Summer Chamber Music Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
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General Program Information
I’ve never played chamber music before—can I still apply?
Yes, we encourage students who have not performed chamber music before to apply, and those who are experienced chamber musicians to explore expression and style at an even higher level.
What ages do you accept?
We accept ages 12 – 93.
Do you have age specific sessions? (i.e. adults only or children only)
At this time, all of our summer sessions are diverse in age, nationality, and playing level.
What playing levels do you accept for the Summer Chamber Music Workshop?
In order to be comfortable playing the chamber music repertoire, it is best that students are at least a beginning-to-intermediate playing level and have a basic technical understanding of their instrument. The chamber ensembles are coached with the expectation that students arrive with their music assignments prepared and ready to rehearse. Individual instruction is not possible during group rehearsal, but many of our faculty will coach students at other times.
Can I receive private lessons while I am at Apple Hill?
Private lessons are not a part of our program, but often a member of our faculty will be happy to arrange lessons with you while you are here. There will be a separate fee for this, to be negotiated between you and the faculty member with whom you will be taking lessons. We are happy to initiate correspondence with a faculty member for this purpose prior to the summer workshop.
As an adult, do I have to complete a physical examination/immunization form?
Because we are an international summer program, it is imperative that all participants be up-to-date on their immunizations and boosters. New Hampshire state law requires that ALL participants have a current (no older than three years) physical and immunization form on file.
May I borrow or rent an instrument?
Apple Hill does not have instrumental rental arrangements, but we can recommend places to rent them from. If it is local, we may be able to arrange pick up and drop off of rental instruments, but will need adequate notice in order to do this.
May I UPS or mail my bedding or instrument early?
Yes, you can send packages to arrive no earlier than the Monday before your session. Our ground delivery address is:
Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music
410 Apple Hill Road
Nelson, NH 03475
Packages sent through U.S. mail should be addressed to:
Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music
P.O. Box 217
Sullivan, NH 03445-0217
May I leave campus on the session day off?
You may also leave campus on the day off, Wednesday, if you return on Wednesday evening or by your first ensemble rehearsal on Thursday. Participants under the age of 18 must be with their parents or have parental consent to leave campus unsupervised at any time.
May I bring my computer and cell phone?
We encourage students under the age of 18 to not bring computers, cell phones, or handheld games, and to be prepared to focus on their music performance skills and community building. Apple Hill does not take responsibility for lost or stolen personal items. If you bring your cell phone, it is our strong policy that they are turned off completely during rehearsals, meal times, announcements, and group activities.
Application Procedure
How do I apply?
You may apply through our
online application form or
print an application and mail it to Apple Hill. You may also call 603-847-3371 and request that a paper application be sent to you. We recommend that you apply early, as space is limited. You may send your audition recording separately. If you apply before October 31, the application fee is waived.
What should be included in the audition recording, and how is it used to make music assignments?
Participants are assigned music and chamber groups according to playing ability, not age. Your audition recording is required to make the most accurate groupings and music assignments for your playing level. Technical aspects such as sense of rhythm and pitch and how well you listen will be considered in making the assignment. The recording should be about 3-5 minutes long, and you should be accompanied by another musician (this may be a pianist).
Do I need to send in an audition recording if I am a returning participant?
If you are a student and still taking lessons on your instrument, or you have not been to Apple Hill for more than one year, you should submit a new audition recording.
When will I know if I’m accepted?
Once we have received your completed application form, scholarship form (if applicable), audition recording, and any fees due, we can begin processing your application for acceptance. You should hear back from us in two weeks if you have been accepted. Once you are accepted, you must submit a $500 non-refundable deposit in order to secure you place and receive a music assignment. If you do not hear from us within two weeks, call to be sure your application was received.
If I apply early, am I guaranteed to get into the session of my choice?
We are not able to guarantee session assignments, but the earlier you complete the application process, including submission of the audition recording, the better your chances. We begin receiving applications for the following summer as early as September.
Music Assignments
How do music requests work?
We love receiving music requests and do our very best to accommodate them if they are appropriate for your playing level. However, we cannot guarantee such accommodation.
How many chamber music assignments will I have, and how soon will I know what they are?
