Orchestra Clinics

Two one-week sessions 
June 17- 21 (no camp June 19)
June 24-28
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Monday–Thursday), 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Friday)  
Rising 5th through rising 12th graders
$475 per session ($400 for June 17-21)

What to bring: Instrument, rosin, extra set of strings, pencils, snacks, water bottle (labeled with a name), sunscreen, and lunch with drink   

Prerequisite: Completion of at least two full calendar years of string ensemble or private instruction. Students must also be proficient in sight-reading. 

Now in its 28th season, this program is open to intermediate and advanced students interested in reading and performing various types of music. This camp emphasizes sight-reading skills, proper playing position, pitch and rhythm precision, tone development, music theory, and musical technique and interpretation. During the day, students will perform in full string orchestra and smaller ensembles. The week culminates with a spectacular Friday concert showcasing the group's talent that family and friends are welcome to attend.

Daily schedule: 

9:00–9:15 a.m.	Arrival, set-up
9:15–10:30 a.m.	Group instruction*
10:30am–11:00 a.m.	Break
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	Group instruction* and Chamber Rehearsal
12:00–1:00 p.m.	Lunch/free time
1:00–2:00 p.m.	Group instruction* and Sectionals
2:00–2:15 p.m.	Break
2:15–3:00 p.m.	Group instruction* and Chamber Rehearsal

*Full ensemble or small ensembles (chamber, sectionals, etc.) based on instrumentation and/or experience levels.

Also check out Jazz Boot Camp and Cello Camp!

Meet our Staff:

Maestro Stephen Czarkowski

Stephen Czarkowski, based in Washington, D.C., stands as a prominent figure in the realms of classical music and education, being a celebrated conductor, cellist, and educator. His conducting career, spanning nearly two decades, is adorned with rich experiences. As of 2023, he serves as the Music Director and Conductor for the Central Pennsylvania Symphony and holds the title of Principal Guest Conductor of the Newark Symphony Orchestra. His baton has led the National Symphony Orchestra during its National Conducting Institute under the direction of Leonard Slatkin. Furthermore, he’s extended his expertise to orchestras in diverse locations from Honolulu, HI to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the Apollo Orchestra. Currently Mr. Czarkowski is director of Strings at the Landon School in Bethesda MD.  

Fun fact: Stephen loves to bench press and just completed his 8th BayBridge 10k 

Sylvia Lee

Sylvia is an instrumental music teacher at Clearspring Elementary School in Damascus, Maryland, and Candlewood Elementary School in Derwood, Maryland. She is the conductor of Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra’s Concert Orchestra (Grades 6–8) and co-conductor of Montgomery County Public Schools South County 6th Grade String Orchestra. She has four children who play the clarinet, violin, flute and cello.

Fun fact: She loves to play ping pong!