String Orchestra Workshop with Emlyn Ngai

The Adaskin String Trio (R to L: Emlyn Ngai, Mark Fraser & Steve Larson)

Intermediate to advanced string players 16 and older are strongly encouraged to sign up for the upcoming Baroque String Workshop with Emlyn Ngai.  This is a rare opportunity to work directly with Mr. Ngai, who is concert master of the highly acclaimed Baroque orchestra Tempesta di Mare http://tempestadimare.org/.  
Throughout this reading session, Mr. Ngai will share his expertise in the performance techniques of this period.  Come learn how to play Bach more authentically and build your own skills in this area. 

Special offer to HCD students and faculty members to register for $25 for the workshop.  The registration deadline has been extended to March 4th at 12noon.

Download a registration form here or call us at (860) 768-4451.

First Steps in Music ~ Spring Session begins March 15th

2011 David Einfeldt String Orchestra Composition Contest

David Einfeldt with students

We are pleased to announce the Second Annual David Einfeldt String Orchestra Composition Competition. The competition is to benefit a scholarship fund in memory of David Einfeldt, a Suzuki Viola teacher and the founder of the thriving Suzuki String Orchestras here at Hartt.  This program helps to fund community outreach, bring in guest artists and masterclass teachers, and to spread David's love of music to as many students as possible.

Contest Eligibility: Students in grades 6 - 12 living in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York are eligible.

Guidelines: Students are asked to submit a piece scored for string orchestra including parts for violin (up to 3 separate parts), viola, cello & bass. In addition, piano and percussion parts for up to two players are permitted, but not required). The piece should be between 3 and 10 minutes in length.

Judging: A panel of judges will review the pieces and select three finalists who will have their piece read and recorded by one of the Suzuki String Orchestras at the Hartt Community Division located in West Hartford, CT. The readings will take place at 3:00pm in the Bliss Music Room at the Hartt School on Saturday, May 14, 2011, after which the judges will then select a runner-up and a winner. Winners will be announced at the "Young Composers Program @Hartt" concert on May 17, 2011 at the Hartt School and also on the Community Division's website. 

Prizes: The winner will receive a $200 scholarship and a performance of their piece by one of the Hartt Suzuki String Orchestras during the 2011-2012 school year. The runner up will receive a $100 scholarship.  All finalists will receive a recording of the reading session. 

Application Fee: $25 non-refundable application fee for all students.  Make Checks Payable to: University of Hartford

Submission of materials:  ALL of the following must be submitted by April 18, 2011:

· Application Form
 · Computer-notated scores are required. However, legible hand-written scores will be accepted with special permission from the program director

· 3 copies of the score, double-sided & bound

· 1 set of proof-read parts

· In addition to all of the above, students may also send a MIDI or audio recording. A Finale or Sibelius file is acceptable for this purpose.

If you have any questions, please contact Emmett Drake, Director of HCD Suzuki Orchestras at drake@hartford.edu.   

Performer's Certificate Program Enrollment, Fall 2011

Donna Menhart, Coordinator for the Performer's Certificate Program, would like to remind faculty, students and parents that Fall 2011 enrollment begins with students that have successfully auditioned for the HCD Honors Recitals held during the spring 2011 semester.  

Students entering 10th and 11th grades in Fall 2011 are automatically invited to enter the program if they have been accepted to perform in the HCD honors recitals, and will receive a letter from the coordinator during the month of May. Once formally invited via letter, each student must submit acceptance into the program in writing to the Coordinator by May 28, 2011. After the performance criteria are met, enrollment is based on a first-come-first served basis. If there is room in the class after the initial invitation and acceptance process, students outside the Community Division are invited to audition at The Hartt School, either on Audition Day June 5, 2011, or at a separate audition arranged by the coordinator.  Present at the audition will be a department representative, the Program Coordinator, and in some instances, the Director of the Community Division.  Audition expectations are the same as the Honors Recital Audition requirements.  Please consult the department chair for clarification concerning audition materials. Class enrollment is determined by July 1, 2011.

As the season for Honors Recitals approaches, please consider this information and learn more about this highly regarded college-preparatory program for gifted high school musicians. 

For more specific information on the Performer's Certificate Program, please contact Donna Menhart via email at menhart@hartford.edu or 768-4120, or you can visit the Hartt Community Division website.
 

NEW! Dance Warm Up Suits Now Available! 

Now taking orders in HCD Dance Office at the Handel Center. These beautifully embroidered warm ups will be available to try on and order in the office. Please see the Virtual Dance Bag for further information. They make great gift items! Portions of the proceeds will go towards the HCD Parent Boosters projects, which support department activities. Thanks to Laura Krementowski for all her help.

Performance Ensembles 

Just added: Important Message on "Save the Dates."

Please check the Virtual Dance Bag for the most
up-to-date performance ensemble rehearsal schedule. Schedules are also posted on the Bulletin Board outside the HCD Dance office.

Al fresco Chamber Coaching with members of the Fry Street Quartet

Hartford auditions for the David Einfeldt Chamber Music Seminar are coming up on February 26 & 27! 

 Contact Diane Slone via email at slone@hartford.edu to schedule an audition.

The 2011 David Einfeldt Chamber Music Seminar, 
will be held July 29 - August 7, 2011. 

Each year, I Giovani Solisti presents The Chocolate Cafe, a benefit concert featuring West Hartford's top string players.  This year many HCD students will be performing with this group.  They will perform a range of works, including Shostakovich, Vampire Weekend, and much more!  

Saturday, February 26th
7pm
West Hartford Town Hall
 
For more information:  http://www.igiovanisolisti.com/