We invite gifted high school musicians in grades 9-12 to campus for a residential pre-college program. This newly imagined, collaborative music institute provides a creative and encouraging environment for young musicians. Ideal participants are those who exhibit dedication, creativity, curiosity and passion for excellence in music.
This weeklong program offers opportunities and resources for young musicians to realize their passion and prepare for meaningful lives in the arts. Join us at Susquehanna to grow through lessons, studio classes and coaching sessions with expert Susquehanna faculty members, and gain ample performance opportunities.
Students entering grades 9–12are invitedto register.
Be free from distractions as you totally immerse yourself in music.
Develop performance skills in group and private settings.
Strengthen basic musicianship (music theory, sight-reading and aural skills).
Build relationships and valuable connections with peers and professional musicians.
Develop audition repertoire and techniques for future musical endeavors.
Acquire transferable skills, including independence, creativity, problem-solving and teamwork — all in a musical setting.
Gain insight into college music opportunities for both majors and nonmajors alike.
Perform for an audience in our premier venue, Stretansky Concert Hall, during the closing concert.
Students entering grades 9–12 are invited to register. Selection is competitive.
Sample Activities
Take elective classes in music theory, conducting, composition, music education and voice science
Receive private lessons and small group instruction from Susquehanna University faculty
Hear performances by Susquehanna students and faculty
Sing in the all-festival choir
Access practice rooms for individual rehearsal time
Participate in master classes and seminars with faculty and guest artists
Improve your musicianship playing in chamber groups
Polish repertoire for all-state auditions, solo festivals and college auditions
Experience a week in the life of a Susquehanna music student
Enjoy social events, outdoor movie night and a trip to Knoebel’s Amusement Resort
Check-In at SU
Sunday, 1–3 p.m. Degenstein Campus Center, Degenstein Theater Entrance Hallway
Things to Bring
Instruments!
Winds & Brass: If you have an interest in playing an auxiliary instrument such as piccolo, E-flat clarinet, etc. and you own that instrument, you should bring it. Bring all mutes, reed making tools, and extra reeds if applicable. Trumpet and trombone players should bring straight and cup mutes with them to camp. Horn players should bring their mutes as well.
Large Instruments (i.e. percussion, pianos, etc.) are available for student use.
Secure instrument storage is available.
Music
Method/etude or solo repertoire to be of use in lesson/master class
Ensemble music will be provided
Concert Attire – all black
Suggestions: Three-quarterorlong-sleeved shirt, full length pants, knee-length or longer skirt, closed toed comfortable shoes.
Black three-ring binder or black folder for music
Pencils (with erasers)
Writing folder/tablet
Toiletry items
Pillow
Blanket (if desired) – linens including sheets, a pillowcase, a thin blanket, and towels will be provided
Snacks and drinks (if desired) - there is a small kitchenette with sink, fridge and microwave in the suite
Comfortable/casual clothing for classes and most scheduled events
Swimwear
Blanket or beach towel to sit on for outdoor movie night
Alarm clock
Spending money, if desired (bookstore, evening snacks, Knoebels trip)
Health Services
While there aren’t any campus health center services available for the Summer Pre-College Programs participants, program staff will have first aid kits for minor scrapes and scratches.
Should a program participant need any emergency attention, local hospitals, Med Express and Care Centers are readily available. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately to discuss options and insurance arrangements.
The Medical Form is a crucial part of any medical or emergency procedure and must be returned before the start of the program for the student to be considered fully registered.
Cars on Campus
If a student drives to campus for any of the Summer Pre-College Programs, the Office of Event Management will hold the keys to the vehicle from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning.
Leaving Campus
Program participants are not permitted to leave campus unless the activity is part of the program’s schedule and they are accompanied by student counselors or program directors.
Violation of this or any other regulation established by the “Principles of Student Conduct” will forfeit a student’s participation in the program.
Cell Phones (please note)
Students may have access to their cell phones with the exception of the following times: classroom and instruction sessions and guest speaker presentations, at which time cell phones must be put in silent mode or turned off. If you must reach your student during these times, please contact the Office of Event Management at 570–372–4354.
Mail
Families can send mail to participants at the following address:
Office of Event Management Music Institute Susquehanna University 514 University Ave. Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Phone Numbers
To reach students on campus, please call:
Office of Event Management 570–372–4354 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m.
University’s Main Switchboard 570–374–0101 (ask for the Office of Event Management) 8 a.m.–5 p.m. — Monday through Friday
Susquehanna University Campus Safety Office 570–372–4444 or 4428 (anytime)
The Final Day (Saturday) – Final Concert and Check-Out
Program participants will present a final concert on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Concert Location: Stretansky Concert Hall.
Parents/family members are encouraged to attend the concert on Saturday.
Directions to the concert hall will be available when families register on Sunday afternoon.
Students will check out immediately after the final concert on Saturday and must return rooms keys and meal tags at that time.
Event Management staff will be available at the residence halls to facilitate-check out and collect keys, meal fobs etc.
Available Schedules
Parents and students will receive a copy of the program’s week-long schedule during check-in.
Prepare and record a solo selection that demonstrates the highest level and quality of your playing/singing. This could be an excerpt from a significant concerto or sonata movement; an etude from a standard etude book; an art song, vocal solo or aria.
Video links will be accepted via the online application form or by emailing musicdept@susqu.edu.
** On the day of arrival, students will meet privately with faculty to perform a brief audition to determine seating placement within ensembles and chamber groups.
As of March 31, 2022, Susquehanna University strongly recommends its overnight guests be up to date with the COVID-19 vaccination by the time they arrive on campus.
Susquehanna requires Summer Pre-College Program participants to test for COVID-19 within 72 hours of the first day of camp or upon arrival to campus with a test provided by Susquehanna. Participants must follow masking protocols that may be in effect at the time of the camp.
If you have questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccination recommendation, email Michelle Harman at summerprograms@susqu.edu or call 570-372-4451.
*Participant safety is our highest priority. Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel Summer Pre-College Programs, if necessary, in order to comply with local, state, and federal guidelines and recommendations and reserves the right to change course based on circumstances.
The $875 comprehensive fee includes housing in a modern residence hall setting; breakfast, lunch and dinner in the university’s dining hall; choral music and classroom materials; and campus social activities
Must be registered by June 27
Scholarships
Scholarships are available based on financial need and academic performance. No full-tuition scholarships are available.
Need Based Aid: A letter from your guidance counselor, indicating your eligibility for free/reduced lunch or other measure(s) of financial need, is for scholarship consideration.
Musical Talent: Prepare and record a solo, then submit a video link via the online application form or by emailing musicdept@susqu.edu.
Deadlines
All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.
Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel any Summer Pre-College Program. If Susquehanna University cancels the program you are registered for, you will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the start of the program will be refunded in full.
Refunds will not be provided for cancellations received fewer than 10 days prior to the program
Early departures for reasons including but not limited to homesickness, parental request, and failure to follow the program’s principles of conduct are not eligible for refund
Refund requests may be submitted for early departures due to unforeseeable circumstances such as death in the immediate family or serious illness. Refunds will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis.