What is the purpose of the audition?

The audition is necessary in order to place students in the appropriate orchestra seating and chamber ensemble so that students will be matched with other students on their level and playing ability. 

 

Do returning students need to turn in a new audition and letter of recommendation each year?

Yes, because a lot can change with your playing in a year and we also want to hear from your teachers about how your playing has improved from the year before so that we can provide appropriate student matches and music.

 

What kind of music will we play?

Our focus is on chamber music in which students will have the opportunity to play in a small group such as a quartet or trio.  We also have a large group orchestra and other various ensembles from year to year such as chorus, ukulele, recorder, and percussion.  We play a variety of styles and genres ranging from classical to jazz to folk to pop.

 

What do we do other than play music?

We love Mountain Lakes because there are so many things to do outdoors!  During "recreation time" each day, counselors will take groups of campers to go swimming, boating, horseback riding, and much more!  One night we will have a campfire and we may also go into nearby Helen one day to go tubing.

 

What kind of food is served?  Are there vegetarian options?

Breakfasts may include cereal, pancakes, french toast, fruits, yogurt and lunches and dinners include turkey and ham sandwiches, grilled cheese and soup, pizza, spaghetti, chicken quesadillas, hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, salads, and more!  We often also have PB&J or cheese sandwiches available for lunch or dinner as an alternative to the regular meal.  We can accommodate students who are vegetarian, vegan, or have some kind of dietary restrictions.  These specifications can be indicated on the registration form so we will know ahead of time.  There will also be snacks available each day (things like fruit, fruit cups or crackers), however we recommend to bring some of your own snacks as well.  All meals are provided in the tuition, however students may also bring specific items they need with them are also able to use their spending money to visit the Diner at Mountain Lakes Resort. 

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Where do the overnight participants sleep?

We will be staying in the Timber Ridge Cabins at Mountain Lakes Resort.  The cabins are located within the resort which is gated with a 24 hour security guard stand at the entrance.  The cabins house 3-7 students and 1 college-aged counselor or host family/parent.  Students may sleep on a bunkbed, futon bed, or full-size bed depending on the number of students or arrangement of the cabin.  Faculty is in a separate set of cabins close to the Timber Ridge Cabins.  Parents may also choose to reserve a cabin and keep their child with them at night and participate in the activities during the day only.  We recommend elementary age students to have their parents stay at camp or to participate as day campers, however we can accommodate elementary students depending on the circumstances.  Email for more details.

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How does family camping work?

Your family would stay in one of the Timber Ridge cabins for 6 nights per week. There is a full bed in one room, another room with a set of bunk beds, and a living room with a futon that can also be used for sleeping (sleeps 4-6). There is one full bathroom and a kitchen as well with a large fridge, stove, oven, and microwave. The cost is  approximately $70 per night plus tax and each person who stays has to pay a $5-8 per day depending on age for the amenity fee.  Families can bring your own meals or eat at the resort diner or in the nearby towns of Helen or Cleveland. Other cabins or places for campers/RVs are also available through Mountain Lakes Resort that are different sizes and fees according to your family's needs, however you will have to call Mountain Lakes and make your own accommodations in that case.
 

If your child is staying with you and your family during the festival, this would qualify them as a daytime participant. This means they would come to all the activities and classes and all the meals and the amenity pass is covered in the tuition. Daytime participant tuition is $800 per week, however you can receive $100 off if you register early by April 1. There are also scholarships and fundraising available that we can help you with if needed.  We also provide discounts for families/parents who are willing to act as a head counselor for a cabin and be responsible for supervising overnight students in-between regular camp activities and at night (on an as-needed basis).  Email for more information.

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