Summer Strings Camp
School is out for the summer! But, have you ever wished that while you don’t have to go to class, that you could keep going with string orchestra? Well, now you can! Montgomery County Community College is offering a Summer Strings Camp for middle level and intermediate age string instrumentalists with prior experience playing violin, viola, 'cello, or double bass. Those who will be in grades 6-10 during the 2025-2026 school year can participate in this camp, where you will keep your string skills going from the school year, while also getting the opportunity to play new and exciting music that will further strengthen your abilities as a string instrumentalist, as well as teach and refine appropriate string techniques, and of course meet new people!
During camp, we will rehearse string orchestra music together as an entire ensemble as well as in chamber groups. At the end of the camp, we will have a Concluding Recital at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, where family and friends are welcome to see all the progress that we have made during the week!
| Camp Details |
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Montco Contact/Camp Director: Youth Engagement Program Manager and Shawn Lee ([email protected])
Total Cost: Estimated $300 Grades: 6 to 10 (during the 2025-26 academic year) Location: Montco Cultural Center, Blue Bell Campus Dates: Monday, July 14th- Friday, July 18th, 2025 Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon daily Population: Co-ed, entering 6th grade-entering 10th grade Required Forms For more information, please contact Shawn Lee at [email protected]. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What will be my child's schedule?
Mon–Thurs:
| Time | activity |
|---|---|
| 7:50–8 a.m. | Arrival/Instrument Preparation Time/Independent Practice |
| 8–8:30 a.m. | Tuning/Warm-Up |
| 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Orchestra rehearsal #1 |
| 9:30–10:10 a.m. | Opening Activities/T-R- Chamber Groups |
| 10:10–10:30 a.m. | Break/Snack (Campers will need to provide their own light snack) |
| 10:30–11 a.m. | Sectionals |
| 11–11:10 a.m. | Transition Back to Ensemble/Break |
| 11:10 a.m. – Noon | Orchestra Rehearsal 2 |
| Noon | Departure |
Friday:
| Time | activity |
|---|---|
| 7:50–8 a.m. | Arrival/Instrument Preparation Time/Independent Practice |
| 8–8:30 a.m. | Tuning/Warm-Up |
| 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Orchestra Rehearsal |
| 9:30–9:50 a.m. | Chamber Groups |
| 9:50–10 a.m. | Set for Performance Run |
| 10–10:30 a.m. | Performance Run |
| 10:30–11 a.m. | Break/Prepare for Performance/Re-tune |
| 11 a.m – Noon | Concluding Recital |
| Noon | Departure |
What should I pack for my child?
- Please pack your camper snacks and a water bottle.
- Instruments
- Music (provided by the camp)
- Pencil
- Prescribed EpiPens and inhalers
Do not bring:
- Electronics (phones, iPads, gaming devices)
- Valuables (jewelry, toys)
Where should my child be dropped off?
What time can I drop my child off?
What qualifications does your camp instructor possess?
Shawn Lee, Adjunct Professor of Strings at MCCC, will be leading the camp. In addition to being the Founder and Director of MCCC's Summer Strings Camp, Professor Lee is the Director of String Ensemble and Instructor of Violin and Viola at MCCC, as well as Director of Orchestras and K-12 Performing Arts District Coordinator for the Phoenixville Area School District. He also serves as President-Elect of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12.
Professional highlights include:
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Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania
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Master of Music Education and Instrumental Conducting, The Hartt School, University of Hartford
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Kodály Level III Certified Teacher
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Pit Orchestra Conductor at Phoenixville and was a previous Pit Orchestra Conductor at Millersville University.
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Recipient of the Harold W. and Miriam W. Shaar String Award
- Previous staff member at "Keep it Going" Summer Strings Camp of Westminster Conservatory at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ
- Serves as the Artistic Director of Phoenixville's Summer Orchestra Camp
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Much more!