Chamber Music
Due to student interest, a Chamber Music Institute was added to the Summer Music Institutes in 2010. Enthusiasm for and interest in chamber music for youth at all levels of musical development resulted in Chamber Music as a year-round program.
The GreenSpring Chamber Music program is modeled after our other highly successful programs: The GreenSpring American Youth Harp Ensemble and the GreenSpring Virginia Choristers. These nationally recognized programs have provided opportunities for young musicians to hone and refine their musical skills to the highest level as evidenced by repeat invitations to perform in nationally recognized venues such as in Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the U.S. Department of State and on international tours, and to win coveted spots at the leading music schools and national competitions. Community impact and social justice through music education are two key focus areas of these programs as well.
The GreenSpring Chamber Music program aims to inspire a love for collaborative music through the study of the genre's greatest artists, enrich people's lives through the power of music, and foster a life-long appreciation of the arts through music education.
BEGINNING CHAMBER MUSIC
Beginning Chamber Music is a wonderful opportunity for students who have never been in an ensemble to expand upon private lessons and will help students establish a foundation of musical skills and ensemble playing. The Beginning Chamber Music Class is highly recommended for students who wish to matriculate into our Chamber Music Program.
YEAR-ROUND CHAMBER MUSIC
The Year-Round GreenSpring Chamber Music Program is open to intermediate to advanced performers, ages 10-22. Students will be placed in chamber groups based on level and age. Already-formed chamber ensembles are also welcome.
Program Benefits include year-round after school chamber music programming for beginning to advanced instrumentalist and vocalists, weekly coachings and rehearsals with inspiring artist faculty, partnering with nationally recognized ensembles such as the GreenSpring American Youth Harp Ensemble and GreenSpring Virginia Choristers, and opportunities for community performances and even regional, national, and international performance and tour opportunities.
Each Chamber Group will have a scheduled rehearsal once a week and build a comprehensive repertoire list in addition to learning a piece for the end of semester performance which will showcase each chamber group in our beautiful sanctuary. Every Chamber Musician is invited to attend additional seminars and guest coaching. Interested Chamber Groups will have opportunities for weekend performances.
Auditions: Students interested in auditioning for the Year-Round Chamber Music Program can email: info@greenspringmusic.org to schedule an audition. Musicians will be asked to prepare a scale and a piece that is representative of their ability.
OUR CHAMBER MUSIC CLASSES
Duo, trio, quartet, quintet, or sextet ensembles are coached by our distinguished faculty. These ensembles focus on tailored, instrument-specific repertoire. Opportunities are provided for weekly coaching of student groups as well as master classes and a minimum of two formal public performances each semester. In addition, performances in schools and other community venues around the area can be arranged.
Piano Chamber Music explores the vast repertoire for two-piano duos, piano trio, quartet, and quintet with the regular coaching of student groups as well as master classes and a minimum of two formal public performances each semester.
Guitar Chamber Music focuses on chamber works that feature the guitar in a variety of ensembles.
Mixed Chamber Music focuses on repertoire that incorporates winds, harp, voice, percussion and non-traditional instruments into the chamber music environment. Coaching and performances are arranged.
Jazz Combo focuses on how to play jazz, improvise, and interact with other band members in an exciting environment. Students will be exposed to jazz standards, which are critical to any professional jazz player’s repertoire, in styles such as swing, blues, waltz, and Latin jazz.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
The GreenSpring Chamber Music Program provides community service outreach opportunities through chamber music performances.
Performance is a valuable element of personal learning and musical growth. The holidays are a wonderful time to give back to your community through musical performance, but they aren’t the only time of need or value. The GreenSpring Academy of Music can help ensembles find year-round performance opportunities and match your ensemble with the best individual opportunity.
Play for a retirement community, a nursing home, a children’s shelter, or in the public schools. Every opportunity is a valuable way of gaining public performance experience while giving back meaningfully to your community.
Family Concerts (aimed at younger audiences and their parents) exhibit a shortened concert length of highly engaging repertoire written specifically to introducing children to formal concerts.