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Summer Music Camp

Knoxville Symphony Youth Ensembles’ Summer Music Camp offers a fun, engaging environment where students build ensemble skills, explore elective classes, and experience the joy of making music together. The camp focuses on strengthening each student’s musicianship through thoughtful instruction in ensemble technique and collaborative performance.

Open to orchestra, band, and choir students from beginning through advanced levels, participants are placed in ensembles based on musical experience. Our goal is to foster a supportive, healthy learning environment where growth and effective learning take priority over seating or placement.

2026 Summer Music Camp – “Once Upon a Time”

June 8-12, 2026

Applications are now open!

Sponsored by

STRING ENSEMBLES

PRELUDE

An introduction to orchestral playing, ideal for beginner students or those with limited ensemble experience. This ensemble offers a supportive first step into orchestral music-making and is recommended for new students planning to audition for the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras in the fall.

  • Average age: 6–12.
  • Open to string students with a basic understanding of instrument setup, posture, and technique.
  • Students should have introductory note-reading and rhythm skills and a minimum of one year of private instruction.
  • Camp Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9:00-11:30 and Fri: 9:00-4:30

 

OVERTURE

Designed for students with some orchestral experience, Overture provides an opportunity to strengthen ensemble skills while learning new repertoire. Recommended for new and returning students auditioning for the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras in the fall.

  • Average age: 9–14.
  • Open to string students with solid setup, posture, and technique, and fluency in note-reading and rhythm.
  • A minimum of one year of orchestral experience is required.
  • Camp Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9:00-11:30 and Fri: 9:00-4:30

 

INTERMEZZO

A performance-focused ensemble for experienced students ready to work at a higher musical level. Intermezzo is recommended for returning students auditioning for the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras in the fall.

  • Average age: 11–16.
  • Open to students who excel in note-reading and rhythm, are comfortable with shifting, and have experience using vibrato.
  • Participants typically study privately on a weekly basis.
  • A minimum of three years of orchestral experience is required.
  • Camp Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9:45-12:45 and Fri: 9:00-4:30

 

FINALE

The most advanced string ensemble, Finale offers students the opportunity to perform challenging repertoire at a high artistic level alongside University of Tennessee students, KSYO alumni, KSO musicians, and staff. Recommended for students auditioning for the most advanced KSO youth ensembles in the fall.

  • Average age: 14–18 (minimum age 12).
  • Open to advanced string students demonstrating a mature, controlled tone, accuracy in higher positions, off-string bowings, and vibrato.
  • Students must be enrolled in weekly private lessons; private instructors may be contacted for reference.
  • Auditions may be required, as enrollment is limited.
  • A minimum of five years of orchestral experience is required.
  • Camp Hours: Mon-Thurs: 1:00-3:45 and Fri: 10:00-4:30

 

WIND ENSEMBLES

CONCERT WINDS

Open to woodwind, brass, and percussion students developing technique in note-reading, rhythm, and style. An excellent introduction for students interested in joining the Knoxville Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble in the fall. Minimum of one year of ensemble experience and/or private lessons recommended.

  • Camp Hours: Mon-Thurs: 9:45-12:45 and Fri: 9:30-4:30

 

SYMPHONIC WINDS

Designed for woodwind, brass, and percussion students with established technique and musical fluency. Students receive advanced training from musicians of Appalachia: A Southeastern Wind Symphony and are encouraged to consider auditioning for the Knoxville Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble in the fall. A minimum of three years of ensemble experience and/or private lessons is recommended.

  • Camp Hours: Mon-Thurs: 1:00-3:45 and Fri: 10:00-4:30

 

CHORAL ENSEMBLE

CHOIR

Open to students in grades 4–8 who are interested in developing choral and ensemble skills—no prior experience required. This ensemble provides young singers with a supportive environment to build musicianship, confidence, and a foundation for future participation in the Knoxville Symphony Youth Choir.

  • Camp Hours: Mon-Thurs: 1:00-3:30 and Fri: 10:00-1:00

 

QUESTIONS/MORE INFORMATION:

Kathy Hart, KSYO Manager and Conductor/Summer Music Camp Manager
Email Kathy Hart | 865-680-8125

Maddie Helbling, KSO Director of Education and Community Partnerships
Email Maddie Helbling | 865-521-2305