College Audition Preparation Program

While still participating in PIMF’s flagship Symphony Orchestra program, students will benefit from an informative daily College Audition Preparation Seminar led by renowned educator Gloria dePasquale. All students will be required to prepare for (and participate in) mid-festival mock auditions as well!

Note: Alumni may bypass the audition process if attending the same program (i.e. if a student attended the Orchestra program in 2023, they may register without auditioning for the 2024 Orchestra program). 

To learn more about the Symphony Orchestra Program, click here.

For High School Students Only.

Daily Seminar Schedule Typically Includes:

Handling Adrenaline

Tips on getting over those audition nerves, led by Michelle Basile, Director, PIMF Piano Studies Program and former conductor at the Governor’s School of Virginia.

Program Overview

Specifics on how to combine academic interests with music; how to find and apply to colleges and conservatories; leveraging your musical accomplishment for selective entrance and/or scholarship; explanation of degree offerings.

Selecting Audition Repertoire

Selecting audition repertoire for arts supplements, prescreening, and college/conservatory auditions – Includes breakout session to begin composing individual repertoire lists, pairing to school audition requirements.

Mock Audition Preparation

Tips on the audition process ahead of “Mock Audition Day” – Includes breakout session to rehearse the process.

Mock Audition Day

Each student will participate in a “mock audition” and receive feedback from our panel of judges.

Audition Assessments

Receive audition assessments from Gloria dePasquale, Cello, The Philadelphia Orchestra. Learn how to improve for upcoming college and conservatory auditions.

Resume Writing

Tips and instruction on how to best display your accomplishments – Includes breakout session to begin composing resume and repertoire lists.

Wrap Up

Time for reflections and Question & Answer period with Gloria dePasquale of The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Program Director: Gloria dePasquale

Gloria dePasquale joined The Philadelphia Orchestra’s cello section in 1977 at the invitation of Eugene Ormandy. Prior to that she served as associate principal cello of the Buffalo Philharmonic under Michael Tilson Thomas and was also a substitute player for the Boston Symphony and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Born in Evansville, Indiana, Mrs. dePasquale credits the public school music program of her home town for her introduction to the cello. She graduated with honors with both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston…Read more

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- Megan F., 2018

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"Awesome - my daughter’s playing improved with the high level of music instruction. She also met quite a few kid musicians from all over the world that she’s been keeping contact with. I really loved the focus on practicing. She will be returning next year!”

- James M., 2018

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"Our son loves PIMF and improves his level of play and repertoire for percussion. He loves the experience and time with friends in the dorms. He is going into his fourth summer in 2019. Thank you PIMF!”

- Jeff D., 2018

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"So excited for this upcoming year!"

"The 2019 PIMF season will be my 3rd year at this camp and I absolutely love it!! Working with the members of the Philadelphia Orchestra has made me learn and grow so much and being able to work with other musicians my age is so much fun! I am so excited for this upcoming year and many years of PIMF!!!!”

- Kate F., 2018

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“Our children love this camp so much. This is their fourth season, and I'm sure we will be back next year. What they learned this year was just amazing. The atmosphere is not only professional, it's fun! They come home inspired by all they see and set new goals for their playing. The staff are always so courteous and helpful. The Philadelphia Orchestra teachers are always the best. Thank you for all your hard work.”

- Jean F., 2019

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