Klarinet Archive - Posting 000014.txt from 2003/02

From: "Don Yungkurth" <clarinet@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Re: Adult Amateur Music Festivals
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2003 15:53:56 -0500

"Brian Peterson" <brianp@-----.com> wrote as below and Neil Leupold suggested
that I could provide information about Bennington:

>On a lark, I have been doing some investigating as to summer
festivals/camps
>for adult amateurs, but am not finding much.

>Any suggestions as to programs that might be worthwhile in North America as
>well as elsewhere

The Chamber Music Conference of the East is held at Bennington College, Vt.,
for three weeks each summer and at Vasser (this year) for one week from late
July and into August. This conference requires auditions and is considered
by some to be at a higher average musical level than many other summer
sessions. I haven't been to any others and can't comment on this point from
personal experience. There are many participants paying to attend who have
professional training but earn a living in another field. The faculty are
of high qualifications and include members of organizations such as the
Montreal Symphony, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Orpheus.

The format for participants is to be assigned four works to prepare before
arrival at Bennington. On arrival you work with the rest of your group and
a faculty coach on each piece for three 1-1/2 or 2 hour sessions. Your
group may opt to request to perform a portion of the work at a participants'
concert held twice each week. The faculty gives two performances each week
as well.

One drawback at Bennington is that they allow for a fixed number of each
instrument (strings, woodwinds, horn and piano) and there are usually more
clarinetists (and pianists) applying than can be accommodated. Prior
participants get preference. People can attend beyond the fixed numbers of
participants as auditors. While this doesn't sound like much of a deal,
there is a great deal of music being played outside of the coached sessions,
and some choose to come as auditors just for the opportunity to play with
others. I attended for three years as an auditor before becoming a half or
full participant and felt it was well worth doing.

Applications for Bennington must be received by the end of March for the
2003 season. Cost is about $950/week including room and board.

I'd be happy to answer additional questions privately or talk with you by
phone if you prefer.

Don Yungkurth

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