Two Cello Workshops for Adults in 2012 ,

Skill-Builder Workshop: July 29 - August 4

Ensemble Workshop: August 5 - August 11

Bryn Mawr College -   Bryn Mawr, PA

Dorothy Amarandos, Artistic Director

What is it that you most desire to advance your playing skills and enjoyment of the cello?

Careful consideration should be given to the kind of workshop you would like to attend in 2012. We are offering two distinctive different programs during the two weeks and you may choose either one or both depending upon your stage or needs of development/improvement. With the exception of absolute beginners (who may only choose the first week), we expect to have elementary to advanced players in both groups. We will be sending choir music in advance (with appropriate recordings) for the second week in order to reach the excellence of performance we all desire for the final concert – and we encourage individual recital performances in the first week.

During the 1^st week:

There will be four different sections; Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced. With appropriate subjects and materials selected for each group, there will be private lessons and small ensembles, but quartets and the large choir will not be available during this week. Each section will prepare their own music to perform at the end of week.

During the 2^nd week:

Instead of private lessons or solo performances, the primary emphasis during this week will be on ensemble playing in quartets and the choir of four sections. Technique sessions will center around “listening” to each other, understanding the conductor, sight-reading new note patterns and rhythms. Solo recitals and private lessons will not be available during this week.  

Both groups will still offer time for private practice, “pick-up” groups with friends , and the advantage of virtuoso faculty in a ratio of 4 to 1.

There will be detailed questions to answer on the application forms available HERE to help us make appropriate placements. In order to clarify some questions, we have put forth the following answers:

Q:  Am I required to attend both workshops?

ANSWER: There is the opportunity to attend both weeks, but you are not required to register for two weeks.  

Q:  Who is a beginner/elementary/intermediate/advanced?

ANSWER: Here’s a general idea of all the levels:

Beginner: Absolute beginners to 1-2 years of playing

Elementary: All four positions, Suzuki Book 3-4

Intermediate: Tenor Clef, 7^th positions, all the scales

Advanced: Treble Clef, thumb position

Specific levels/requirements will be listed on the application forms as well.

Q:  How can I decide which week is best for me?

ANSWER: Would you prefer to play in the choir with friends? Or, would you want to improve your individual playing and concentrate on your own skills? There are learning opportunities and substantial amount of benefits to grow on the cello in each workshop.

A. 1^st week emphasizes individual training & performances, focusing on one’s individual skills & techniques.

B. 2^nd week emphasizes group training & performances, focusing on skills & techniques of ensemble playing    

Q:  Will the faculty be the same for both weeks?

ANSWER: Many of the faculty will be with us for two weeks, but not all; but there will always be a 4 to 1 participant to faculty ratio.

Q:  How many participants are in each week?

ANSWER: There will be a minimum of 40 participants and a maximum of 64 participants in each week. Therefore, early registration is very important for administrative planning!

Q: Will there be a “final concert” during the first week?

ANSWER: Yes. The concert will be a performance of the four (sectional) ensembles. 

If you have any other questions/comments, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@cellospeak.org. Thank you!