Every participant receives at least two chamber music assignments. On rare occasions, some participants may receive more depending on the needs of the groups. Music assignments are completed by April 18, and they will be posted on our website as well as mailed to you with other information about the summer program. Once you have your assignment, it is your responsibility to purchase your music and begin practicing. All music must be learned before you arrive at Apple Hill.
Where can I get my music?
Check with your local library, college, or university. If they do not have your music, they may be able to request it through interlibrary loan. Apple Hill purchases music primarily through Educational Music Services. Here is the link to their website:
http://www.emsmusic.com.
Which music edition should I order?
We can work from most popular editions. Barenreiter and Henle editions are our preference when available, but these are expensive and can take a long time to order. It is best to email the other musicians in your group to see what edition they choose to work from. You can also consult your teacher.
Where can I find the email addresses for musicians in my music groups?
Housing
May my spouse, parent, or children stay with me in a cabin at Apple Hill?
At this time, Apple Hill has adequate housing only for musicians, faculty, and summer staff participating in the workshop session. We are located near Keene, New Hampshire, which has
hotels and Bed and Breakfasts. Your family may also find lodging through our off-campus housing program. We welcome your family members to apply for the session as well! Because of our
Playing for Peace™ mission, we work very hard to foster community and would like everyone on campus to be involved in music making!
How does the housing work for students under the age of 18?
Each session we have the Program Director, 1 Music Director, 3 Camp Directors, and 9 Counselors who supervise and stay in cabins with minors according to age and gender.
Travel: Arrival and Departure
Is there anything I need to know before booking a flight to Apple Hill?
If you are traveling from afar, it is best to make arrangements to arrive the Thursday afternoon or evening before the Friday start date of your session, in order to be available for the Friday registration between 2-5pm and the first communal dinner at 6.30 on Friday evening.
How do I get from the airport to Apple Hill?
You can book Thomas Transportation (603-352-5550) in Keene, NH to drive you from the airport to Keene, or rent a car and drive. At this time, Apple Hill is not staffed adequately to provide or coordinate transportation from the airports to our campus.
What time do I need to be there? When does the session end?
Each session begins on Friday, with registration between 2-5 pm and our first community dinner at 6.30. The sessions end on the final Sunday at 5pm.
May I arrive early or stay an extra day for travel reasons?
If you are traveling by plane to Apple Hill, it is best to arrive on the Thursday before your session and depart on the Monday morning after the session ends. Sessions begin on Friday, with registration between 2-5pm and a community dinner at 6.30.
I am staying for two sessions and would like to travel during the bridge. Am I allowed to do this?
If your music assignments for the following session are prepared, you are free to travel from Monday morning to no later than Friday morning of the next session. You will need to make all travel arrangements. We are not staffed to provide transportation to airports and trains for this purpose.
May I leave the workshop session a day early?
In order to leave the session early, you must have permission from the Music Director.
Performances
When are the participant final performances?
At the end of every session, there are two opportunities for students/participants to perform if they feel they would like to. The two times we would like you to invite family and friends are on the final Saturday evening at 7.30pm and on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
Visitors
May I have guests on campus?
At this time, Apple Hill can only provide housing for summer staff, faculty, and participants. Additional family members will need to make alternative lodging arrangements in Keene (located about 15 minutes from AH). Apple Hill can sometimes accommodate overnight guests if there is cabin space available, at a fee of $40 a night. Meal costs are separate. Such arrangements must be made separately and with adequate notice to the Program Director.
May my parent, sibling, or partner hang out during the session to watch?
The residential workshops are only available for enrolled participants. Your family is welcome to visit during our first Friday dinner of the session, and may join us for meals on the final weekend workshop performances on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
Summer Job Opportunities
How can I become a Camp Director or Counselor Worker?
We would love to consider you for either of these roles. Camp Directors must be at least 25 years of age, previous Apple Hill participants, and experienced musicians. Counselor Workers should be at least 18 years of age (those staying in cabins should be 21 or older), previous Apple Hill participants, and experienced musicians. Please speak to the Program Director during your session if you are interested and meet the age requirement.
Forms and Extended Information
2008 Emergency Contact Form (pdf)
2008 Photo Permission Form (pdf)
2008 Physical Examination Form (pdf)
Area Restaurants and Lodging (pdf)
Packing List (pdf)
