After sending in the audition recording prior to camp, most campers will be placed in either Junior, Intermediate, or Senior Orchestra. Some campers who are brand new to their instrument may be placed in Prelude (see below for more info). In addition to two orchestra rehearsals each day, each orchestra is split into sectionals where staff lead separate rehearsals by part. Conductors draw from a wide variety of composers and genres for their programming. Recent programs have included music by Beethoven, Vivaldi, Gershwin, Copland, and selections from Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and Hamilton!

Prelude, a new addition to SMSC in 2023, is a small ensemble for beginners who are just starting to gain experience playing in an orchestra. Members of Prelude will sharpen their music-reading skills, learn how to follow a conductor, and gain other personalized instruction to help them feel confident in an orchestral setting. SMSC has always accepted children of all ability levels and this is just one more way that we can make our program accessible to everyone. The group is led by Rose Underkofler, a long-time SMSC staff member who brings significant experience teaching children of all ages. SMSC staff will decide which campers are a good fit for Prelude based on their audition recording.

The experience of playing chamber music is vital to any musician’s growth. The traditional chamber music form consists of a small group of musicians, typically one to a part, and no conductor. This makes it necessary for the players to watch and listen closely to each other, honing essential skills that make a well-rounded musician. Chamber groups have daily rehearsals coached by our staff and get the chance to perform at the end of the week.

The SMSC Fiddle Group is a favorite at camp and is an option for any instrument and ability level. Fiddle Group provides a unique opportunity to learn classic fiddle tunes by ear and how to play and perform in a non-classical setting. The group has multiple rehearsals and gives an energizing performance at the end of the week.