CHAMBER MUSIC

Chamber music is a form of classical music written for a small group of instruments that can be performed in a palace chamber or other intimate setting. Ensembles range in size from two to eight, typically without solo performance, one performer to a part.

The Preucil School offers many chamber opportunities, each allowing students the opportunity for music and social collaboration.

Early Chamber Music Experience

The Early Chamber Music Experience provides young players with their first chamber playing experience. The 6-week program of 45-minute coaching sessions concludes with an informal performance by each ensemble.

Preucil faculty member Ute Brandenburg said it well: “I have found that the added responsibility and ownership that comes with being part of a chamber ensemble gives students no choice but to rise up to the occasion. Being masters of their own experience is a thrilling, new concept usually leaving the student asking for more.”

Winter Chamber Program

The Winter Chamber Program is a 10-week chamber program that runs during second semester, February to mid-April. Each chamber group receives one coaching per week, 30 minutes for duets or 45 minutes for trios, quartets or quintets. All groups perform in the final Winter Chamber Recital.

Preucil School students in grades 3-12 who have completed Book 3 and two reading books are eligible to enroll, as are adults who play at the intermediate level or above. Funding for the Winter Chamber Program is made possible in part by a grant from the Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP) Network.

Summer Chamber Fest

The Summer Chamber Fest is a week-long program of daily chamber music coachings, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Voice Exploration, music theory/history, chamber practice and master classes with guest clinicians and Preucil faculty. String students participate in a chamber orchestra and piano students are scheduled for an early keyboard class. Violinists may take the “Viola for Violinists Class,” exploring the viola, its clef and the instrument in general. A final concert concludes the week.

Entrance requirements are the same as the Winter Chamber Program. Funding for the Summer Camber Fest is made possible in part by a grant from the Amateur Chamber Music Players (ACMP) Network.

Established Ensembles

The Established Ensembles Program includes string quartets and trios that meet on a regular basis during the academic year. These ensembles study chamber music in depth, have the opportunity to perform for guest artist master classes and participate in the school’s Outreach Program.

Outreach quartets serve as ambassadors of the school, performing for community meetings, university events, weddings/parties and other area special events. Each quartet member pays one-fourth of the hourly tuition fee. Groups or individuals who would like to have quartet music for a special event are invited to call the school to check on availability and fees.

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