Last update:
02/25/2008

Frequently Asked Questions

I am going to graduate from high school this year, can I apply for the college program?

Yes.  However, preference may be given to those who will be 18 by the start of the program.  Also, if you wish to be considered for the high school program if not accepted as a college participant, please submit a high school application as well.  Both applications should include separate recordings, though they may be duplicates, and they may be mailed together.  Please keep in mind that the college program is very competitive.

What is the application fee?  Should I send my application via express mail?

The application fee for College Participants is $10.  There is no application fee for high school applicants.  Your application must be postmarked by the due date, it is not necessary to pay for express mail.

Can I arrange my own housing?

All College participants are expected to stay in the dorm on campus.  High school participants may arrange your own housing if you have friends or family in the area or coming to the area, please let us know your plans.

Where will I stay if I am not a commuter for the high school program?

Out-of-commuting distance and out-of-state high school students will be housed with host families.

What is the daily schedule going to be?

The schedule for the week changes slightly every year, but the basic daily routine will be as follows:

Breakfast
Brass Ensemble Rehearsal The group will divide into separate brass ensembles for rehearsal.
Lunch
Group Sessions  The individual instrumental groups will separate for masterclasses/coachings with their respective faculty member.  Students will have the opportunity to play for the faculty, discuss topics, and perform with the group (ie trombone choir, trumpet choir, orchestral rep...)
Large Group Masterclass  The entire group will meet for a group masterclass with one of the faculty members.  Each faculty member will choose a topic of general interest to brass players.
Dinner
Private Lessons  College Participants will receive two private lessons during the week.  High School students will receive one.
Evening Recital/Concert  We will have a Faculty Recital, a Chamber Music Recital, the Mark Woolman Horner Memorial Concert, and an outdoor concert on the Village Green.  All performances will take place in the Bar Harbor community.

We will also arrange free time and excursions to see Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.

Is scholarship money available?

There is no financial aid available to assist with transportation expenses or for high school tuition and expenses.

I hate making audition tapes, can I get around this?

All College applicants are required to make an audition tape or CD.  We encourage all high school applicants to do the same.  If you have participated in previous years, or special arrangements have been made with the faculty or staff, this requirement may be waived for high school participants only.

I play euphonium, can I apply?

We do not set aside a position specifically for a euphonium player.  Euphonium players who wish to apply as a college participant must also play tenor trombone, or tuba.  Since we only select one bass trombone, we would prefer not to have the bass trombonist double on euphonium.  Include in your audition recording the repertoire required for tenor trombone or tuba, and add samples of solo euphonium.  We usually select just three tenor trombonists and two tubas.  Whether or not a euphonium player is selected will be determined by repertoire needs and doubling skills.  If the player is outstanding on euphonium and acceptable on their other instrument, he or she may be selected above a more capable trombonist or tuba player.

High School euphonium players may apply just on euphonium or on both euphonium and trombone.  Selected high school euphonium players will not be required to play trombone.