Preparatory Chamber Orchestra Program

Dates: June 20 – July 4 2027 at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA

Program Cost: $2,450 for 2-week residential program

The Preparatory Chamber Orchestra Program (PCOP) for string players is a new two week program being offered to pre-college intermediate students aged 12-18. This program is designed for talented but less experienced string players, and will focus on teaching orchestral skills while preparing for a chamber orchestra concert at the end of the two weeks. Students are encouraged to attend both weeks, but will be accepted for a one week session. There will be opportunities for students to compete to play a concerto with the string orchestra, as well as attending and possibly performing in masterclasses with guest artists. Prayer before rehearsals, classes, and the concert, musical mentorship by the MasterWorks Christian faculty, and festival wide spiritual activities help students to integrate their love of music with their commitment to Jesus Christ.

Performance Opportunities:

• Daily rehearsals and sectionals with MasterWorks faculty, culminating in a final concert
• Daily classes on technical and musical development, including sightreading, bow techniques, rhythmic drills, scale “bee” with prizes, basic theory
• Private lessons with MasterWorks faculty each week
• Required independent practice time, with faculty supervision, minimum 90 minutes per day
• Repertoire for the chamber orchestra will be determined by the level of the students, and access to parts will be provided before the beginning of the program
• Concerto competition, the winner of which will perform with the orchestra on the concert; a list of accepted concertos can be found on the Competitions page

Audition Requirements:

All applicants must submit:

• Completed online application and fee
• Current list of musical experiences including repertoire studied/performed, ensemble experience, and current teacher
• Current high quality YouTube video including:
  1. Solo piece that best represents current playing ability
  2. A scale and corresponding arpeggio – violins, 3 octaves; viola, cello, bass, 2 octaves