Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Student Festival Highlights!
- Daily coaching and musicianship sessions by Skyros Quartet
- Skyros Quartet Recital Tuesday, July 8, 5-6 pm – students, family, and friends are invited to this complimentary performance
- Master Class featuring a Guest Artist from the Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS) Summer Festival
- Daily theater arts classes with games and activities that boost self-confidence and stage presence, plus being loads of fun for students
- Movement class for musicians
- Final Student Performance Saturday, July 12, 1pm with reception following
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Bring a Friend Tuition Discount – how does it work?
A: Bring a friend to get a $50 discount for the enrolled student who originates the referral of another participating student. This discount applies toward full tuition only.
Q: Tuition Assistance – how does it work?
A: Tuition Assistance is available to all attendees and is based on financial need or special circumstances, without discrimination due to race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. Chamber Music Guild encourages underserved families and youth to apply. Please complete the Festival Application Form, the video audition, and the Tuition Assistance Application by March 31. Awardees will be notified by mid-April. The Tuition Assistance Application is available here.
Q: How do I submit a video audition?
A: All students applying for the Festival must submit a video audition and upload it to YouTube as an “unlisted” video. See Audition Guidelines for explanation of required content and information related to specific instruments.
Q: When and where can drivers drop off/pick up students on campus?
A: Festival hours: arrive at 8:45 am and leave at 4:30 pm, except for Tuesday and Saturday. Tuesday, students should plan to stay for the Skyros recital, 5-6 pm. On Saturday, students will arrive at 11 am. The final Student Concert will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception hosted by the Board of Chamber Music Guild.
We do NOT have arrangements for early drop-off before 8:30am or late pick up after 5:00pm. Festival staff will not be available for student supervision outside of these times.
The Festival takes place at UPrep School, located at 8000 25th Avenue NE, Seattle, 98115. There is ample free parking.
Q: What is the attendance policy?
A: Students are expected to attend the entire week, including the final student performance on Saturday. We ask that parents not schedule routine events such as dental visits, etc. that will cause your student to be absent. Missing a rehearsal causes significant disruption for the student’s ensemble and our staff. For an unexpected absence due to illness, etc., please notify a Skyros member or other staff as soon as possible.
Q: What are the guidelines for student behavior?
A: Successful students are eager to learn, have a positive attitude, are able to focus and play for 5 hours per day (interspersed with breaks, snacks, and non-playing classes), capable of self-motivation during non-coached rehearsals, respectful others verbally and physically, and responsive to direction by coaches and other teaching artists. Each student enrolled is required to sign our Student Rules and Behavior agreement.
Q: What should students wear during the week of the Festival?
A: During the week, participants should wear comfortable clothing, as there will be some activities that will involve physical activity.
For the final Student Concert, students should wear performance attire: a dress, skirt with blouse or formal shirt, or slacks with blouse or formal shirt. No low-cut tops, and if wearing a dress or skirt, it must be knee-length or longer. Fabrics should not be sheer/see-through. Students can choose to wear nice slacks (no jeans) and a button-down shirt, dress shoes and socks. A suit jacket and tie are optional.
Q: Are meals provided during the Festival?
A: Students are expected to bring a sack lunch every day. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided. We will inquire about food intolerances and allergies as part of our accepted student follow-up.
Q: Can parents/guardians attend coaching sessions?
A: Day 1 of camp (Monday, July 7) will begin with a brief orientation. Skyros will welcome the students and cover some basic operational items. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend this session. After that, we ask that students have their space to learn without other adults around during the day.
Q. Who should I contact for questions or issues that arise?
A: For questions about the Festival, the application, video audition, payment, or tuition assistance please email or phone Executive Director, Justin Kurys.
Q: What is the plan for Covid-19 safety?
A: The Festival is for fully vaccinated attendees. We will follow current safety guidelines established by Washington State and the King County Public Health Department in effect at the time of the Festival. Attendees will be asked to perform a Covid test within the 24 hours prior to the start of the Festival, and notify our staff if symptoms develop and or a subsequent test becomes positive during the Festival or within 5 days after.
Sample Daily Schedule:
Days 1-5
8:45 am Arrival
8:45 – 9:45 am Rehearsal/Coaching
9:45 – 10:00 am Snack/Break
10:00 – 11:00 am Rehearsal/Coaching
11:00 – 11:45 am Musicianship (focus on artistry and creativity)
11:45 – 12:30 pm Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 pm Enrichment Activities (theater arts)
1:30 – 2:30 pm Rehearsal/Coaching
2:30 – 2:45 pm Snack/Break
2:45 – 3:45 pm Rehearsal/Coaching
3:45 – 4:30 pm Madness sight-reading sessions/Masterclasses/Personal Practice
Day 6
11:00 am Arrival Dress rehearsal
1:00 – 2 :00 pm Student Concert
2:00 – 3:00 pm Reception for students, faculty, friends, family, and guests
