July 28 to August 2, 2013

 

Workshop for adult amateur string players in its seventh season
Sponsored by ASTA New Jersey

On the campus of Monmouth University,
West Long Branch, New Jersey

 

Application   Faculty   Directions   More Details   Contact

Join the Simon String Quartet, harpsichordist Rebecca Pechefsky, cellist Joseph Kimura and violist Kimberly Foster-Wallace for a week of joyous music making.

Summer String-In offers an opportunity to expand your playing through expert coaching as you explore great chamber works by the masters. For our ninth season, we return to the beautiful campus of Monmouth University, only one mile from the northern New Jersey shore. We will again have use of elegant Wilson Auditorium, within the grand 130-room mansion that is a National Historic Landmark and a world-famous architectural treasure. Click here to view images of this and other parts of Monmouth University.

ENSEMBLES: Each participant is assigned to two chamber ensembles for the week, ranging in size from trio to octet. The first meets every morning, and the second meets in the afternoons. Coaches are present to offer guidance for at least half of each session. Participants are notified of assignments about three weeks in advance. We make every effort to match players into compatible groups and we choose repertoire carefully according to skill levels. While most repertoire is chosen from the standard chamber music literature, the works chosen may be from the Baroque period through the 20th century. Pre-formed groups are welcome. We honor repertoire requests whenever possible. 

DEMONSTRATIONS: The Simon Quartet will lead three chamber music demos on a variety of repertoire, followed by open question and answer sessions covering topics related to ensemble playing, including rehearsal techniques, stylistic interpretation, and developing ensemble unity. 

LARGE ENSEMBLE READINGS: These will take place on two evenings, and can include works for string orchestra, works from the concerto grosso repertoire, and works for string quartet read with more than one person to a part. Some  participants may be given the opportunity to read through a concerto movement of their choice.

FACULTY CONCERTS: There will be three faculty concerts during the week. One will feature the Simon String Quartet. Cellist Joseph Kimura and violist Kimberly Foster-Wallace join them for another. The third will be a concert of Baroque masterworks in collaboration with harpsichordist Rebecca Pechefsky.

PARTICIPANTS’ CONCERT: You will have the opportunity to share your week’s accomplishments with your friends and family on Saturday afternoon!

NOTE TO CELLISTS: Our program has tended to attract many cellists. In order to avoid having to turn people away, we offer an option for some cellists to work primarily with the cello faculty in chamber works for multiple cellos.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Most housing is in single rooms within air-conditioned four- or six-bedroom suites, each with a bathroom and living area. Meals will be provided by Monmouth University's Aramark Food Services.

REGISTRATION: The 2013 Summer String-In  starts on Sunday afternoon, July 28 and ends on Friday afternoon, August 2. The application deadline is June 20. Click here for an application form.

CONTACT: 
David Bakamjian, Director      
Phone: 646-692-9446        
Email: David@playweek.net