Overview
The STEP Birmingham Chamber Music Workshop is open to violin, viola, and cello students of all ages and levels and aims to foster camaraderie, communication, and beauty through quality music making. This year, STEP welcomes back the Bayberry String Quartet as featured teaching artists with additional faculty including improvisor Melanie Rodgers and Feldenkreis instructor Margaret Pittenger. Workshop activities include chamber coachings, electives, a performance by the BSQ, and a final concert featuring all participants.
Date: March 10 - 12, 2023
Place: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Hulsey Center, 950 13th Street South, 35205
Registration deadline: January 9, 2023
Before the Workshop
Participants should practice and learn their parts to the best of their abilities. Listen to multiple recordings of the piece. If you need assistance finding recordings, contact STEP.
What to Bring
Instrument, bow, case, pencil, individual part AND score in a folder. Cello players should bring an endpin strap as well as a chair if the participant does not use a standard folding-sized chair.
Schedule
Participants will receive individual schedules at check-in.
Here's a tentative schedule:
Friday, March 10, 2023
4:00 - 4:40pm Check-in
4:40 - 5:00pm Introductory meeting
5:00 - 6:00pm Concert by the Bayberry String Quartet
6:00 - 7:00pm Classes (younger participants may be done by 6:30)
Saturday, March 11, 2023
10:00am - 4:30pm Classes (one-hour lunch break 12:30 - 1:30)
Sunday, March 12, 2023
1:00 - 4:00pm Classes
4:00 - 5:00pm Final concert featuring workshop participants
At the Workshop
Participants will receive coachings (i.e. lessons with their group on their pieces) as well as a variety of enrichment classes. Most participants have a one-hour break at some point, and some older groups have scheduled rehearsal time on their own. Parents are not required to stay, though younger participants may benefit from having an adult help them find their rooms.
Meals
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Participants are responsible for all other meals
Questions?
For questions about workshop registration and billing, contact Troy Bast at (205) 440-3611 or info@stepbirmingham.com. For questions about the music and workshop schedule, contact Laura Usiskin at (847) 650-9250 or lusiskin@gmail.com. During workshop hours, there will be someone available on the first floor of Hulsey to answer questions. If no one is available, and/or in case of an emergency, contact Troy Bast at (205) 440-3611.