In the beautiful, secluded and relaxed lakeside setting of historic Camp Kieve’s Wavus campus, the DaPonte String Quartet will hold a weekend long workshop for aspiring high school string players. The weekend is dedicated to the study of chamber music, it’s preparation and performance, accessed through the great works of the string quartet literature. The final event of the workshop is a concert featuring the student ensembles.

The workshop is offered at no cost to the student. All lodging, food and tuition costs are covered. Workshop: Sept. 17-19.  Application deadline June 18.  Notification of students selected by Aug.  1.

Sixteen students, selected by audition, are organized into four string quartets. They are coached in a round-robin style by the individual members of the DaPonte String Quartet (violinists Lydia Forbes, Ferdinand Liva, violist Kirsten Monke and cellist Myles Jordan). The coaching sessions focus on the elements of ensemble playing: listening, communication, cues, rhythm, intonation, blending, theory, and music history. Historical background, the knowledge that is handed down through a lineage of teaching, and the layers of meaning in the music are explored and elaborated upon.  We provide high quality musical education that enables students to develop new skills and refine existing ones, increase self-esteem, build positive relationships through teamwork, and forge alliances that potentially involve life-long bonds. This is an experience that will stay with our students for a lifetime.

For audition requirements and more information, please contact Kirsten Monke at kirsten@daponte.org. For more information on DSQ: www.daponte.org