Category: Music

In a typical week during the academic year, a young music student may receive 1 hour of private instruction and between 1-6 hours of ensemble rehearsal/ group class. That’s a total of 2-6 instructional hours per week – plus they’re juggling this along with their academic courses and other extracurriculars! Our one-week Summer Violin/ Viola Bootcamp offers students the chance to focus solely on their music, with 5 times the normal number of instructional hours (over 30 hours), which breaks down to a cost of around $20.50 per hour!

At Violin/ Viola Bootcamp for ages 8-18, August 6-10 (Vioin and Viola) and/or August 13-17 (Violin only), students receive 5 hours of class on fundamentals, 5 hours of scale class, 5 hours of supervised individual practice, 4 30-minute private lessons, and 3 classes on technical topics such as tone production, shifting, vibrato, and various bow strokes. Students will also have a workshop on instrument care from experts at Day Violins and have opportunities to observe visiting college professors teach in a masterclass setting.

Given the math, it’s no wonder that students make leaps and bounds of progress in just one week! Here’s what a few past participants had to say about their experience:

“I really liked masterclass because it was really cool to watch others get helped at all levels. I felt like I learned so much more in this week than I’d usually learn in a couple of months.”

“Bootcamp is magical!! I love the part where we have competitions and masterclasses because it’s super fun.”

“I loved and really enjoyed it! Scales and technique really helped!”

Our low faculty to student ratio (1:5) ensures that every student gets individual attention and a personalized learning experience. We meet each student where they are, and we focus on deepening fundamental technique, learning healthy ways to approach the physicality of being a musician, and encouraging growth according to the student’s personal goals. The immersive environment helps students get in their music zone and stay there all week. Being a part of a community of fellow musicians is both supportive and inspirational, and friendships formed in Bootcamp last long past the final presentation.

If you are a young violin or viola student who has played for a minimum of 2 years, are at a Suzuki Book 2 (or equivalent) or higher playing level, and are capable of independent practice, then Violin/ Viola Bootcamp is exactly where you need to be this summer!

GET DETAILS & REGISTER TODAY!

Ovations Summer Strings Academy for high school and middle school students is focused primarily on small ensemble (chamber) playing, a unique aspect that sets it apart from many other local music camps. In this “chamber ensemble” setting, young musicians learn problem-solving skills, group interplay, and interpersonal communication skills. Full string orchestra rehearsals round out the experience, and in one week’s time, June 24-29, participants present two full performances!

Ovations Co-Director Glenn Dewey, Professor of Double Bass at Mason’s School of Music,  is very proud of the faculty that he and Co- Director Alex Morrison have assembled. “Our chamber coaches, directors and staff are all passionate and highly skilled educators and performers,” Mr. Dewey stated. “Additionally, they are also wonderful human beings who truly love working with these young artists. The students very quickly get the idea that our teachers’ primary mission is to help them play beautifully. The participants also see how well our faculty as a whole get along as friends and colleagues. This creates and cultivates a fantastic learning environment and instills a passion for playing music, plus it allows the musicians an opportunity to develop new friendships and relationships that may not otherwise be cultivated in large orchestral settings.”

The Ovations team includes two Guest Conductors, which guide rehearsals for two large string orchestra groups. This year’s conductors are Scott Wood (Amadeus Orchestra, Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, Washington Conservatory Orchestra, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Arlington Philharmonic) and J.D. Anderson (American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras).

In addition to the locally and nationally recognized faculty and staff working with the students each day, representatives from Day Violins will provide advice on instrument maintenance, a master class on construction of instruments, and opportunities for repairs and purchase of quality stringed instruments.

“My favorite part of Ovations is observing how these young artists develop a piece of music from site-reading to performance-ready in a matter of days,” exclaimed Mr. Dewey. “It is thrilling to watch a group of shy, young musicians walk out on stage by themselves with a new appreciation of stage presence and performance etiquette while sitting down and performing at a level of which they never knew they were capable! They will learn repertoire that they will be able to play for years to come in small ensemble settings for weddings, chamber concerts and other small ensemble performances.”

This year’s special guest artist is the Cristian Perez Chamber Ensemble (CPCE). This quartet consists of an unusual instrumentation: guitar, cello, violin, and flute, plus auxiliary percussion instruments (such as dun dun drum, windchimes, hooves, shakers, rainstick, etc.) played by the four members of the ensemble. This project not only combines musicians of different backgrounds (classical, Bulgarian folk, Jazz, Tango, Bluegrass, Latin-american, etc.), but it also attempts to send a message of unity and inclusiveness.

“My fondest memories are watching the students laugh and have fun as we do team building exercises,” recalled Mr. Dewey. “It is also exciting to watch the joy they derive from mastering a piece of music. Standing backstage as the performers walk off stage and seeing them ‘high five’ and hug each other with pride at a week of hard work being realized is priceless!”

The program takes place in Mason’s School of Music, with the two concerts performed in Mason’s Harris Theatre. Join in this summer for an unforgettable strings camp experience!

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!