Senior High Ensembles

For students grades 9 - 12

Senior High Bands

Designed for senior high students who play wind and percussion instruments, the primary focus of this program is developing the finest wind ensemble experience and individual artistry. Classes include full ensemble and sectional rehearsals, masterclasses, and elective courses. A small number of brass, woodwind and percussion players will be selected to perform exclusively in the Senior Orchestra.

Directors:
Dr. Roby George, University of Illinois
Dr. Abel Ramirez, University of Illinois

Senior High Chorus

Designed for senior high vocalists, the primary focus of this program is developing the finest wind ensemble experience and individual artistry. Classes include full ensemble and sectional rehearsals, group voice lessons, conducting, and musicianship. Sopranos: apply as early as possible as enrollment is limited.

Director:
Dr. Joe Grant, University of Illinois

Senior High Orchestra

Designed for senior high students who play string, wind, and percussion instruments, the primary focus of this program is developing the finest orchestral ensemble experience and individual artistry. Classes include full ensemble and sectional rehearsals, masterclasses, elective courses, and study of new and standard orchestral literature in repertoire classes.

Director:
Dr. Louis Bergonzi, University of Illinois

Senior High Jazz – session 3 only

Designed for senior high instrumentalists, this program focuses on developing individual performance skills in a combo-based setting. Classes include combo rehearsals, masterclasses, improvisation, jazz listening, harmony, and history seminars. Students who have written original compositions are encouraged to bring them to this program. The final concert will feature all combos.

Qualifications: Prior experience performing in a jazz combo is not required, however, only students with 3 or more years of playing experience will be accepted.
Saxophonists: Space is limited, so apply early!

Program Coordinator:
Chip McNeill, University of Illinois

Pre-College Programs

Cello

Designed for senior high students, this program focuses on strengthening musicianship and fundamental techniques through group classes and private lessons. Classes include technique and repertoire sessions, masterclasses, individual practice, and daily seminars including topics such as orchestral excerpts and college audition preparation. Students are exposed to a wide range of repertoire and gain perspective on all facets of cello practice and performance.

Guest Artists:
Amy Flores
Others TBA

Double Reed

Designed for senior high students, this program focuses on strengthening musicianship and fundamental techniques. Classes include technique and repertoire sessions, masterclasses, individual practice, large and small ensemble rehearsals, and daily seminars including topics such as orchestral excerpts and college audition preparation. Students are exposed to a wide range of repertoire and gain perspective on all facets of double reed practice and performance.

Program Coordinators:
John Dee, University of Illinois
Timothy McGovern, University of Illinois

Flute

Designed for senior high flutists, this program focuses on strengthening musicianship and fundamental technique. The schedule includes technique and masterclasses, individual supervised practice, large and small ensembles, and daily seminars. Students are exposed to a wide range of repertoire, orchestral excerpts, and receive advice on preparing for college auditions in addition to gaining perspective on all facets of flute practice and performance.

Qualifications: Students must have a minimum of 4 years of flute experience, and be enrolled in private lessons. Applicants should be at least entering grade 9 and will be accepted through graduating seniors.

Program Coordinator:
Jonathan Keeble, University of Illinois

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre is comprised of workshops designed to prepare interested singers and actors for the musical stage. Workshops in movement, physical conditioning, vocal technique and literature, text study, coaching, stage craft, make-up, and diction.

Qualifications: Submit a video (DVD preferred) performance of two songs that highlights your performing abilities. Please limit the recording to 10 minutes. If you would like to audition live, please call 217-244-3404 or email ISYM@music.uiuc.edu to set up a time and date. Recommendations by choral/musical directors are welcome. This program is limited to 35 participants.

Program Coordinator:
Dawn Harris, University of Illinois

Organ

Designed for senior high students with or without organ performance experience. Classes include private lessons, development of individual artistry, and elective classes. Recitals, topic classes, and masterclasses complete the curriculum. Practice time is available in state-of-the-art facilities.

Program Coordinator:
Dana Robinson, University of Illinois

Percussion

Designed for senior high percussionists, this program focuses on strengthening musicianship and technique fundamentals. The schedule includes technique classes, masterclasses, large and small ensembles, and daily seminars. Students will be exposed to a wide range of repertoire and gain perspective on all facets of percussion practice and performance. Participants will also learn orchestral excerpts and receive advice on preparing for college auditions.

Qualifications: Students must be enrolled in private lessons and have experience on timpani and mallet percussion. Applicants should be at least entering grade 10 and will be accepted through graduating seniors.

Program Coordinators:
Ricardo Flores, University of Illinois
William Moersch, University of Illinois

Piano

Advanced Piano: Designed for senior high pianists at advanced levels of performance. Classes include private lessons, development of individual artistry, and elective classes including: ensemble music, accompanying and beginning jazz improvisation. Recitals, topic classes, and masterclasses complete the curriculum. Practice time is available on grand pianos in state-of-the-art facilities. (June 14 – 20)

Intermediate Piano: Designed for senior high pianists at intermediate levels of performance. Classes include private lessons, development of individual artistry, and elective classes including: ensemble music, accompanying and beginning jazz improvisation. Recitals, topic classes, and masterclasses complete the curriculum. Practice time is available on grand pianos in state-of-the-art facilities. (June 21-27)

Audition requirements: On the first day, play two contrasting, memorized pieces and sight-read early to intermediate level material. This helps determine placement in lessons and musicianship classes.

Program Coordinators:
Reid Alexander, University of Illinois
Christos Tsitsaros, University of Illinois

Saxophone

Designed for senior high saxophonists, this program provides a challenging environment in classical performance techniques. Students will participate in an array of performance and learning experiences including private lessons, masterclasses, seminars, saxophone quartet, and saxophone choir. Students will have the opportunity to play multiple saxophones (soprano, tenor and baritone) and will be coached in the performance of selected standard repertoire with piano accompaniment. The final concert will include performances by saxophone soloists with piano, saxophone quartets, and a saxophone choir.

Qualifications: Students must be enrolled in private lessons. Applicants should be at least entering grade 10 and will be accepted through graduating seniors. Previous experience playing soprano, tenor or baritone saxophone in addition to alto is a plus.

Program Coordinators:
Debra Richtmeyer, University of Illinois
Michael Holmes, Selmer and Vandoren Artist

Trombone

Designed for senior high trombonists, this program focuses on increasing both technical skill and musical expression. Classes include daily masterclass, technique class, individual practice, solo literature coaching, and trombone choir rehearsal. Students are exposed to a wide range of repertoire and gain perspective on all facets of trombone practice and performance.

Program Coordinator:
Elliot Chasanov, University of Illinois

Violin

Designed for senior high students, this program focuses on strengthening musicianship and fundamental techniques through private lessons and group classes. Classes include technique and repertoire sessions, masterclasses, individual practice, and daily seminars including topics such as orchestral excerpts and college audition preparation. Students are exposed to a wide range of repertoire and gain perspective on all facets of violin practice and performance.

Program Coordinator:
Stefan Milenkovich, University of Illinois