The Quartet Program at Bucknell

June 26 - August 12

Solo and chamber music performance and study

"A mecca for young quartet players" (Michael Tree)

"A Most important and unique learning opportunity" (Itzhak Perlman)

"Best Program of its kind... A training ground for lifemanship" (Yo-Yo Ma)

"Such a level of expertise and repertoire taht was unknown 25 years ago" (Joseph Silverstein)

Cirriculum

THE QUARTET PROGRAM, in its 30th season, develops both individual and ensemble skills and explores group dynamics, with at least 3 hours quartet reherarsl & 3 hours solo practice scheduled daily.

SOLO:

EACH 7-WEEK PARTICIPANT SELECTS FROM SOLO REPERTORY STUDIED AT QP 1 WORK (UP TO 15 MINUTES), ENTIRELY LEARNED AT THE PROGRAM, TO BE PERORMED IN A PUBLIC CONCERT AT BUCKNELL HALL, PREVIEWED WHEN POSSIBLE AT AN OFF CAMPUS VENUE. THERE IS COMPARABLE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE 3-WEEK PARTICIPANT.
There are 2 1/2 lessons the 1st 3 weeks & 2 1/2 lessons the last 3 weeks. The 4th week features duo coaching and audits with Charles Reiner and 1 lesson.
The privet teacher is available for daily extra practice help.
Every 7-week participant is taught/helped by both QP teachers of his/her instrument.
3 pianist with extensive accompanying experience are granted full scholarships.
Mr. Reiner coaches each 7-week participant on a 2nd solo work (not the performed one).

Quartet

EACH PARTICIPANT IS PLACED IN A STRING QUARTET WHICH PERFORMS A COMPLETE WORK EVERY 3 WEEKS AT BUCKNELL HALL PRECEDED BY AN OFF-CAMPUS TRYOUT.
There are 9 hours of coaching on each work.
The quartet, by the 2nd performance, is expected to be able to project its own ideas as well as those of the several coaches, taking responsibility for difficult interpretative decisions.
Each participant takes part in a weekly sight-reading session organized by the Director.

Recreation

Buckness has excellent recreational facilities

About the Program

This summer, 36 participants (in 9 string quartets) will attend QP. Last year they came from 23 states and 5 foreign countries. Attendance is for 7 weeks, or the first 3 weeks, or the last 3 weeks.

Faculty


Violin:  Castleman (EASTMAN)(founder QP)
         Laura Bossert (LONGY)(6th year & alum 85-9)
         James Lyon (PA STATE)(7th year & alum 80-2)
         
Viola:   Patricia McCarty (SUNY PURCHASE/BOSTON CONSERVATORY) (1st year)
         David Holland (INTERLOCHEN)(11th year)

Cello:   Eleibire Schonfeld (USC)(13th year)
         Pamela Frame (Eastman)(7th year)
         Terry King (Hartt/Longy)(3rd year)

Sonata:  Charles Riener (McGill)(17th year)

Our chamber music coaches include those who have profoundly influenced young musicians for decades (e.g., Renato Bonacini and Einar Holm returning to QP for their 24th seasons) and QP alumni in prestigious groups.

Alumni of The Quartet Program have won top prizes at the Tchaikovsky, Brussels, Munich, Naumburg, Leventritt and Szeryng solo concours and, in chamber groups, have won Banff, Evian, Portsmouth, Munich, Naumburg, Gischoff, Coleman, and Concert Artists Guild contests. They are represented by the principal concert managements and record companies. They are in the Angeles, Aretaria, Avalon, Brentano, Cassatt, Cavani, Ceruti, Ciompi, Dakota, Essex, Fairmont, Lafayette, Lydian, Magellan, Maia, New Zealand, Orion, Uptown and Ying quartets, the Vienna String sextet, Laurel and Lenardo trios, Ames Piano quartet, Barros Consort, Horseflies, Les Adieus, New Millenium, Tafelmusik and Tashi. They are in every major American symphony, chamber, opera and ballet orchestra, one of three on the 1st desk.

The support and cooperation QP participants offer each other is a remarkable phenomenon. In the words of Arnold Steinhardt:

"I can not think of a more worthwhile center for our musical future."

Application Procedure

Seriousness of purpose and a demonstrated interest in a professional musical career are prerequisites. Each person applying to The Quartet Program at Bucknell must submit a written form and, either live or by tape, present in a 15-minute performance exceptional musical and instrumental potential. Scholarship applicants must complete a financial form (all aid is based on need; hardship should not preclude attendance). The deadline for receipt of these materials is March 10, 1999.

Fees

$3095 - covers room/board/lessons for 7-week session.
$35 - nonrefundable application fee ($50 if applying from a non-U.S. Address)

Information and Application form

Charles Castleman
Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs St.
Rochester, NY 14604
(716) 274-1592
(716) 442-4282 (eve & fax)
e-mail: ccastleman@aol.com

Site

Programs are held on the beautiful campus of Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA

Directions

Bucknell is within 4 hours drive of most Northeastern cities, located on Rt. 15 (N-S) approached from I-80 (E-W). Williamsport Airport (served by USAir) is 3/4 hour, the Harrisburg Airport and Amtrak 1 1/4 hours away.

Daily Schedule


   Breakfast          8:00
   Quartet Rehearsal   8:45 - 10:15
                      4:30 -  6:00
   Private practice  10:30 - 12:30
                      7:00 -  8:00 or  1:45 - 2:45
   Lunch             12:30
   Dinner             6:15
   Concerts           8:00