The orchestral program is a vital part of the Sewanee experience. SSMF maintains two full orchestras. Each rehearses daily and performs a program of challenging repertoire every week. In addition, the Festival Orchestra, comprised of faculty and our most advanced students, performs up to three times during the summer.

Sewanee Symphony

The Sewanee Symphony, for our most advanced students, is a pre-professional ensemble introducing students to the real world of orchestra life. Some of the most demanding orchestral repertoire, along with exciting new works, is led by renowned weekly guest conductors.

Cumberland Orchestra

The Cumberland Orchestra performs a broad range of standard and new symphonic repertoire. This orchestra provides training in the skills necessary for successful orchestra musicians—ensemble, intonation development, rhythmic precision.

Orchestral assignments are made by the faculty each week and are based on ongoing assessments of students’ strengths, educational needs, and the repertoire. Our program is highly individualized, assuring that every student gains needed experience in a variety of roles within the orchestra.

Chamber music is at the heart of our program and, more than anything, sets the Sewanee experience apart. We know that the study and performance of chamber music often does more to shape the musical lives of our students than any other experience. It is in the intense laboratory of the chamber ensemble that students become mature musicians, integrating their individual part and their own musical personality into a unified whole. From duos to small chamber orchestras, string quartets and wind quintets, the unique skills developed through chamber music are found nowhere else.

Every Sewanee student receives several chamber music assignments, working frequently with a faculty coach. At the end of the week ensembles perform for the camp on Student Chamber Music night and Saturday afternoon concerts in the Guerry Garth, a beautiful outdoor cloister near the main quadrangle of campus. “Making Garth” is a mark of distinction for young artists and a motivator for their work each week. Students take advantage of many other performing opportunities.

Through our Chamber Music Program, students learn to prepare works on a timeline, to perform confidently and comfortably, and, of course, to enjoy and learn from the performances of others.

All students receive a weekly private lesson with one of our artist-faculty members. Faculty members work closely with their studios, and master classes are frequent.

Student practice takes place during unscheduled morning and afternoon hours. Dorm rooms are the usual practice space, with other rooms around campus available as needed. Students work with their teachers to set expectations about practice appropriate for their age and ability level.

Students are invited to apply to Sewanee as an ensemble. Ensembles selected for this program will work together for the entire summer and prepare special recital performances, in addition to participating in regular SSMF activities. The following ensembles are accepted:

• String quartets
• Piano quartets
• Wind or brass quartets
• Other ensembles, as approved

Scholarship award: $2,000 per student, with the possibility of additional aid to meet exceptional need.

Duties: Students should expect 4 – 8 hours weekly of extra duties, such as assisting faculty with sectionals and studio classes, working with students needing extra help and performing at community engagement events.

To apply as an ensemble, indicate this in your application for admission. Each member of the Ensemble must also apply as an individual to SSMF in their specific discipline.

Read more: Advanced Chamber Ensemble Scholarship Program

Breakfast

8 am               Yoga, Tai Chi, stretching, or studio warm-up

9 – 11 am         Cumberland Orchestra rehearsal

9:30 am           Sewanee Symphony rehearsal

Lunch

1 – 3 pm           Chamber ensemble coaching and rehearsal

3 – 5 pm           Practice time, lessons, studio classes, special classes; recreation & relaxation

Dinner

Evening           Concerts, rehearsals, or social activities

While our daily schedule is packed with activity, we make sure to take time out for fun. One day each week is set aside for relaxation, with an optional field trip for hiking, caving, or swimming. Our Director of Residential Life plans many small activities: early morning trail runs, dorm movie nights, water balloon fights, ultimate Frisbee, and other special events our students request.

The 2016 schedule will be similar to the 2015 schedule. You can view the 2015 schedule on ssmf2015.sched.org.

Extra-curricular classes are presented during the Festival and cover a wide range of topics. Classes for 2015 may include some of the following, as well as others based on student interest and faculty expertise:
- Physical Health and Injury Avoidance
- Channeling Performance Anxiety into Focused Energy
- Business Skills
- Composition, including use of ProTools, Finale, and other music software
- Conducting
- Audition preparation
- Career possibilities in a changing musical landscape