Summer Strings Camp

School is out for the summer! But, have you ever wished that while you don’t have to go to class, that you could keep going with string orchestra? Well, now you can! Montgomery County Community College is offering a Summer Strings Camp for middle level and intermediate age string instrumentalist with prior experience playing violin, viola, 'cello, or double bass. Those who will be in grades 6-10 in the 2024-2025 school year can participate in this camp, where you will keep your string skills going from the school year, while also getting the opportunity to play new and exciting music that will further strengthen your abilities as a string instrumentalist, as well as teach and refine appropriate string techniques, and of course meet new people!

During camp, we will rehearse string orchestra music together as an entire ensemble as well as in chamber groups. At the end of the camp, we will have a Concluding Recital at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 12, 2024, where family and friends are welcome to see all the progress that we have made during the week!

Camp Details

Cost: Estimated $300

Grades: 6 to 10 (during the 2024-25 academic year)

Location: Montco Cultural Center, Blue Bell Campus

Dates: July 8th-12th, 2024

Time: Half day, 8:00 a.m. - Noon

Population: Co-ed, entering 6th grade-entering 10th grade  

Required Forms
An Emergency Contact and Liability Form will be emailed to participants prior to the start of camp.

Register Now

For more information, please contact Shawn Lee at sjlee@mc3.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

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What will be my child's schedule?

Mon–Thurs:

Time activity
7:50–8 a.m. Arrival/Instrument Preparation Time/Independent Practice
8–8:30 a.m. Tuning/Warm-Up
8:30–9:30 a.m. Orchestra rehearsal #1
9:30–10:10 a.m. Opening Activities/T-R- Chamber Groups
10:10–10:30 a.m. Break/Snack (Campers will need to provide their own light snack)
10:30–11 a.m. Sectionals
11–11:10 a.m. Transition Back to Ensemble/Break
11:10 a.m. – Noon Orchestra Rehearsal 2
Noon Departure

Friday:

Time activity
7:50–8 a.m. Arrival/Instrument Preparation Time/Independent Practice
8–8:30 a.m. Tuning/Warm-Up
8:30–9:30 a.m. Orchestra Rehearsal
9:30–9:50 a.m. Chamber Groups
9:50–10 a.m. Set for Performance Run
10–10:30 a.m. Performance Run
10:30–11 a.m. Break/Prepare for Performance/Re-tune
11 a.m – Noon Concluding Recital
Noon Departure 

What should I pack for my child?

  • Please pack your camper snacks and a water bottle.
  • Instruments
  • Music (provided by the camp)
  • Pencil
  • Prescribed EpiPens and inhalers

Do not bring:

  • Electronics (phones, iPads, gaming devices)
  • Valuables (jewelry, toys)

Where should my child be dropped off?

The MONTCO Cultural Center is the theatre located in the Science Center on MONTCO's Blue Bell Campus.  It is most easily accessible from the Morris Road entrance of campus.  It will be the big building in front of you as you pull in the Morris Road entrance.  Feel free to drop your child off at the car loop.

What time can I drop my child off?

Drop off is between 7:50-8:00 AM. Please do not bring your child before 7:50 AM, as supervision will not be provided.
 
Arrangements should be made for children to be picked up promptly at 12 Noon.

What qualifications does your camp instructor possess?

Shawn Lee, Adjunct Professor of Strings at MCCC, will be leading the camp. In addition to being the Founder and Director of MCCC's Summer Strings Camp, Professor Lee is the Director of String Ensemble and Instructor of Violin and Viola at MCCC, as well as Director of Orchestras and K-12 Performing Arts District Coordinator for the Phoenixville Area School District.  He also serves as President-Elect of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12.

Professional highlights include:

  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania
  • Master of Music Education and Instrumental Conducting, The Hartt School, University of Hartford
  • Kodály Level III Certified Teacher
  • Pit Orchestra Conductor at Phoenixville and was a previous Pit Orchestra Conductor at Millersville University.
  • Recipient of the Harold W. and Miriam W. Shaar String Award
  • Previous staff member at "Keep it Going" Summer Strings Camp of Westminster Conservatory at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ
  • Serves as the Artistic Director of Phoenixville's Summer Orchestra Camp
  • Much more!