Harmony Program Summer Camp
Harmony Program’s 2024 Summer Camp starts in July and will take place at The Juilliard School.
The open application period is now closed. Families interested in applying for summer camp may email programs@harmonyprogram.org to request a link to the application.
About
The 2024 Harmony Program Summer Camp is a free, immersive, three-week, ensemble-based music program for New York City K-12 instrumentalists and singers of all levels. The camp will take place at The Juilliard School from July 29, 2024 to August 16, 2024, with classes led by Harmony Program teaching artists.
Selected students will be placed in one of the following summer ensembles: Senior Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, String Ensemble, Senior Choir, Junior Choir, or “Rhythm Rookies.” Students in the Junior Choir and Rhythm Rookies may participate in a single week-long session; all other students must commit to the full three weeks of participation.
All students must complete an application and submit it according to the deadlines below. Harmony Program students and alumni are guaranteed admission. Others must meet eligibility requirements and will be accepted into available slots according to the results of their audition.
Please contact programs@harmonyprogram.org with any questions.
Eligibility
All Harmony Program students and alumni who submit an application are guaranteed admission to the Summer Camp. Others must submit an application and meet eligibility requirements to be accepted into available slots according to the results of their audition.
While preferences will be noted in the application, the Harmony Program reserves the right to place students into the session most appropriate for their proficiency levels.
Our 2024 Summer Camp’s ensembles serve students with a wide variety of experience levels:
| BEGINNER | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED |
|---|---|---|
Rhythm Rookies (K – grade 4)
Junior Choir (K – grade 5)
String Ensemble (grades 1-5)
|
Junior Orchestra (grades 5-9)
|
Senior Orchestra (grades 8-12)
Senior Choir (grades 6-12)
|
| RHYTHM ROOKIES, JUNIOR CHOIR, STRING ENSEMBLE | JUNIOR ORCHESTRA, SENIOR ORCHESTRA, & SENIOR CHOIR |
|---|---|
|
Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Drop-off: 8:00AM – 9:00AM Pick-Up: 1:00PM – 2:00PM String Ensemble Three-Weeks Required: July 29, 2024 to August 16, 2024
Rhythm Rookies & Junior Choir ONLY: Session I: July 29, 2024 to August 2, 2024
Session II: August 5, 2024 to August 9, 2024
Session III: August 12, 2024 to August 16, 2024
|
Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Drop-off: 8:00AM – 9:00AM Pick-Up: 5:00PM – 6:00PM Three-Weeks Required: July 29, 2024 to August 16, 2024
|
Ensemble Descriptions
Rhythm Rookies | Brandon Ilaw, lead teacher
- This class invites students to explore the world of percussion instruments. Through hands-on activities and creative play, students will discover one of the most diverse musical families in the orchestral world. No previous musical experience is required, just an eagerness to learn and have fun.
- Rhythm Rookies will perform at the end of every week.
Junior Choir | Sam Kaseta, conductor
-
- This ensemble is designed for beginner students and will encourage young singers to develop their vocal potential. From learning the basics of singing in a choir to understanding musical notes and rhythms and developing proper vocal technique, this class is perfect for students with no prior musical experience.
- Junior Choir students will perform at the end of every week.
Senior Choir | Juan Hernandez, conductor
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- Students will elevate their choral experience in this ensemble, designed to deepen their understanding of choral performance. The Senior Choir challenges students to expand their vocal range and refine their harmonization skills.
- In addition to rehearsals, students in the Senior Choir will participate in group classes focused on stage presence, vocal health, and more.
- Senior Choir students will perform at the end of the three-week program (attendance for all three weeks is required).
String Ensemble | Oscar Thorpe, conductor
-
- This ensemble provides a nurturing environment for young string players to develop fundamentals and discover the joy of playing in an ensemble. This class emphasizes collaboration, musicality, and the excitement of making music with friends. Students will participate in both full ensemble and sectional rehearsals.
- String Ensemble students will perform at the end of the three-week program (attendance for all three weeks is required).
Junior Orchestra | Aron Frank, conductor
-
- Designed for young musicians ready to deepen their orchestral experience, the Junior Orchestra targets students who have a minimum of three years of instrumental instruction. In addition to full orchestra rehearsals, students will participate in sectionals with Harmony Program Teaching Artists, as well as guest artists.
- Junior Orchestra students will perform at the end of the three-week program (attendance for all three weeks is required).
Senior Orchestra | Tanatchaya Chanphanitpornkit, conductor
-
- This ensemble is designed for participants with at least four years of experience and an interest in elevating their orchestral skills by exploring challenging repertoire, performing with nuanced expression, and cultivating professional discipline. Aimed at nurturing the next generation of accomplished musicians, this ensemble provides an immersive environment for artistic development within a full orchestra setting.
- Senior Orchestra students will perform at the end of the three-week program (attendance for all three weeks is required).
Audition Requirements
Auditions are required to be submitted by video. Applicants should submit one (1) video only, performing the following requirements via an unlisted YouTube link (or similar platform). Those applying for multiple ensembles must perform the audition requirements for the most advanced ensemble option. Please note that students are not guaranteed placement in their preferred ensemble, and final placement will be determined by the Harmony Program administration.
Strings, Winds, and Brass
- String Ensemble (Strings Only 1st – 5th Grade; 2+ years of experience):
- Required Scales:
- G Major OR D Major one-octave scale
- Two-minute piece/excerpt of your choice that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
- Required Scales:
- Junior Orchestra (5th – 9th Grade; 3+ years of experience):
- Required Scales:
- Strings: G Major OR D Major two-octave scale
- Winds/Brass: Concert Bb Major or F Major one-octave scale
- Two-minute piece/excerpt of your choice that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
- Required Scales:
- Senior Orchestra (8th – 12th Grade; 4+ years of experience):
- Required Scales:
- Strings: G Major OR D Major two-octave scale, optional three-octave
- Winds/Brass: A two-octave scale of your choice
- TWO contrasting pieces/excerpt of your choice, each not to exceed two minutes in length, that demonstrate confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
- Required Scales:
Choir
Please submit one (1) video performing the following via unlisted YouTube link (or similar platform):
- Senior Choir (6th – 12th Grade; 1+ year of experience):
- TWO contrasting songs/excerpts of your choice, each not to exceed two minutes in length, that demonstrate confident ability to sing (no accompaniment is needed)
Percussion
Those applying for multiple ensembles must perform the audition requirements for the most advanced ensemble option. Please submit one (1) video performing the following via unlisted YouTube link (or similar platform):
- Junior Orchestra (5th – 9th Grade; 3+ years of experience):
- Perform an improvisation or brief solo of choice, not to exceed two minutes in length, that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
- Perform the attached rhythm reading exercises (see application for links to the exercises).
- Senior Orchestra (8th – 12th Grade; 4+ years of experience):
- Perform an improvisation or brief solo of choice, not to exceed two minutes in length, that demonstrates confident ability on your instrument (no accompaniment is needed)
- Prepare the attached excerpt from Bela Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra movement II opening drum solo (from beginning to m. 9 – link to excerpts can be found on the application itself). While it is preferred that applicants perform this on snare drum as marked, the excerpt may be performed on a drum pad or other percussion instrument.
