Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

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All music that was emailed (printed on unlined white paper) 
Instrument
Rosin
Shoulder rest (for violin/viola players)
End-pin stop (for cello/bass players)
Extra strings
Mute 
Pencils
Folder or binder for music 

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

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Please practice all the music that is emailed to you. Here is a list of all the music you should have. This is the music that you will be rehearsing and performing, and we ask that you learn it thoroughly ahead of time in order to make the most of your experience at camp. ​

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TRACK IS BEST FOR MY STUDENT?

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Visit our Tracks page to see a detailed description of each level, or visit an individual track page to view sample music. Share these links with your student or your student's teacher to receive their feedback. We welcome questions as well, so do not hesitate to contact us! 

WHICH STUDENTS HAVE TO AUDITION? 

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Only students registering for the Gamma and Delta level need to audition. All other placements will be based on current repertoire and teacher assessment rating and may be adjusted during the week of camp. 

HOW WILL WE KNOW AUDITION RESULTS? 

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You will receive an email with a placement roster and orchestra music. Ensemble assignments will be sent in a later email. If it was recommended that your student play in the Beta orchestra instead of Gamma, you will receive personal communication from a staff member. 

DO WE HAVE TO SIGN UP FOR PRIVATE LESSONS?

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No. Private lessons are scheduled in as part of the camp schedule for no extra charge. Students will be in a mini masterclass setting with one or two other students observing. 

MUSIC FAQ's

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Q: Do I have to purchase any music from the links sent in the email?
A: No, you do not have to purchase any music. The links are included so that you can listen to the audio recordings on either the publisher's website or Youtube. The PDF's of music attached to the email are what you need to print out and bring to camp.

Q: What are all the different attachments? They look really hard - am I really supposed to play them?
A: At string camp, we don't only have the students play with other students at their own level. We also combine the different levels together so that the younger/less experienced players have a chance to sit by and learn from the older/more experienced players. The music you received titled "Beta/Gamma/Delta" or "Gamma/Delta" is the music for those orchestra combinations. The music is intentionally a stretch for those in Beta (for the Beta/Gamma/Delta combination) and those in Gamma (in the Gamma/Delta combination). We have found that this is where they learn and benefit the most, by simply picking up on what their stand partner is doing.

Q: Why do I have music for different parts? (i.e. both 2nd Violin and 3rd Violin parts)
A: When multiple orchestras combine, we often need to shift the violinists so that they are balanced on each part. Some pieces have only a 1st Violin and 2nd Violin part, in which case we divide the violins in half. Some pieces have more (either 3 or 4) violin parts, and we divide accordingly. Many violin students will end up playing one part on a certain piece, and a different part on another piece.

Q: Which divisi part (top or bottom) should I practice?
A: Both! While we do have a tentative roster in place, the seating is subject to change, and so you should be prepared to play either top or bottom. If you would really like to know whether you are tentatively seated on the inside or outside, please email us.

Q: Why is one of my songs missing a page?
A: First check your email and see if you are playing the entire piece/all of the movements. Some orchestras and ensembles will only play a portion of a larger work. If you are missing music for a piece/movement we are actually playing, then email us at info@ocmsstringcamp.org to let us know.

Q: I didn't get an email with string camp music. What should I do?
A: First, check your spam folder. If it isn't there, please email info@ocmsstringcamp.org and let us know that you still need the music.