Faculty: A. Claudine Bigelow
SummerFestival provides violists an opportunity to participate in a full symphony orchestra (if assigned), sectionals, string chamber groups (primarily quartets), theory classes, music literature classes and daily master classes with peers from across the country. Many BYU students have commented how helpful it was to study music in the university setting as a high school student. It helped prepare them for the music program at BYU.
Enrollment is limited to 16 violists.
Placement Video Guidelines
- One or more pieces or excerpts that demonstrate technique and expression.
Time: Do not exceed 5 minutes
Basic playing skills needed to have a productive week
- Know three–octave major scales, G, A, Bb, C, and D
- Know G, A, and C melodic minor scales
- Be able to sight-read syncopated rhythms
- Be familiar with uneven time signatures
- Be familiar with these bow strokes and styles: legato, detache, marcato (martele), hooked bowings, spiccato, staccato (separate), easy ricochet, sul tasto, legato, ponticello, and string-crossing slurs.
Classes
- Daily master classes provide an opportunity for each student to perform in front of his/her peers in a positive setting, and receive instruction from a member of the faculty. Please bring at least two solos to play in master class. In the past, everyone has performed in class at least once.
- Some of the class time may be used for sectionals. The master class is also a setting to address aspects of technique as well as discuss professional opportunities for the musician. Please bring any questions you may have about pursuing music as a career.
Performances
- Other performance opportunities will come at the end of the week in the final chamber music and orchestra concerts. Rehearsals for these groups with intensive coaching from a string faculty member will take place daily.
- All of these settings should help each violist gain greater experience and a better knowledge of his/her instrument.
