Youth Ensemble Summer
Chamber Music Camp
Sunday August 17 to Saturday August 23, 2025
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Are you looking for a Summer Camp that will be both educational and fun?
Are you a violin, viola, cello or piano student who enjoys making music with others?
For both experienced and inexperienced students, chamber music is an excellent opportunity to explore new repertoire and make music with friends. You will be matched with like-levelled players and all music will be sent out before the camp (for you to learn before you attend), allowing you to focus your camp week on making music and making connections.
Are you at the right level of playing to enjoy the camp?
Students who study either RCM, ABRSM, Suzuki or similar systems of methodology with strong reading skills will benefit from this camp. All students will have an opportunity to participate in either the large orchestral ensemble or an all piano ensemble. We will match you with students at similar levels and choose music that is appropriate for your playing level. Daily coaching and masterclasses will ensure you are ready for the final performance day.
What do I need to do to prepare for the camp?
All students are expected to practice their parts and know the notes BEFORE the first day of camp. Coming to camp well prepared will help you fit into your ensemble and show your fellow musicians and the instructors that you care. Additional lessons (for a fee) are available with camp instructors to help you prepare, if you need assistance.
What kind of attitude works well at YES camp?
A ‘YES’ attitude is a positive one! All students are expected to respect the instructors and the other musicians at the camp. You will bring an ‘I can’ attitude from the first day, and as a result, it will be a fantastic week of learning and friendships.
Where does YES Chamber Music Camp take place?
YES takes place in Victoria, BC in the classrooms at the UVic School of Music.
All concerts and masterclasses take place in the Phillip T Young Recital Hall.
Join some of the best Chamber Musicians and Music Teachers that Vancouver Island has to offer for 7 days of amazing encounters in this chamber music intensive.
Junior Level Camp runs mornings, parallel to the advanced camp for 6 days (Monday to Saturday) with a final concert on Saturday afternoon!
Sunday August 17 to Saturday August 23, 2025
- Students will have the opportunity to participate in multiple chamber ensembles with daily coaching, masterclasses, chamber orchestra, composition opportunities and a final concert all in one week.
- Junior Level ages 7-13 Violin, Viola & Cello students RCM/SUZUKI levels 2-5 with strong reading knowledge.
- Intermediate to Advanced Violin, Viola, Cello & Piano students ages 10-18 are encouraged to apply. RCM level 6-ARCT.
- Now accepting auditions/applications from students in Violin/Viola/Cello (RCM 2 – ARCT) and Piano (RCM 8 – ARCT). Video auditions via YouTube accepted (see application form).
- Limited space for 4 Junior Level Ensembles (16 students) and 6 Intermediate/Senior Level ensembles (24-30 students in trios, quartets and quintets). All students will be matched in ensembles with like-levelled players based on their audition recording, once they have been accepted.
- Each Student will be given a personalized schedule for the week.
- Tuition Fees Include: All daily activity/instruction plus a final performance opportunity. For both Junior & Senior Level, there is rehearsal time available on the Saturday morning before the concert. Each student receives 2 tickets to the final Saturday afternoon performance at the Phillip T Young Recital Hall. Additional tickets can be purchased for $10 each.
Here are some SAMPLE** Camp Schedules:
**Junior level is half-day and Senior Level is FULL day plus extra events in the evenings.
Some of the evening events will be available to Junior Level for a fee.
Junior YES Schedule:
8:45am-9:00am Arrival
9:00am Daily Ensemble Meetings & Group Warm Up
9:30am Ensemble #1
10:20am Snack break
10:40am Ensemble #2
11:30am Composition
12:30pm END OF DAY
Senior YES Schedule:
9:00am Individual Practice/Ensemble Practice (practice rooms available)
10:00am Group & Organization Meeting
10:20am Orchestra Ensemble
11:20am Break
11:30am Ensemble # 1
12:30pm LUNCH or Composition
1:30pm Ensemble #2 or Composition
3:30pm Composition or Ensemble #2
4:30pm End of day (Practice rooms available)
Special Group events
(These events are included in the Senior Camp fee. Junior campers can attend for a fee, check with Director for additional fee schedule)
BBQ and/or Pizza Party
Ice Cream Sundae Party
Movie Night
Faculty Concert
**Camp schedule will be confirmed in early July.