Minnesota Youth Symphonies

2008 Summer Program

The MYS Summer Program is designed to broaden musical perspective, develop musical skills and feed the imagination in a fun setting! Classes are open to students in grades 1-12. You do not need to be a member of the school year program to participate. Registration deadline: Friday, June 16, 2008

Chamber Strings | Composition | Musical Decathlon | Conducting | General Info | Registration

Chamber Strings

Patricia Kelly, Conductor
July 14-25, 2008 • 9:30am-noon • $190
No Audition Required
This course provides a beginning ensemble experience for the advanced-beginner string player who has little or no experience playing in a group. Class is open to violin, viola, cello and bass students in elementary and middle school.
Students should be at a level comparable to Suzuki (violin) Book 3 and should be able to play and read notes on all four strings with at least the first two finger patterns. Students should understand basic concepts such as dynamics, bowings (including slurred and hooked bows) and key signatures D, G and C major. Students should be able to count and read rhythms. There will be sight-reading to help build strong reading skills. Students will develop ensemble skills including listening and counting together, watching the conductor, and working on dynamics, phrasing and interpretation of different pieces. Class includes a field trip to Orchestra Hall to hear the Minnesota Orchestra in rehearsal. An informal presentation of the students’ work will be held the last day of class.

Composition

Terry Burk, Instructor
July 11-25, 2008 • 9:00am-noon • $220
Note: Class begins Friday, July 11
This is a course where beginning and experienced students alike can develop their compositional skills. One-on-one and small-group lessons will be offered along with independent study.
This class is open to students in grades 2 through 12.
Students also need to be able to perform music on at least one instrument or by singing. Students are encouraged to develop their own unique composition style, though instruction in traditional “Beethoven-style” harmonization can be offered to students who want it. Students will use electronic keyboards and computer notation software. Class includes a field trip to Orchestra Hall to hear the Minnesota Orchestra in rehearsal. An informal presentation of the students’ work will be held the last day of class.

Musical Decathalon

Terry Burk, Instructor
July 14-25, 2008 • 12:30-3:30pm • $190
Join MYS for ten afternoons of musical activities designed for fun and to encourage new musical perspectives:

Conducting with Manny Laureano

Monday, July 28, 2008 • 9:00am-4:00pm • $105
This workshop is open to students and adults.
Explore basic conducting techniques, score reading and repertoire with Maestro Laureano. Participants will play in the ensemble for the conducting portion of the class and have the opportunity to conduct the ensemble. A list of repertoire for the conducting session will be provided prior to the workshop. Please bring your instrument and a music stand. If you do not play an orchestral instrument, keyboards will be provided so you may still participate in the ensemble. Participants will receive a conducting baton. A box lunch will also be provided. Location to be determined.

General Program Information

Classes are held at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1807 Field Ave. S., St. Paul (Highland Park), unless otherwise noted.
Morning class students attending the afternoon class should bring a bag lunch. The thirty minute lunch period between classes will be supervised. Students staying for afternoon classes will not be permitted to leave the church grounds without written parental permission.
IMPORTANT: Your summer program registration is not confirmed until you have submitted payment. There is a 10% discount for families with multiple children enrolled in the program. To discuss payment options and scholarship opportunities, contact MYS at 651-699-5811.
MYS reserves the right to cancel a class if there is insufficient enrollment. Fees will be refunded if class is canceled.

The deadline for registration is June 16, 2008. Class sizes are limited, so register early.

Click here to register online!

Click here to download the registration form