FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I apply for a Master Class?
Advanced students on orchestral strings playing at the level of Suzuki Book 4 or equivalent are invited to apply via the camp registration form. Recordings should contain a 4-minute piece or section demonstrative of the student’s best work. Master Class applicants must register for String Camp online and submit an audition recording by June 9th by sending an email with with the YouTube link directly to the teachers below. We prefer to receive links to YouTube videos rather than large video/audio files, as it eliminates any format reading issues. We recommend uploading your files to YouTube as “unlisted”; this allows us to view them when provided the link, but does not make them public. Students will be notified of acceptance in advance of String Camp.
Cheri Lyon Kelley, viokelley@iglou.com (violin) Henry Haffner, henrychaffner@yahoo.com (viola)
Felix Borges, felixcello@gmail.com (cello/bass) Cara Lee Smith, caraleesmith2@gmail.com (piano)
Masterclass submissions will be due Friday, June 10th 2024
Do I select classes for my student to attend?
No, your child chooses the primary instrument and we select the feature classes. All students are signed up for one main primary instrument class for the first period. During the other three class periods, we place every student in ensembles and Feature classes appropriate to their age, instrument, and playing level in order to enhance their musical learning. These include Orchestra, Voice, Music & Movement, Handbells, Fiddle, Orff, and more. Each feature class develops the student in multiple ways—ear training, muscle memory, rhythm, technique, etc.
What should students wear?
Suggested dress is comfortable, layered clothing with sneakers. Please no strappy tops, short skirts or flip-flops; the building is cool. Sneakers or sandals are preferred as we move around the building a lot throughout the day.
What is the dress code for Recitals and Concerts?
1. Dress for daily Student Recitals is normal camp dress or you may dress up.
2. For the Outreach Concert (advanced players only) and Final Camp Concert the dress is:
Girls: White dress blouses, black or dark skirts or slacks, and dress shoes.
Boys: White button-down shirts, black or dark slacks, socks, and dress shoes.
Are instruments provided?
No. Parents need to make arrangements ahead of time. For violins, violas, cellos, and double bass, we recommend Old Town Violins Louisville oldtownviolins.com (502) 690–2332.
Do we pack our student a bagged lunch?
Yes! We do not provide food or snacks. We will provide water. Kentucky Christian String Camp is a nut-free zone. For the safety of our students, we ask you do pack them anything containing nuts.
Does the camp have any medical services on the premises in case of emergencies?
Yes, we will have a registered nurse on the grounds during the whole camp week. She will receive your student’s medications, EpiPens, and any special health instructions during registration. All medications will be placed in a lock box that can be accessed with the nurse at any time. The nurse will assess and treat first aid needs or emergencies. We will not be providing any camp resourced over-the-counter medications. For specific questions, please contact Nurse Hannah Denietolis:
Email - hannahdenietolis@hotmail.com
Cell - (774) 573 – 9208
When is pickup time after camp?
Parents who are unable to attend the recitals are asked to pick up their children promptly at 2:45 pm daily. All students will be with a teacher until a parent arrives. We are not permitted to allow students to wait alone outside the building. Please plan to schedule pickups accordingly.
What does the String Camp day look like?
Teachers and class assistants will be with the students throughout the camp until you pick them up at 2:45 pm. Students will move together each hour to a different class location in an orderly fashion accompanied by a class monitor. The transition time is built into the schedule and there will also be parent volunteers as hallway helpers to facilitate smooth and safe movement between classes for both students and their instruments.
Do parents attend or participate in camp?
1. Yes for young beginner violin players! All parents of violin beginners age 6 and younger must stay with their student during first period, 9:00–9:45 am. This is a requirement of the String Camp to ensure an optimal camp experience for our youngest students. Parents of all other students are welcome to observe their student’s classes or rehearsals but are not required to stay.
2. Parents and families are encouraged to participate in the Hymn Devotion and Student Recitals from 2:00 to 2:45 pm. This is a high point of each day of Camp. Enjoy the opportunity to experience musical excellence with your children, enjoy faculty performances, learn about and sing hymns, and support your children and the other students as they give solo and chamber performances.
3. We have Parent Volunteer opportunities! We appreciate our great Parent Volunteers! KYCSC teachers do a wonderful job for your students, and parents can help them be even more successful by volunteering in a number of ways. Fill out a volunteer form here.
What if my student has requested to perform at a Student Recital?
Student Recitals are from Tuesday to Thursday, June 18–20, at 2:00 pm. Watch for the posted Recital Schedule (Program), which specifies student and time. This will be posted by Monday in the cafeteria. If there are any questions or conflicts, please contact Cara Lee Smith (caraleesmith2@gmail.com). NOTE: Advanced students should bring the piano accompaniment part for their recital piece on Monday! Rehearsal time slots with the accompanist will be available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday during 4th period and after 2:45 pm the day before the student performs their recital. Camp Recitals are short, so slots are limited and they fill up quickly. Requests for recital slots will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
If my student wants to do the masterclass and the concerto competition, do I need two submissions, or can one be sufficient?
Make sure to tell us on the registration that your student intends to do both the masterclass and the concerto competition, and please send your link to infostrings.KYCSC@gmail.com and the faculty member responsible for choosing the masterclass recipients. You may use the same link for both or choose a different piece for the masterclass if you so choose.
Please contact us if you have any other questions. Thank you!
Samuel Meade, Camp Director
Cara Lee Smith, Director of Piano Studies
infostrings.KYCSC@gmail.com