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 2020, they may register without auditioning for the Orchestra program). In this case, a placement audition will be required by May 1st, 2021.
To learn more about the Symphony Orchestra Program, click here.
For High School Students Only.
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.
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 for arts supplements, prescreening, and college/conservatory auditions – Includes breakout session to begin composing individual repertoire lists, pairing to school audition requirements.
Tips on the audition process ahead of “Mock Audition Day” – Includes breakout session to rehearse the process.
Each student will participate in a “mock audition” and receive feedback from our panel of judges.
Receive audition assessments from Gloria dePasquale, Cello, The Philadelphia Orchestra. Learn how to improve for upcoming college and conservatory auditions.
Tips and instruction on how to record your best video audition by recording engineer (and classical musician), Alexsei Alexandrov – Includes breakout session for each student to record short excerpt.
Tips and instruction on how to best display your accomplishments – Includes breakout session to begin composing resume and repertoire lists.
Time for reflections and Question & Answer period with Gloria dePasquale of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
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
*Additional fees apply for Chamber Music Program.
Students in all PIMF summer music programs have three attendance options:
Please note that the Extended Day Camp fee includes both lunch and dinner. The Day Camp fee includes lunch only.
There are three orchestra programs at PIMF: Our Senior Program (designed for student musicians ages 14-19), our Young Artists’ Program (for students ages 11 – 13), and our Junior Symphony program (for students ages 8 – 10). These programs are attended regularly by students from throughout the U.S. and around the world. 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:
Flute | Oboe | Clarinet | Bassoon | Horn | Trumpet | Trombone | Tuba | Violin | Viola | Cello | Double Bass
Auditions Will Determine:
Two-Week Resident Fee: $3650
Attending Orchestra Camp as a Commuter:
Two-Week Commuter Fee (8:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.): $3000
Attending Orchestra Camp as an Extended-Day Commuter:
Two-Week Extended-Day Commuter Fee (8:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.): $3250
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.
Are all PIMF summer programs held in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania?
Although some of our year-round programming is facilitated on other sites, ALL orchestra camp programs are held on the estate-like grounds of Bryn Mawr College, (named by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the 30 most beautiful college campuses in the U.S.).
What if in-person events are restricted next summer due to COVID-19?
PIMF conducted a very successful online summer camp program in 2020. We are prepared to switch to online programming at any time, if necessary (we do not, however, expect this to be the case).
If PIMF switches to an online platform and I do not care to participate in an online program, would I receive a full refund?
Yes, all funds paid will be refunded, less a $100 non-refundable deposit.
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. Our Orchestra 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 Orchestra 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.
Is chamber music included in the Summer Orchestra Program?
Chamber music is an available afternoon option for all summer music camp programs at PIMF (click here for fees and additional information).
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 5:30pm. All festival orchestras perform at every Grand Finale.
"I have been to PIMF for two years now and it’s an incredible place to be. I’m always so inspired even months after I’ve attended and I continue to enjoy uncovering the new things that I can learn there. Can’t wait for next year!”
- Megan F., 2018
"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
"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
"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
“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