane Muffit's webpage for the Wayland schools music program.

Music Scholarships

  • The Harvard Musical Association awards several scholarships, up to $2,000 to Grade 9-12 students who play classical music. Apply in March.