Overview

The Intermediate Wind Symphony is an advanced ensemble designed for wind and percussion musicians between the 6th and 9th grades. The ensemble stresses musical awareness while challenging the technical proficiency at an age and skill appropriate level. Instrumentalists at this age level learn from an excellent faculty specializing in musical development. Students enjoy the benefit of a full ensemble as well as sectional and chamber music opportunities.

The Intermediate Symphony Orchestra and the Intermediate Concert Orchestra are advanced training orchestras for young musicians between the 6th and 9th grades. This program familiarizes the young artist with significant repertoire while emphasizing quality, personal growth and especially the joy of ensemble playing. A world-renowned faculty conducts the ensembles, leads sectionals, coaches chamber music, and instructs private lessons.

Wind and percussion students will be accepted into either the Orchestra or Wind Symphony based on their audition at the time of application. Seating placement within the specific ensembles will be determined by audition at the beginning of camp.

Program Details

• Daily rehearsal in a three-period block, which also includes sectionals twice a week.
• One additional period of ensemble music each day, where students may participate in chamber music, choir or jazz band. Students should indicate their preference as an elective option during enrollment. (Participation in jazz ensemble requires an audition at the beginning of camp.)
• Weekly private lessons are given and students have dedicated practice time on the days opposite their lessons.
• Two additional electives

Audition requirements

Ensemble placement will be determined based upon the application for admission and entrance audition.

Applicants should complete the following steps:

• Record two solo works of contrasting style on a CD or DVD. There is no required repertoire for intermediate applicants but the audition should demonstrate the applicant's overall ability. Piano accompaniment is preferred, but not required. Percussionists should present a demonstration of skills on snare drum, mallet instruments and timpani.
• Submit the audition and label the recording and its casing with the applicant's full name, instrument, presented repertoire and "Intermediate Division."

Concerto Competition

Each summer, Interlochen offers a separate Concerto Competition for the Intermediate Division. The contest is open to band, orchestra, piano and voice students who are attending all six weeks. The Concerto Competition is highly competitive; only the most advanced students should enter. Winners will perform their concerto with the Interlochen Philharmonic. The preliminary round of the Concerto Competition requires that students prepare a video-taped performance on VHS or DVD format. No other formats can be accepted. Finalists will be selected based on the preliminary round and will compete during the first week of camp. Competition details and application procedures will be posted online in January 2009. Please note that the deadline to submit an application and video entry to the competition is May 1, 2009. Those selected to proceed to the concerto finals will be notified in writing by June 15.