College Audition Preparation Program

• 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

Orchestra Camp Session Dates:

July Session

• Two-Week Pre-College Program Dates – July 17 – July 30, 2021

Orchestra Camp Sample Schedule

• 8:45 – 9:30 a.m.: Full Festival Meeting (including orchestra camp participants, PIMF staff, and all other music camp participants)
• 9:45 – 12:00: Orchestra Rehearsal
• 12:00 p.m.: Lunch
• 12:50 – 1:50: Private Practice
• 2:00 – 3:00: Daily College Audition Preparation Seminar
• 3:15 – 5:15: Private Practice, Chamber Music Program*, Sports, or Drama
• 5:30 p.m.: Dinner (Resident & Extended Day Campers only)
• 7:00 – 9:00: Evening Events (Student Concerts, Faculty Recitals featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Master Classes, Competitions, Off-Campus trips to Philadelphia Orchestra concert(s), Talent Show, Movie Night, and more!)

*Additional fees apply for Chamber Music Program.

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.

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:

• 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
• Masterclass Invitations
• Private Instructor (in some cases)

Attending Orchestra Camp as a Resident Student:

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.

Automated three, six, and nine-month interest-free payment plans available. Simply choose your desired option at check-out.

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.