Strings Camp

June 22 to 28, 2025

Open to middle- and high-school students, the SFA Strings Camp is a week-long intensive study of string orchestra literature. You'll engage in musical studies with SFA School of Music's string faculty members, guest orchestra conductor instructors.

Recommended experience is at least on year of involvement in a school orchestra program or completion of Suzuki book one in private lessons.

Key 2025 dates:

May 30: Chamber ensemble submission deadline
June 11: Registration deadline
June 13: Orchestra placement submission deadline

Orchestra placement

The SFA Strings camp offers three 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.
Lyrica Orchestra
- Placement based on intermediate audition excerpts.
- Intended for middle school level players in the early years of 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 30.

Pricing information

Regular camper rate

Commuter: $325
Resident camper: $575
- Includes meals and lodging

2025 All-Region members

Resident camper: $500
- Includes meals and lodging

2025 All-State members

Resident camper: $375
- Includes meals and lodging

Incoming SFA first-year music majors

Resident camper: $430
- Includes meals and lodging

Incoming SFA first-year nonmusic majors may attend at the regular camper rate.

Refunds

Prior to registration deadline: $40 fee
After registration deadline: $50 fee
After camp begins: No refund

Registration information

Register online

All major credit cards are accepted.

Registration deadline: June 11

Submit your orchestra placement audition video

How to submit your placement audition video for SFA Strings Camp:

Print and learn either the intermediate or advanced audition excerpts.
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, SFA 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 sharable link and submit it to the SFA Strings Camp Placement Auditions form.

Video audition submissions for orchestra placement are due June 11.

Advanced players

If you're also interested in auditioning for a chamber ensemble, view instructions on how to submit your chamber ensemble audition video.

Chamber ensemble placement (advanced players)

Students who play the literature equivalent to Suzuki book four or above are considered advanced players.

This year, there will be a more exclusive chamber experience with only six-eight chamber ensembles selected.

How to audition

After you register, submit a video that showcases a four-five minute excerpt from a solo of which you're currently learning.

Important: This video audition is not the same as auditioning for orchestra placement.

How to submit your chamber ensemble audition video:

Please learn a solo at the level of Suzuki book 4 or higher that is around 4-5 minutes long.
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, SFA 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 that you are playing.
Example: Caroline Pagano - Chamber Audition - Bach Sonata in G Minor
Make a copy of the sharable link and submit it to the SFA Strings Camp Placement Auditions form.

Once we receive your submission, you'll be considered for a chamber ensemble.

Video audition submissions for chamber ensembles are due May 20.

Audition excerpts

Intermediate audition excerpts

Advanced audition excerpts:

Daily schedule and what to bring

Students will be involved in orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, music electives and optional private lessons. The SFA 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.