Summer String Institute 2026
The National Philharmonic’s Summer String Institute 2026 is a two-week intensive educational program designed for string players in grades 2 through 12. Running in two sessions—July 20–24 and July 27–31—the institute immerses young musicians in a comprehensive musical experience that includes private lessons, chamber music coaching, and three levels of orchestra performance. Led by SSI Director Dr. Kimia Hesabi, the program brings together world-class staff and educators from the Montgomery County Public School system, offering extra-musical enrichment such as music theory and instrument-specific technique classes. Each week culminates in two public concerts: a Chamber Music Showcase on Thursday at 4:00 PM and a String Orchestra Concert on Friday at 4:30 PM.
Name: Summer String Institute 2026
Venue: River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
Dates: Two sessions: Week 1 – Monday, July 20 to Friday, July 24; Week 2 – Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, 2026
Schedule: Monday through Friday. Earliest drop-off at 8:30 AM, latest drop-off by 9:00 AM. Camp day ends at 5:00 PM, with latest pick-up at 5:30 PM.
Showtimes (Concerts): Chamber Music Showcase on Thursdays at 4:00 PM; String Orchestra Concert on Fridays at 4:30 PM
Daily Sample Schedule: Drop-off 9:00 AM; Class 1 (e.g., skills classes, sectionals, or music theory) 9:30–10:20 AM; 10-minute break; Class 2 (String Orchestra Rehearsal) 10:30 AM–1:10 PM; 30-minute lunch break; Class 3 (e.g., chamber music, private lessons, workshops) 1:40–2:30 PM; 10-minute break; Class 4 (e.g., workshops or private lessons) 2:40–3:30 PM; 5-minute transition; Class 5 (e.g., workshops, chamber music, instrument-specific coaching) 3:35–4:20 PM; 5-minute transition; Class 6 (e.g., workshops, sectionals, partner practice) 4:25–5:00 PM; Pick-up 5:00 PM (latest 5:30 PM). All classes and workshops are 50 minutes except orchestra rehearsal (3 hours). Weekly private lessons, daily orchestra rehearsals, daily chamber music rehearsals, and multiple chamber coaching sessions per week are included.
Lineup (Conductors & Faculty): Week 1 Conductor – Andrea Cameron; Week 2 Conductor – Katherine Smolen; Conductors for both weeks – Michelle Cammarata and Tzu-Ching Tai. Faculty includes Jennifer Shannon (violin, chamber music), Kerry Van-Lanen (cello, chamber music), Dr. Elizabeth Adams (violin, chamber music, skills seminar). Additional faculty to be announced.
Ages/Grades: Open to students in grades 2–12.
Orchestra Levels: Multiple levels available – Amati (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass), Guarneri (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass), Stradivari (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass). Audition requirements and excerpts are provided per instrument and level.
Tuition & Fees: Price not publicly listed. A $100 application fee is required and does not apply toward tuition. Discounts are available for Montgomery County Public School students and children of Federal workers. Financial assistance information is available by contacting SSI Director Dr. Kimia Hesabi. Qualifying students may apply for a scholarship through the DC Federation of Musicians.
Internship/Volunteering: Students in grades 9–12 can apply for internship or volunteer opportunities, assisting with setup, cleanup, administrative tasks, and mentorship. Contact the SSI Director for more information.
Accessibility: Not specified in the provided text; contact the National Philharmonic for accessibility inquiries.
Note: Applications for Summer String Institute 2026 have closed. For questions, contact SSI Director Dr. Kimia Hesabi.