2025 Chamber Music Camp Schedule

Interlochen Adult Chamber Music Week Theme

“Playfully Present: Musical Wit & Whimsy”

The fanciful theme for 2025 at the Interlochen Adult Chamber Music Camp is Playfully Present: Musical Wit & Whimsy. Developing good instrumental skills as players requires some determination, commitment and a good deal of work. Equally important though is adopting a non-judgmental attitude allowing us to risk a playfulness! This outlook encourages a calmer, more creative mind setting, which in turn facilitates greater technical and musical freedom. Composers too benefit from an unworried, free mind when producing their original ideas. Some seek this through the inspiration of nature, literary stories, or by learning about other, unfamiliar musical traditions. It is the expression of humor, however, that seems universal in its ability to release the unique creative personality of each composer or performing artist, providing a most entertaining way to intelligently connect with the listener. Jokes, games and play time are welcome at any age. Throughout the week, we will explore the rich varieties of humor and how that fundamental animal trait bonds us and spurs us to engage in the witty repartee so well suited to the conversational aspect of the chamber music medium. Be surprised, delighted, and encouraged by a week when jocular spirits prevail!

Please note: Schedule is subject to change.

Monday, August 11, 2025

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Friday, August 15, 2025

Saturday, August 16, 2025

*Participants electing these options must form their own groups and must make scheduling and payment arrangements on their own with faculty members for coaching.

NOTE: Coaching fees are set by individual faculty/per hour and are paid directly to the coach.

Chamber Music Camp Program Definitions

Organized Chamber Music Groups: Coaching with Faculty

Participants may choose one of the following tracks for the Organized Chamber Music Groups that will be coached by faculty:

• “Horizons,” our traditional organized ensemble experience with exposure to a variety of repertoire and ensemble pairings. Please note: There is a "minimal skill set" required for placement in the organized ensembles*. Individuals will be placed in groups with others of like abilities and interests for the first two days with the option then of requesting personnel, repertoire and coaches for their groups for the rest of the week. The only exception for the first two days of the program would be requested groups who will perform on the first Chamber Music Master Classes on Tuesday or Wednesday.

• “Polestar,” a more intensive study experience allowing a group to focus on a more limited amount of repertoire covered in greater detail. “Polestar” is only for pre-formed groups and those individuals who wish to work with one group consisting of the same people for the entire week in a more intense exploration and refining of a piece.

*Minimal Skill Set: Players should be confident note readers, be able to sight read at an intermediate level and have the ability play a part independently while part of a larger group. (Note for returning participants: Participants who do not meet the minimum skill set have already been notified by the Artistic Director. If you have not received such a notification, you will continue to be placed in ensembles as usual).

Luthier and Bow Specialist Visit - Monday, August 11, 2025

Mark Braunstein of MBstrings.com will bring a few select instruments and bows for registrants to examine, trial and purchase. Dylan Kole will be able to do minor repairs, adjustments and bow rehairs. If you have specific needs for equipment or service, please contact Mark and Dylan  several weeks in advance to help them plan as best as possible.

Mark Braunstein - markb11158@gmail.com

Dylan Kole (bow rehairs) - Chicagoluthiercoop@gmail.com

Large Conducted Reading Ensembles:

This first session of the morning makes for a bracing, energizing way to begin your musical day! The two string ensembles provide both a truly advanced repertoire challenge and an intermediate level alternative led by faculty. This daily course offers historical performance practice, pithy anecdotes, and practical advice on the way to a satisfying and edifying reading with multiple players on a part. The Wind Ensemble focuses on preparation for the popular evening pre-concert Bear Serenade performances. These reading ensembles for strings are optional and participants may choose to participate in either of these daily courses.

Lectures & Conversations:

This series will feature Adult Chamber Music Camp faculty and guest artists covering in-depth topics related to chamber music, interpretation, composers, and pedagogy. Through a variety of performance-related subjects, these sessions can augment your general knowledge of and approaches to music making. The lively format will be conversational in tone and invite questions and comments from the participants.

Chamber Master Class Intensive:

From the classical Greek “a convivial party with music and conversation," this symposium is a festive gathering of people to observe the coaching process of individual group performances toward a more polished, compelling, and successful result. Through guided active listening and illustrative examples, audience members are invited to engage in the creative endeavor; promoting positive interaction between performer, coach and audience. Everything is on the table!

Piano Four, Six, Eight Hand Coaching :

This class will focus on the coaching of participants in the piano four, six and eight hands repertoire.

Piano Chamber Music Master Class:

During this group class, participants will have the opportunity to perform various genres of the piano chamber music literature for their peers while gaining valuable insights and encouraging advice from the piano faculty.

Chamber Music Concert Series:

Interlochen College of Creative Arts and the Adult Chamber Music Camp faculty invite you to join us for the Chamber Music Concert Series which features exciting evening performances of beloved classics and new repertoire. These evening performances are free and open to the public.  

Bear and Rose Garden Serenades: Participant Wind Performances

The Bear and Rose Garden Serenades are a beloved pre-concert chamber music performance tradition, with a decidedly “pop up” vibe! Presented primarily by wind participants, the informal Bear and Rose Garden Serenades offer some of the most charming repertoire written for winds, from duos to double wind quintets.  

Participant Performances

In addition to the nightly Bear and Rose Garden Serenades and the numerous master classes throughout the week, Saturday afternoon features two informal, celebratory participant concerts in the Chapel. A fitting culmination of a full, rich week, these performance opportunities showcase a spirit of collaboration and music-making—not perfection—in a low-key, supportive environment. A variety of instrumental groups demonstrate how our eclectic community can convene with one shared purpose.

