Middle School

A comprehensive musical experience for beginning- to intermediate-level violin, viola, and cello players! Participants in this two-week program play in chamber ensembles or beginning group classes, receive weekly private lessons, and enjoy a variety of activities including an all-camp string ensemble and all-camp chorus, outdoor play, arts & crafts, and music games. Special Wednesday schedules include afternoon recreational field trips each week. Students are placed into either a chamber ensemble or group class based on a required entrance interview.

In this class, students listen to and analyze a great variety of music- contemporary works as well as masterpieces of established music literature. In addition to this guided listening, students engage in sight singing, ear training, and written exercises, building the fluency that is required of a proficient musician.

Playing chamber music is one of the highest forms of music making, requiring each participant to concentrate and perform independently, while maintaining an awareness of and sensitivity to the other players in the ensemble. CCMC offers chamber music coaching for strings and mixed ensembles of students at intermediate and advanced levels.

Crowden Chamber Strings participants develop and strengthen ensemble- playing skills through the study of standard string orchestra and chamber music literature. For string players with advanced reading and technical skills. Audition required.

In this ensemble for mixed strings, students work on following a conductor, counting, playing as a group, intonation, bowing, and phrasing. Repertoire includes beginning-level arrangements of standard string repertoire. Intended for violin, viola, cello, and bass students who have facility with basic shifting and bowing techniques. Note-reading skills are expected, and students are required to study privately with a teacher of their choice. Audition required.

Meet other homeschool students and make music together! This program is for homeschooled string players with at least six months of experience and who currently study with a private teacher. Bring a short piece to play for the ensemble placement auditions, which occur on the first day.

The Suzuki program is intended for families who are committed to pursuing instrument study as a central activity in their family life. The cornerstone of the Suzuki program at Crowden is the creation of a cooperative relationship between teacher, parent, and student. Parents take an active role in the educational process by attending all lessons and classes, and by practicing daily with their children at home.

Flutists develop and strengthen ensemble-playing skills, and explore the flute ensemble literature. Each session culminates in a casual recital on the last day of class. For flutists with at least two years of playing experience. Audition required.

In this 14-week class, students learn to read music notation, develop good right- and left-hand technique, gain ensemble skills, and have fun with different kinds of music. Students must provide their own guitars.

Students learn basic piano skills and are introduced to beginning note reading. Students are expected to have access to a piano for daily home practice. Families are responsible for the purchase of class materials and books as specified by the teacher.