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 2024, they may register without auditioning for the 2025 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
Highlights
Session Dates
Sample Schedule
Audition Information
Fees & Payment Options
FAQ
Highlights
- Two private lessons with members of our world class faculty (additional private lessons available for purchase in most orchestra camp weeks)
- Master Classes with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra
- Faculty concerts featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra
- Daily orchestra rehearsals
- Daily private practice, with limited practice coach availability
- Solo performance hours with faculty accompanist
- Concerto Competition – winners perform as soloists with the New York Sessions Symphony or another regional orchestra
- Ear Training, Choir, Music Theory, and other music education class electives
- Optional Chamber Music Program (additional fee applies)
- Each summer orchestra camp session concludes with a gala Grand Finale Concert featuring all PIMF orchestras
- Swimming, volleyball, basketball and more during free time
- Exciting evening activities and presentations; previous festivals have included private presentations by such renowned performers as Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman
Ample Solo Performance Opportunities include:
Solo Performance Hours, Concerto Competition, College Mock Auditions, and more.
Session Dates
Two-Week Pre-College Program Dates – July 12 – 25, 2025
Attendance Options
Students in all PIMF summer music programs have three attendance options:
- Resident Camper (residing on campus throughout the duration of the session)
- Extended Day Camper (8:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily)
- Day Camper (8:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. daily).
Please note that the Extended Day Camp fee includes both lunch and dinner. The Day Camp fee includes lunch only.
Sample Schedule
Orchestra Camp Sample Schedule
| 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: | Full Festival Meeting |
| 9:45 a.m. -12:00 p.m.: | Orchestra Rehearsal |
| 12:00 p.m.: | Lunch |
| 12:50 – 1:50 p.m.: | Private Practice |
| 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.: | Daily College Audition Preparation Seminar |
| 3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.: | Private Practice, Chamber Music Program*, or Sports |
| 5:30 p.m.: | Dinner (Day Campers Dismissed) |
| 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: | Evening Student Concerts and Faculty Recitals featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Master Classes, Competitions, Off-Campus trips to Philadelphia Orchestra concert(s), Movie Night, and more! |
Audition Information
Auditions are required for acceptance to all PIMF programs. Please do not register online until your official acceptance letter has been received via email. Acceptance is on a rolling basis and spaces are limited. Early registration is highly recommended, as once all orchestra levels are filled to capacity, certain instruments will no longer be accepted and applicants will be put on a waiting list.
Audition Requirements for PIMF Orchestra Camp Programs:
- 5-10 minutes of current, well-prepared solo repertoire.
- Performances may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
- For students desiring to place in higher level ensembles, we recommend that audition recordings include two contrasting pieces.
- Please include scales appropriate to your instrument. Examples below:
Flute | Oboe | Clarinet | Bassoon | Horn | Trumpet | Trombone | Tuba | Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass
Auditions Will Determine:
- Program Acceptance
- Ensemble Placement
- Chamber Music Placement
- Master Class Invitations
- Private Instructor (in some cases)
Fees & Payment Options
Attending College Audition Preparation Program as a Resident Student:
Two-Week Resident Fee: $4300
Attending College Audition Preparation Program as a Commuter:
Two-Week Commuter Fee (8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.): $3650
Attending College Audition Preparation Program as an Extended-Day Commuter:
Two-Week Extended-Day Commuter Fee (8:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.): $3900
Please note that the Extended-Day commuter fee includes both lunch and dinner. The “8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.” commuter fee includes lunch only.
Automated three, six, and nine-month interest-free payment plans available. Simply choose your desired option at check-out.
FAQ
Do you provide transportation options to/from the PIMF summer programs?
Yes, we do! Please phone our office for more details or to schedule a pickup.
Is it necessary to submit audition materials for the College Audition Preparation program prior to registering?
Yes. All PIMF programs are by-audition-only. Please wait until receipt of your official acceptance letter before registering.
When is the audition deadline?
Acceptance is on a rolling basis and spaces are limited. Early registration is highly recommended, as once all orchestra levels are filled to capacity, certain instruments will no longer be accepted and applicants will be put on a waiting list.
Is there any required audition repertoire for the College Audition Camp?
There is no specific required audition repertoire. Please go to the “Audition Information” tab for additional information.
How do I submit my audition materials?
PIMF uses the online portal Acceptd for all auditions. For detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, click here and choose “How to Upload Your Audition File” at the bottom of the page.
What if I need technical help with submitting my online audition materials?
Please feel free to contact our Operations Director at jacob.heil@pimf.org , or contact Acceptd support directly.
What is the last date I can register for the PIMF summer music programs?
Early registration is highly recommended as enrollment is limited. Once the program is filled to capacity, students are placed on a waiting list.
Do you provide rentals if my airline cannot accommodate my instrument?
Yes. Many musicians (international students in particular) request information regarding cello and bass rentals. Please phone our Administrative Offices at: 856-875-6816 and we would be happy to assist you in securing a rental instrument.
Are there any final concerts that friends and family can attend?
The Grand Finale concerts for all Orchestra Camp Programs are held on the last day of each session. If attending the first week of any session, Grand Finales are held on Friday morning at 11:30am. If attending a two-week session (or the second week in any session), Grand Finales are held on Friday evening at 4:00pm. All festival orchestras perform at every Grand Finale.
