Frequently
asked questions
Do I have to be a really good player?
No. If you feel you would benefit from this program you are welcome.
What would be the
benefit for an amateur?
You will have the thrill of playing the
world's most beautiful repertoire with a wonderful orchestra. You will make
great progress in your playing. You will gain self-confidence from
conquering a big challenge. And you
may have more fun than you ever did before
in your life.
How does this
come about?
With the orchestra rehearsals looming, you will find yourself motivated to work
harder than ever before. Further, you will have to conquer some
technical challenges that you may never have tackled or really put serious
effort into before. The
motivation comes from two things: the pull of having that awesome
orchestra sound in your ears as you play; and fear. Fear is out of
favor as a motivator nowadays, but when you put yourself into the situation it
is extremely effective. People who attend this program practice as never
before.
What if I am a
professional?
You are very welcome at the program.
Each year several professionals do participate in the program, and gain a lot
from it.
What concertos may
I choose from?
You may choose any concerto which fits
up to a 40 piece orchestra. See the list under
Piano Concertos,
String
Concertos , or
Wind and Brass
for
suggestions. You may also choose
a concerto which fits a 45 piece orchestra, but we will honor this
request at the listed price only if there are enough other participants who
require an orchestra of this size (otherwise we will price the program based
on a 40 piece orchestra plus additional players).
If you don't see the concerto you want, please ask.
Theoretically any concerto can be done.
Do I have to play
from memory?
It
is up to you. Most participants use notes.
What do people usually play?
How many movements?
People play whatever
they like -- thus far they have played concertos by Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven,
Chopin, Grieg, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Schumann, Saint-Saens, Lalo, Rachmaninoff,
Shostakovich and Vieuxtemps. Some people play one movement, some people play two, some
play the entire concerto.
How much time do I have to rehearse my concerto?
Rehearsal time is based on doing one
15-minute movement.
We allow four hours of rehearsal with
piano reduction and you may add more hours at extra cost. With the orchestra the basic time allowance is one 25 minute rehearsal,
followed by a 15 minute "open rehearsal" (performance) on a subsequent day. You may invite
guests to the open rehearsal. You may reserve more orchestra rehearsal
time at extra cost.
What if I want to do a
long movement
or more than one movement?
You may arrange for as much rehearsal
and performance time as you wish. See the price list in the
Concerto
Application .
Who are the
rehearsal pianists?
They are all excellent professional
pianists from the Summertrios faculty.
Is there any coaching?
The conductor will attend one of your piano reduction rehearsal
sessions. He will make musical suggestions as well as reviewing your
concerto to understand your intentions. Your professional pianists are
well qualified to provide coaching if you request it.
What performances are there?
Our performance is called an "Open
Rehearsal". That is the time to invite your friends.
You may invite up to five
friends at no charge. Additional friends are charged at $10 per ticket,
to defray extra set up charges in the hall. Please let us know if you
will have more than 10 friends attending, and purchase their tickets in
advance. For fewer than 10 friends, no advance tickets are necessary. We request that your friends enter and leave the
auditorium only during scheduled intermissions.
Why is
it so expensive?
The main cost is in the
orchestra. Hiring an orchestra is like hiring 24 or 36 or 40 professional
musicians, plus a conductor. Additionally, Summertrios hires a
performance hall and rents a concert grand Steinway piano as well as
additional rehearsal pianos.
What is included in the cost?
Room & board at the
college, facilities fees, tuition, and basic rehearsal
package with professional pianists and orchestra. Additional time with
the pianists or orchestra may be purchased with advance notice. Costs vary
depending on the size of orchestra you need for your concerto.
Payment
Payment is due in full by
April 1st. We regret that
refunds are not possible,
as we must
contract with the orchestra and conductor based on the registration.
Once the orchestra and conductor are contracted, we owe them the money whether
anyone plays or not.
Full Cost Details and
Registration
See
Concerto Application
