Wind Ensemble Institute

After careful consideration, we have decided it’s best to cancel this in-person program scheduled for this summer. This was a very hard choice to make, but we think it’s the best decision, given the current situations all around the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Full refunds will be given in the coming days. Please feel free to contact Michelle Harman if you have any questions surrounding this cancellation.

While our in-person programs are cancelled, we are still running our online Summer Session for-credit courses which include languages, communication, and science courses with lab credits just to name a few. Click here to view our Summer Session offerings.

Stay well and know that we appreciate your interest in Susquehanna University.

Join us from June 21–27, 2020

If you love band, this program is for you!

We invite gifted woodwind, brass and percussion players to campus for an exciting residential program that focuses on chamber music and symphonic wind ensemble performance. Students work with Director of Bands Eric L. Hinton, Ph.D., HonFRBC, as well as other expert Susquehanna faculty members.

Students entering grades 9-12 are invited to register. Selection is competitive. Students may audition on one of the instruments:

Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone
Trumpet
Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion (must audition on two of the following: timpani, snare drum or mallet percussion)

Join our intensive weeklong program to:

Polish your technique in private lessons with expert faculty.
Improve your musicianship playing in chamber groups.
Expand your musical knowledge through master classes and nightly seminars.
Meet and practice with other talented students who share your passion for music.
Prepare for all-state auditions, solo festivals and college auditions.

The institute is a great musical experience regardless of your future academic plans!

Costs

Before May 1: $750
After May 1: $850

This includes housing in a modern residence hall setting; breakfast, lunch and dinner in the university's dining hall; sheet music and classroom materials; and campus social activities

Scholarships

Scholarships are available based on financial need and musical performance. No full-tuition scholarships are available.

A letter from your guidance counselor, indicating your eligibility for free/reduced lunch or other measure(s) of financial need, is required for scholarship consideration.

Deadlines

All registrations must be submitted no later than June 7.

A non-refundable $150 deposit is due at registration. Balance is due 14 days prior to starting camp.

All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.

Audition Material

Students who are interested in auditioning for the Wind Ensemble Institute should prepare and record the solo being used for the district band audition in your area or some equivalent solo piece (i.e. two excerpts from contrasting sections of a significant concerto or sonata movement) or an etude from a standard etude book. In addition, the applicant should prepare and record the scales for their instrument as prescribed below.

Audition Instructions

Major scales
Play each scale starting on the written pitch (not concert pitch). Tongue up the scale and slur down the scale as the example shows. Use the rhythm shown unless you have been working on extended scales with your director or private teacher. Refer to the scale page link for rhythm, tempo marking and scales required for each instrument.

Chromatic scale
Play as triplets. Tongue up the scale and slur down the scale as the example shows. Use the rhythm shown. Refer to the scale page link for rhythm, range and tempo marking required for each instrument.

How To Record Your Video Audition

Please read and follow these instructions carefully!

1. At the beginning of your audition, say the following: "My name is ___________________________. I go to _____________________ High School in (City)________________, (State)__________. I play the (instrument)_________________.
2. Perform the scales in the order they are listed and as close to the metronome markings as possible. End with the chromatic scale if required. Announce each scale before you play it. For example, you would say, "G major scale." Then you would play the G major scale.
3. Following the scales, play the District Band solo (or equivalent solo) for your instrument. Try to observe metronome markings as best you can.
4. Listen to your completed recordings before submitting them. Incomplete auditions will be disqualified!

Scales

"I can't recommend this Institute enough. Dr. Eric Hinton has arranged the perfect camp for young musicians who aspire to learn and improve, but also want to have fun. The faculty is absolutely outstanding as both performers and educators. Hands down the best musical experience of my life so far."

"I have gained experiences and friends that will last forever in my life. The influence from the prestige of this music program can only progress with future years to come!"

"The Institute was a wonderful experience. Not only did I learn many musical skills, I also had a fun time and made a lot of friends. It was a very friendly atmosphere and by the end of the week all of the students seemed like family. I am very happy I chose to go to the Institute and I am excited to go next summer as well."

"It was easily the highlight of my summer: it's a chance to play great music with a crowd of other talented musicians from all over. Plus, it's just so much fun."

"The experience was so awesome. It was like we were all just one big, loving family! It was a small group, so I felt like I really mattered in the band and that every part was important! The experience enabled me to make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime!"