We invite gifted woodwind, brass and percussion players to campus for an exciting residential program that focuses on chamber music and symphonic wind ensemble performance. Students work with Director of Bands Eric L. Hinton, Ph.D., HonFRBC, as well as other expert Susquehanna faculty members.
Students entering grades 9–12 are invited to register. Selection is competitive and determined based on the recommendation form from a music teacher.
Students may participate on one of these instruments:
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone
Trumpet
Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion (playersshouldhave experienceon at leasttwo of the following: timpani, snare drum or mallet percussion)
Highlights
Join our intensive weeklong program to:
Polish your technique in private lessons with expert faculty.
Improve your musicianship playing in chamber groups.
Expand your musical knowledge through master classes and nightly seminars.
Meet and practice with other talented students who share your passion for music.
Prepare for all-state auditions, solo festivals and college auditions.
Perform exciting and challenging wind band works.
The institute is a great musical experience regardless of your future academic plans!
New in 2024: Wind & Percussion Solo Competition
Institute registrants interested in participating in the competition should prepare a selection of intermediate to advanced level. A winner will be chosen through an audition process during the Institute. The winner will be featured in a public performance at the end of the week.
“I have gained experiences and friends that will last forever. The influence from the prestige of this music program can only progress with future years to come!”
Quote from Wind Ensemble participant.
Check-In at SU
Sunday, 12–1 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 Wind Institute:
Instrument (Secure instrument storage is available.)
Winds & Brass: If you have an interest in playing an auxiliary instrument such as piccolo, E-flat clarinet, etc. and you own that instrument, you should bring it.
Mutes, reed making tools and extra reeds, if applicable. Trumpet and trombone players should bring both straight and cup mutes with them. Horn players should bring their mutes as well.
Large Instruments (i.e. percussion, pianos, etc.) are 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 Urgent 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.
Mail
Families can send mail to participants at the following address:
Event Management Office Wind Ensemble 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
Final Performance and Check-out
Program participants will present their final concert on Saturday from 3 to 4 p.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 building fobs 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.
*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.
The $875 comprehensive fee includes room, meals and all program materials.
Must register by June 10.
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 emailingmusicdept@vbj4.com.
Deadlines
All registrations must be submitted no later than June 10.
All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.
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.
“I can’t recommend this Institute enough. Dr. Eric Hinton has arranged the perfect camp for young musicians who aspire to learn and improve, but also want to have fun. The faculty is absolutely outstanding as both performers and educators. Hands down the best musical experience of my life so far.”
“The Institute was a wonderful experience. Not only did I learn many musical skills, I also had a fun time and made a lot of friends. It was a very friendly atmosphere and by the end of the week all of the students seemed like family. I am very happy I chose to go to the Institute and I am excited to go next summer as well.”
“It was easily the highlight of my summer: it’s a chance to play great music with a crowd of other talented musicians from all over. Plus, it’s just so much fun.”
“The experience was so awesome. It was like we were all just one big, loving family! It was a small group, so I felt like I really mattered in the band and that every part was important! The experience enabled me to make new friends and memories that will last a lifetime!”
