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There are several reasons. First of all, while we do strive for musical EXCELLENCE, this is NOT a competitive environment. We presume all campers applying as instrumentalists have some degree of ability and will most likely be accepted as campers based on the criteria we established (see the Sign-up & Rates/Audition Requirements page or the Orchestra and Symphony pages or the Instructor Recommendation Form for specifics). There are, of course, some exceptions, where a camper's ability does not match their ambition. At other times, campers are placed based on the need of the orchestras. If there are 10 violists or cellos all in one group...well there isn't exactly a balance. With the introduction of the symphony and orchestra, and the GROWTH of the program, we realized that auditioning or assessing all of the campers at camp is difficult and often requires nearly 6 hours on the first day at camp which means they miss a rehearsal. It would be even longer if we did not have your instructor recommendations & tapes or CD's. Having a good instructor recommendation & a recording allows us to "pre-place" instrumentalists into the groups they would fit into best. Our camp is a fast paced environment of learning and we want all campers to feel successful at camp. If a camper is moving up from orchestra to symphony a tape is requested to allow us to evaluate their progress and determine if they are ready. And LAST -- As some of you may have noticed occasionally our staffing changes, temporarily or permanently, and during such a period the conductor taking over is unfamiliar with the alumni camper's ability and needs to review the skill levels so that he may choose appropriate music selections as well as placements. So, some of you may be concerned about actually making the recording. Number one, it does NOT need to be fancy or studio recorded. A simple cassette tape will do. If you do not have a recording device of your own, you may find that your child's music director at school or their private instructor have something for you to use. And of course, friends and family or your church music department may help out. Please do not wait until the last minute to send it in. The absolute last day I can accept a recording will be June 9, 2006.
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