Camp Overview

Camp will be held at First Methodist Church, 777 N. Walnut Creek Dr., Mansfield, TX 76063. 

Summer Strings is open to students who have had at least 6 months of instruction on a string instrument, up to those that will be high school seniors in the Fall 2026 

All students will be placed in our String Ensemble, Concert, Philharmonic or Symphony Orchestras. 

 Symphony (Grades 9-12)
- This group is our most advanced and experienced ensemble. Here, Symphony musicians can expect to learn higher-caliber, professional repertoire throughout the week. Every year this orchestra also performs with a guest soloist and/or a multi-movement work. Students in this ensemble are eligible to audition for the Chamber Orchestra elective.  

 Philharmonic (Grades 8-10)
- This group is our second most advanced ensemble. Musicians in the Philharmonic learn advanced string technique (ie. shifting, vibrato, double stops, spiccato, etc.), while also rehearsing more challenging and complex repertoire. Students in this ensemble are eligible to audition for the Chamber Orchestra elective.  

 Concert (Grades 6-8)
- This group is our intermediate ensemble. Musicians in Concert Orchestra develop their instrumental skills learned in beginner strings and progress them to the next level with fun and engaging repertoire. Sectional rehearsals begin at this level of orchestra.  

 String Ensemble (Grades 5-7) 
- This group is our preparatory ensemble for musicians with 6+ months to 1 year of experience on their instrument. Students in String Ensemble learn beginner string techniques while rehearsing and performing repertoire in an orchestral setting. No sectional rehearsals are scheduled for this orchestra.   

 Chamber Orchestra (Elective) 
- This is an extended elective course for musicians looking to challenge themselves further by learning chamber ensemble skills without a conductor's leadership. Repertoire learned in this course will be performed at the camp concert. A separate audition is required for placement consideration into the Chamber Orchestra.    

All students will choose from the electives below for their afternoon session. 

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The following is a brief description of each elective:

• Theory- The study of key signatures, Circle of Fifths, time signatures, rhythms, intervals, and chords.
• Advanced Techniques- The study of advanced techniques including shifting, vibrato and bowing techniques.
• Conducting- The study of basic conducting techniques and styles.
• Ear-training- The practice of learning to accurately recognize, remember, and notate musical sounds.
• Composing- The study of creating original musical compositions.