Additional Information

Registration Check-in for New and Returning Participants

• New Chamber Music Camp participants will meet for a New Participant Orientation at 10:30am on Monday, August 11 in the Music Center, Rehearsal Room 1008.  Rehearsal Room 1008 is on the main level.  
• Returning Chamber Music Camp participants: Registration check-in for Adult Chamber Music Camp will be held from Noon-2pm on Monday, August 11 in the lobby of the Music Center.  The Music Center Lobby is on the East side of the building closest to the Dendrinos Chapel.  (Please do not check in early unless you are a new participant).
• Opening Reception: Join fellow Chamber Music Campers at an opening reception in the Music Center - Room 1008 from 2:00-3:00pm for light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.  

NOTE: Hotel/On-Campus Lodging - Check-in time is 4:00PM

Instrument Check-In Times and Locations

For your convenience and to avoid cluttering public areas, instrument check-ins will be available during meals and concerts. Check-ins held in Corson and the Chapel will be supervised by an Interlochen representative. During lunch, please leave your instrument in the designated area outside of the Culver dining room. Times and locations are as follows:

Any instruments left after the designated closing time of an instrument check-in will be relocated to a secure location for safekeeping. Instruments left after lunch check-ins can be retrieved from the Stone Hotel desk; instruments left after concerts can be picked up at the Mallory-Towsley building.

*Practice Studio Information for Early Morning and Late Night Playing

The following practice rooms are available to enhance your camp experience. Please make sure that your practice room is tidy and that all windows and doors are closed before leaving. Please do not remove music stands from other practice rooms; use your own portable music stand if your practice room does not have one or if more stands are required.

*Please Note: The Stone Student Center basement has been renovated into office space and is unavailable to ICCA programs.  

Individual Practice Rooms:

There are only two chairs and two stands per residence hall basement practice room.  

Campus Information

Interlochen Phone and Website Directory

If calling from a cell phone, please dial 231.276. and the following 4-digit extension:

7200 Switchboard

7570 Lodging - interlochen.org/lodging

7220 Health Services

7575 Campus Safety

7303 Transportation

7420 Academic Library - library.interlochen.org

7230 Music Library - library.interlochen.org

7800 Box Office - tickets.interlochen.org

7242 IT Help Desk - help.interlochen.org

7387 College of Creative Arts

Parking

Parking is permitted only in parking lots or other designated parking areas. Except for hotel guests, overnight parking is not permitted in lots A, B and O.

Lodging on Campus (interlochen.org/lodging) Book online at interlochen.org/lodging, or call 231.276.7570.

Airport Transportation

At this time, Interlochen Center for the Arts’ Transportation Office is unable to provide transportation to/from the airport.  The following transportation companies may be available for ground transportation. As many businesses are currently short staffed, it is recommended to schedule ground transportation in advance.

• About Time Transportation - (989) 773-0709
• Lakeshore Shuttles and Tours - (231) 399-0231
• Odawa Country Club Taxis - (231) 946-2222  
• Sunset Premier Shuttle -  (231) 497-1182
• Up North Taxi - (231) 499-0269

Interlochen Public Radio and Tickets

Interested in listening to Interlochen Public Radio? Tune your dial to 88.7 FM for Classical IPR, 91.5 FM for News, or go online to ipr.interlochen.org. Want to know what concerts are coming up? Visit tickets.interlochen.org for a full list of upcoming events.

Wireless

Instructions are the same for Macs and PCs as well as many other personal devices used to access the Internet.

1. Connect your computer to the “Interlochen” wireless network. NOTE: You may see other available networks used for testing, or phone connectivity – you can ignore those networks.
2. Once you are connected to the network, launch whatever Web browser you use to access the Internet (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, etc.)
3. If the page does not load automatically, attempt to browse to a website (www.bing.com for example). This will send you to the registration page.
4. Find the “Summer Guests” section of the page and click the “START” button.
5. At the next page you will be asked to enter your name, phone number and reason for visiting Interlochen. Note: By registering your computer you are agreeing to abide by the Interlochen Acceptable Use Policy. If you would like to read the contents of the policy, you can click the link on the page.
6. Your computer will register and you will see a “Registration Success!” page appear. Please note that it may take up to ten minutes for your computer to be able to access the Internet and a restart may be necessary.

Need help? Contact the Interlochen IT Tech Help Desk at 231.276.7242 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Fennell Music Library

Music Library Hours during Adult Chamber Music Camp:

The Bonisteel Library houses both an academic library, located on the upper floor, and a music library, located on the lower level. The music library has over 100,000 items in its collection including scores, performance materials and sound recordings. Schedule subject to change; check with the library for updated hours.

Mailroom

The Interlochen Center for the Arts campus mailroom will be open limited hours during the week of Adult Chamber Music Camp. In addition, the Interlochen public post office is located one mile north of campus at 9508 9th St in the village of Interlochen.

Scholarshop    shop.interlochen.org

The Scholarshop carries gifts, clothing and food, printed sheet music, reeds and instrument accessories. Scholarshop purchases help fund the scholarship program at Interlochen Center for the Arts. 

HARASSMENT POLICY

Interlochen is committed to providing a learning and working environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including sexual harassment.  Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s gender, race, color, national origin, age, marital status, religion, disability unrelated to the person’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated. Harassment includes easily identified acts of verbal, written or physical abuse, and more subtle, but equally damaging forms of harassment, such as graffiti, epithets and stereotypical remarks, insults or “humor.”  Sexual harassment includes unwelcome and unsolicited sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment also includes Quid Pro Quo: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute quid pro quo when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment and, or (2) submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting an individual.