Residential Camp For Chamber Music
Mount St. Mary's University - Emmitsburg, MD
July 20 - Aug 2, 2025
Click here for directions and the campus map
July 20 - Aug 2, 2025
Click here for directions and the campus map
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Instruction
Blue Mountain Residential Camp offers world-class instruction in Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano & Flute. Other instruments may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Preparation & Performance Our schedule is rigorously focused toward preparing musicians to give excellent performances with their chamber groups at the festival’s close. We take time to develop individualized schedules, thus providing maximum challenge, support and opportunity for each student. Individualized Attention Each student receives a minimum of 5 hours of small group or personalized faculty instruction each day, theory, orchestra and optional jazz ensemble or choir. Students also receive one private lesson per week included with tuition. College Preparation Support Students can choose from the following optional classes in preparation for college applications
Location & Housing Mount St. Mary University in Emmitsburg, MD Students reside in college dormitories. Audition Requirements Two contrasting works that represent the applicant’s highest level of technical and musical ability in voice, violin, viola, cello, piano or flute. Application Procedure All applications are due by April 1, 2025. Late applications will be reviewed at the discretion of the executive director. |
Supplemental Courses:
In addition to chamber music, we offer a wide selection of supplemental courses. Ear training:
Written Theory:
Classical Vocal Ensembles:
Music Theater Ensembles (Voice Majors or Others by Audition):
History of String Quartets:
History of Opera:
Mindfulness: A Journey to the Present:
Audition prep (Open to Juniors, Seniors, and students with significant upcoming auditions):
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Daily Schedule
Focused on Learning
The Blue Mountain Festival schedule is rigorously focused toward preparing the serious young musician to give an excellent performance with his or her chamber group at the close of the festival.
Blue Mountain Festival takes the time to develop individualized schedules to provide the maximum challenge, support and opportunity for each participant.
Multiple faculty concerts and open faculty rehearsals also provide instruction and inspiration for our students. The amount of repertoire will vary according to the ability and experience of each player.
Students will be placed at appropriate levels for all theory lessons and masterclasses.
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule for the Festival will include chamber coaching for each ensemble, a supervised personal practice period, an ensemble rehearsal period, a technique class or Masterclass and a theory or analysis class. At the close of each day there will be time for organized recreation, allowing Festival participants to enjoy time relaxing and playing sports together.
The Blue Mountain Festival schedule is rigorously focused toward preparing the serious young musician to give an excellent performance with his or her chamber group at the close of the festival.
Blue Mountain Festival takes the time to develop individualized schedules to provide the maximum challenge, support and opportunity for each participant.
Multiple faculty concerts and open faculty rehearsals also provide instruction and inspiration for our students. The amount of repertoire will vary according to the ability and experience of each player.
Students will be placed at appropriate levels for all theory lessons and masterclasses.
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule for the Festival will include chamber coaching for each ensemble, a supervised personal practice period, an ensemble rehearsal period, a technique class or Masterclass and a theory or analysis class. At the close of each day there will be time for organized recreation, allowing Festival participants to enjoy time relaxing and playing sports together.
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Sample Instrumental Schedule
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Sample Vocal Schedule
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Performances
2025 Recitals and Concerts - Update coming soon..
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the underlying philosophy of the Festival?
The Blue Mountain Festival is based on the principle that learning, personal growth and musical performance thrive best in a non-competitive atmosphere of challenge and support. The faculty values each student not only as an aspiring musician, but also as a human being. We firmly believe that working together in musical ensembles teaches important values such as respect, communication, patience, good judgment, teamwork, organizational skills, and goal setting. It is our desire to create an environment where a rigorous structure will help students gain the technical skills they need and where great music and positive feedback will provide them with the inspiration to enjoy both practice and performance.
What is the origin of the Blue Mountain Festival?
The Festival was founded in 2003 when it inaugurated its first season.
Do you accept beginning students at the camp?
At this point we do not.
How are the students supervised during recreation?
During recreation time students are supervised by the Directors, Camp Manager, Camp Nurse and the counselor staff. The ratio of campers to staff is 4:1.
What have parents said about the camp?
“My daughter attended camp and loved every minute of it! The balance between theory and performance practices leading up to her solo and chamber recitals during the last week of camp was perfect for her. The entire experience carried over very smoothly to her school year music program at Westminster Conservatory in Princeton where she now regularly plays with a chamber ensemble. Beyond that, she has made lasting friendships with her campmates, whom she looks forward to seeing and playing with again.” -- Robin Fried
What performances can I expect my child to participate in during the camp?
All students participate in the final chamber concert. Other performance and Masterclass participants are determined by the faculty. It is not to be assumed that only the most advanced students are chosen for additional performances, rather the decisions are made based on which students have repertoire prepared for an outstanding performance at each individual level.
How can I make a Tax deductible donation to the Festival?
Donations can be made anytime online or by sending a tax-deductible donation to:
Stretto Youth Chamber Orchestra
611 Lake Drive Princeton, NJ 08540
A donation receipt will be provided for all donations.
How will my donation be used?
Donations can provide a scholarship for a musically qualified student or help pay the music teaching staff during the Festival.
The Blue Mountain Festival is based on the principle that learning, personal growth and musical performance thrive best in a non-competitive atmosphere of challenge and support. The faculty values each student not only as an aspiring musician, but also as a human being. We firmly believe that working together in musical ensembles teaches important values such as respect, communication, patience, good judgment, teamwork, organizational skills, and goal setting. It is our desire to create an environment where a rigorous structure will help students gain the technical skills they need and where great music and positive feedback will provide them with the inspiration to enjoy both practice and performance.
What is the origin of the Blue Mountain Festival?
The Festival was founded in 2003 when it inaugurated its first season.
Do you accept beginning students at the camp?
At this point we do not.
How are the students supervised during recreation?
During recreation time students are supervised by the Directors, Camp Manager, Camp Nurse and the counselor staff. The ratio of campers to staff is 4:1.
What have parents said about the camp?
“My daughter attended camp and loved every minute of it! The balance between theory and performance practices leading up to her solo and chamber recitals during the last week of camp was perfect for her. The entire experience carried over very smoothly to her school year music program at Westminster Conservatory in Princeton where she now regularly plays with a chamber ensemble. Beyond that, she has made lasting friendships with her campmates, whom she looks forward to seeing and playing with again.” -- Robin Fried
What performances can I expect my child to participate in during the camp?
All students participate in the final chamber concert. Other performance and Masterclass participants are determined by the faculty. It is not to be assumed that only the most advanced students are chosen for additional performances, rather the decisions are made based on which students have repertoire prepared for an outstanding performance at each individual level.
How can I make a Tax deductible donation to the Festival?
Donations can be made anytime online or by sending a tax-deductible donation to:
Stretto Youth Chamber Orchestra
611 Lake Drive Princeton, NJ 08540
A donation receipt will be provided for all donations.
How will my donation be used?
Donations can provide a scholarship for a musically qualified student or help pay the music teaching staff during the Festival.
