Exploring the Colors of Music
We’re looking forward to performing live with you this summer! Cultivate your musicianship skills and connect your passion for performing with a side-by side experience with sought-after international performing artists. We’re excited to announce that Ani Kalayjian and Ella Heifets will be Co-artistic directing String Sectionals for 2025. Both directors have worked with String Society each summer since its inception.
New to Summer 2025, String Society is opening auditions for Woodwind Sectionals (Flute & Clarinet Only*). Woodwind Sectionals will be directed by Jared Newlen. Jared Newlen works throughout the school year at Dwight Englewood providing private lessons and directing the Lower School band.
Our instrumentalists will immerse themselves in technique boot camps, chamber orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, conducting, sight reading, & tango music workshops, and private lessons as well as yoga and athletics. Participants will have the opportunity to share a solo piece in the performance class and gain insights into various musical topics in the seminar workshop. The week will culminate in the Grand Finale Concert on Friday, June 28, which will feature the students and faculty performing various chamber orchestra pieces and is open to family and friends.
How to Audition for String Society 2025
Step One: Audition
Auditions are required to participate in String Society. This year auditions are open to the following: violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, flutists, & clarinetists between ages 10-18. Live Auditions set for Friday, April 11 at 3:30 pm in Hajjar Auditorium. Video Auditions may be submitted through June 1, 2025 and sent to de360info@d-e.org.
String Audition Requirements: scale (2-3 octaves), arpeggio (2-3 octaves), and solo piece (piano accompaniment not required).
Woodwind Audition Requirements: scale (1-2 octaves) and solo excerpt (piano accompaniment not required).
Students must complete an online application and make a non-refundable deposit.
Step Two: Registration
After completing the Audition Process, String Society Directors will review each submission, provide feedback, and enlist performers. We will reach out to each instrumentalist and provide them with their acceptance status. If accepted, our Team will formally register you/your child to the program and you will be required complete payment.
“Although I learned technique and style, I learned other things that are beyond basic sheet music. I learned to better collaborate with others to make a piece of music sound united. I learned to communicate and work as a team to deliver one musical idea, as opposed to 30 different interpretations.”
– Connie (String Student)
“To be surrounded for a week with people who have the same passion for music is a gift. Thank you so much for sharing your passion and talent with the kids. It was truly a remarkable learning experience.”
– April (Parent of a Student)
“The experience was great. Throughout my many years of playing violin, I had mainly only played classical pieces. Playing modern pieces like Libertango was a breath of fresh air.“