What to Expect

We have designed an exciting OUTDOOR 3-day festival for Violin, Viola, and Cello students to explore collaborative music in a variety of new and fun ways! Facilities provide cover from rain.
Violin and Cello Suzuki students who are studying in Books 1 - 6 will engage with others as we explore orchestral playing, eurhythmics, group classes, and a daily play-in.
The Advanced program welcomes Violin, Viola, and Cello students of both Suzuki and non-Suzuki backrgounds. Students will work with members of the National Symphony on chamber music selections appropriate for their level.
We have confirmed several world-class teachers and performers on our faculty, with more to come!

Program Schedule

Sunday, June 27. 5:00PM - 8:00PM (parents with small children who have early bedtimes may leave early)

Mandatory Orientation, Guest Faculty Concert and Opening Play In

Monday & Tuesday, June 28 & 29. 10:00AM - 3:00PM / (9AM - 4PM for Book 7-Advanced Violin)

PreTwinkle - Book 2 (non readers): Group Class, Play-in, Eurhythmics

Book 2 (readers) - Book 6: Group Class, Play-in, Orchestra

Book 7 - Advanced (Book 10+): Masterclass, Technique Class*, Chamber Music, Group Class*

*for violin students

Wednesday, June 30. 9:30AM - 12:00PM

Orchestra & Chamber Music Performances and Final Concert

Faculty Listing (more to come)

Frank Auer, violin (Thistledown Academy, Nashville)

Sarah Berry, cello & orchestra (Western Kentucky University)

Anne Rebecca Donaldson (Mount Pleasant Talent Education)

Mahoko Eguchi, viola & chamber music (National Symphony)

Dan Foster, viola & chamber music (National Symphony)

Susan Fuller, violin & festival co-director (Capitol Sound Suzuki)

Megan Mason, violin (Southern Virginia University)

Chris Sanchez, violin & festival co-director (Capitol Sound Suzuki)

Briannah Steele, violin (Capitol Sound Suzuki)

Rachel Young, cello & chamber music (National Symphony)

COVID Guidelines

We will comply with the CDC and County Covid regulations at the time of the festival. Expect detailed information to be emailed to all attendants in advance of the festival.

Commitment to Adult Supervision of Minor Students

Parents are responsible for ensuring that evey child they register is accompanied by an adult. The designated adult is responsible for supervising them throughout the duration of the program. Teenagers may attend unaccompaied, provided that one parent signs and submits a waiver.

Refund Policy

A $50 cancelation fee will be charged per attendee for cancelations on or before May 1. All other fees are refundable, when a written request is sent to Chris Sanchez via email by May 1. Refund requests emailed on or after May 1 will not be honored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I see that kids Book 2 - Book 6 are grouped together. My son just started Book 2. Will he be overwhelmed playing with kids in Book 6?

A: They will be the same class, but will only be expected play the pieces on the study list up to their most advanced piece. When each child is finished playing their most polished piece, they are expected to watch and learn from the more advanced players.

Q: 10:00-3:00 might be a long day for my Pre-Twinkler. Will there be play time? Rest time? Lunch time?

A: Yes! We think about all of this as we create the schedules, especially for the youngest children. Pre-Twinkle thru Book 2 students will be scheduled for four hours starting at 10am and ending at 2pm (consisting of: two consecutive classes, one play/lunch hour, and a third nonconsecutive class).

Q: How does a parent with multiple kids manage being in several groups at once?

A: This situation is improbable considering the wide breadth of advancement for each group, but possible. In this case, I would ask another trusted parent to watch over one of your children while you attend the class of the child who may need more of your guidance.

Q: When should we plan to arrive on Monday and Tuesday?

A: Violinists Book 7 - Advanced will need to arrive by 8:45am to be on time for their 9am Technique Class. Everyone else will start at either 10am or later and should plan to arrive by 20-30 minutes before their first class.

Q: Will my child be expected to prepare music in advanced of the festival?

A: YES. Students of all instruments Twinkle - Book 6 will be given a study list, posted by May 1, which they must prepare before arrival. Orchestra Music and Chamber Music will be sent to students by May 1, with the expectation that it will be learned thoroughly before arrival.

Q: Wil lunch be provided?

A: No, all families will be expected to bring their own lunch.

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