Participants in Cannon Music Camp’s String Program have a variety of opportunities to pursue their interest in performance, both individually and as a member of a chamber ensemble, as well as in large ensemble settings.  The faculty, made up of both ASU and visiting artists, provide all instruction and training.   Campers also have the added benefit of coaching sessions, master classes, open rehearsals, and a culminating “side-by-side concert” with the North Carolina Symphony.

    Daily activities for string students include:

    Large Ensembles - Students are placed by audition into the Symphony Orchestra and either the String or Chamber Orchestra (when offered).  Each ensemble meets daily and perform regularly throughout the camp season.

    Music Theory - All Cannon Camp participants study the forms and structure of music at one of four levels, as determined by placement test administered at the beginning of the camp session.

    Chamber Ensembles - Each string student is placed into a trio or quartet for small ensemble exposure to both chamber literature and performance.  These ensembles meet a minimum of twice weekly and are coached by the CMC string faculty.

Additionally, all string principals receive a one-hour weekly private lesson.  They also participate in a weekly masterclass.  An Honors String Quartet is formed, representing the highest placing students, and performs frequently during the camp session.

    Symphony Orchestra - rehearses daily and performs twice during the camp session, with the latter concert usually being a combined, “side-by-side” performance with the North Carolina Symphony. This ensemble performs standard repertoire and often has the opportunity to accompany guest artists in performance.  Previous artists have included:  The Dallas Brass, Vincent DiMartino, Ricardo Morales, and Dr. Allen Kindt.

    String Orchestra - rehearses daily and performs once during the camp session.  Performing repertoire without the symphonic compliment of winds and percussion, this ensemble focuses on the continued development of ensemble playing and string sonorities.