Summer Music Academy Classes and Ensembles

Audition required. Open to violin, viola, cello, and double bass. No prior ensemble experience required. Students must have played their instrument for at least one year. Students will master the basics of playing in an ensemble.

Faculty: Karen Zimmerman

Audition required. Open to violin, viola, cello, and double bass. For intermediate string students with at least two years’ ensemble experience. Students will learn to follow a conductor as they enhance their ensemble skills, improve their technique and develop their musicianship.

Faculty: Jeanette Isenberg

Audition required. Open to violin, viola, cello, and double bass. For advanced string students with at least four years ensemble experience. Classes will focus on technique and ensemble playing as students practice standard repertoire for chamber ensembles. Students also choose one specialty class (composition, conducting, or improvisation) to complement their ensemble learning. May enroll for one, two or three weeks.

Faculty: Ivy Zenobi (week 1), Joel Cohen (weeks 2 and 3)

Audition required. Open to all instruments. For intermediate to advanced students, this class is an exploration of different jazz styles, with a focus on improvisation technique and ensemble playing. There is a special need for musicians who play drum set, bass (electric or upright) and piano. Drum set and keyboard are provided by Santa Rosa Symphony.  Students also choose one specialty class (composition, conducting, or improvisation) to complement their ensemble learning.  May enroll for one, two or three weeks.

Faculty: Robert Bowman

No Audition required. Open to all instruments. This course explores the music of film, video games and musical theater, giving students a taste of the life of a professional musician. The course is broken into three weeks by topic.  Students also choose one specialty class (composition, conducting, or improvisation) to complement their ensemble learning.  May enroll for one, two or three weeks.

• Film Music: July 10 – 14
• Theater Music: July 17 – 21
• Video Game Music: July 24 – 28

Faculty: Costantinos Dafnis

Audition required, unless you are a current AYO or SRSYO member.  We are excited to announce new offerings of Advanced Reading Orchestra and Wind Ensemble taught by SRSYO conductor, Bobby Rogers!  Students will spend each 5-day intensive reading through repertoire for their respective ensemble, developing their skills in sight-reading and ensemble musicianship. These special 1-week courses include daily Music Theory and Chamber Music and are geared toward upper-intermediate to advanced musicians, especially those who are interested in joining, or who are already members of, the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra.  Students must be able to read Grade 3 level music. May enroll for one or two weeks.

• Advanced Reading Wind Ensemble: July 17-21.  Open to all woodwinds, brass, percussion, and string bass.
• Advanced Reading Orchestra: July 24-28.  Open to all orchestral instruments (strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion).

Faculty: Bobby Rogers