Orchestra Summit
July 7–13, 2024
Susquehanna University presents an exclusive summer performance opportunity tailored for high school string musicians. This residential program places orchestral performance in the foreground, while also offering a distinctive cross-cultural experience. Delegates from schools and youth ensembles will join to perform a diverse concert program. The week will culminate with a tour of the Washington, D.C., area.
Students entering grades 9–12 are invited to register. Selection is competitive and determined based on a nomination from a music teacher.
Students may participate on one of these instruments:
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Bass
Highlights
Join our intensive weeklong program to:
- Be free from distractions as you totally immerse yourself in music.
- Perform a variety of exciting works for string orchestra.
- Gain experience as a member of a “touring” ensemble.
- Take part in meaningful, cross-cultural sessions with delegates from various regions.
- Expand your musical knowledge through master classes and seminars.
- Build valuable connections with peers and professional musicians who share your passion for music.
- Acquire transferable skills: independence, creativity, problem-solving and teamwork in a musical setting.
- Gain insight into college music opportunities for both majors and non-majors alike.
The institute is a great musical experience regardless of your future academic plans!
Check-In at SU
Sunday, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Degenstein Campus Center, Mellon Lounge
Things to Bring
- Toiletry Items
- Pillow
-
Blanket (if desired)
Linens, including sheets, a pillowcase, a thin blanket and towels will be provided. -
Snacks, drinks (if desired)
There is access to a small kitchenette with mini fridge, sink and microwave. - Blanket or beach towel to sit on for outdoor movie night
- Casual clothing for classes and most scheduled events
- Tennis rackets, frisbees, etc. (if you enjoy playing)
- Writing folder/tablet, pens, pencils
- Alarm clock
- Spending money (for bookstore, Knoebels trip, etc. – if desired)
Items specific to the Orchestra Summit:
- Instrument (Secure instrument storage is available.)
- Large Instruments may be available for student use.
- Method/etude music or solo repertoire for use in lessons. Ensemble music will be provided.
- Refillable water bottle
-
Concert Attire – all black
Suggestions: Three-quarter or long-sleeved shirt, full-length pants, knee-length or longer skirt, closed-toed shoes.
Health Services
While there aren’t any campus health center services available for the Summer Pre-College Programs participants, program staff will have first aid kits for minor scrapes and scratches.
Should a program participant need any emergency attention, local hospitals and Care Centers are readily available. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately to discuss options and insurance arrangements.
The Medical Form is a crucial part of any medical or emergency procedure and must be returned before the start of the program for the student to be considered fully registered.
Cars on Campus
If a student drives to campus for any of the Summer Pre-College Programs, the Event Management Office will hold the keys to the vehicle from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning.
Leaving Campus
- Program participants are not permitted to leave campus unless the activity is part of the program’s schedule, and they are accompanied by student counselors or program directors.
- Violation of this or any other regulation established by the “Principles of Student Conduct” will forfeit a student’s participation in the program.
Cell Phones (please note)
Students may have access to their cell phones except for the following times: classroom and instruction sessions and guest speaker presentations, at which time cell phones must be put in silent mode or turned off. If you must reach your student during these times, please contact the Event Management Office at 570-372-4354.
Families can send mail to participants at the following address:
Event Management Office
Orchestra Summit
Susquehanna University
1858 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Phone Numbers
To reach students on campus, please call:
-
Event Management Office
570-372-4354
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1–5 p.m. -
University’s Main Switchboard
570-374-0101 (ask for the Event Management Office)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. -
Susquehanna University Campus Safety
570-372-4444 or 4428 (anytime)
The Final Day: Saturday – Final Concert and Check-Out
Family/Guest Lunch, Final Concert and Check-Out
- Lunch, hosted by the faculty of the sponsoring academic department, will be provided following the final concert for participants and their family members.
- Parents/family members are encouraged to participate in both events on Saturday and should make reservations for lunch by indicating how many guests will attend on the registration form.
-
Program participants will present their final concert on Saturday from 11 a.m.
Presentation Location: Stretansky Concert Hall - Directions to the concert hall will be available at check-in on Sunday afternoon.
- Students will check out from their rooms immediately after the final concert on Saturday and must return room keys and meal tags at that time.
- Event Management staff will be available at the residence halls to facilitate check-out and collect keys, meal fobs, etc.
Available Schedules
- Parents and students will receive a copy of the program’s week-long schedule during check-in.
Maps and Directions
151 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.
Maps and Directions
520 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.
Maps and Directions
520 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.
Maps and Directions
520 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.
*Participant safety is our highest priority. Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel Summer Pre-College Programs, if necessary, to comply with local, state, and federal guidelines and recommendations and reserves the right to change course based on circumstances.
Required Forms
- Medical and Conduct Forms (PDF, Full Packet)
-
Nomination from a music teacher
The $875 comprehensive fee includes room, meals and all program materials.
Must register by June 24.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available based on financial need and performance. No full-tuition scholarships are available.
A letter from your guidance counselor, indicating your eligibility for free/reduced lunch or other measure(s) of financial need, is required for need-based scholarship consideration.
Optional: Video Audition for talent scholarship
- Prepare and record a solo selection that demonstrates the highest level and quality of your playing/singing. This could be an excerpt from a concerto or sonata movement; an etude from a standard etude book; an art song, vocal solo or aria.
- Video links will be accepted via the online registration form or by emailing musicdept@aprender-a-bailar.com.
Deadlines
All registrations must be submitted no later than June 24.
All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.
Summer Pre-College Programs Cancellation & Refund Policy
- Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel any Summer Pre-College Program. If Susquehanna University cancels the program you are registered for, you will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the start of the program will be refunded in full.
- Refunds will not be provided for cancellations received fewer than 10 days prior to the program.
- Early departures for reasons including but not limited to homesickness, parental request and failure to follow the program’s principles of conduct are not eligible for refund.
- Refund requests may be submitted for early departures due to unforeseeable circumstances such as death in the immediate family or serious illness. Refunds will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis
Dr. Zachary Levi is the orchestra director and conductor at Susquehanna University, as well as cello teacher and music education professor. Dr. Levi’s conducting posts have included the Assistant of Newark (DE) Symphony and the Allegro Chamber Orchestra of Lancaster, music director of the York College Orchestra and Center Stage Opera in Harrisburg. He is also the director of the Allegretto Orchestra, which is the top tier ensemble of Allegro’s Youth Orchestra Program. Dr. Levi has remained active performing as a member of the York Symphony, Allegro Chamber Orchestra, Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra and other various performance engagements.
Dr. Jennifer Sacher Wiley has been the violin professor at Susquehanna University since 1997. She is concertmaster of the Susquehanna Valley Chorale Orchestra and a substitute violinist with the York Symphony Orchestra. She also serves as music director and conductor of the West Shore Symphony Orchestra in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Dr. Wiley has appeared as a featured soloist with the Central Pennsylvania Orchestra, the Des Moines Symphony, the Williamsport Symphony and the Penn Central Wind Band. She holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, the New England Conservatory and the University of Minnesota.