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JEFFERSON — The DaPonte String Quartet is accepting applications to its annual three-day Quartet Workshop for high school string Ppayers at Camp Kieve’s Wavus campus in Jefferson Sept. 21 through 23.
Each year since 2001, the quartet has mentored some of the best aspiring young players in Maine, and as of last year, has included urban schools out of state, at no cost to students.
The three-day weekend is dedicated to the study of chamber music, its preparation and performance, through the great works of the string quartet literature. Twenty students, selected by audition, are organized into five string quartets. They are coached in the round by the individual members of the DaPonte String Quartet (violinists Lydia Forbes, Ferdinand Liva; violist Kirsten Monke; and cellist Myles Jordan).
The coaching sessions focus on the elements of ensemble playing– listening, communication, cueing, rhythm, intonation, blending and theory and music history. At the completion of the workshop, a concert is performed by all the students for parents and friends.
Last year the Quartet implemented a long-held goal of inviting string players from urban performing arts schools outside Maine to participate, in order to broaden the experience for all students. Their travel costs are largely underwritten by the Friends of the DaPonte String Quartet. The cost of food and lodging for all students is made possible by an endowment created by the Kennedy family, founders of Camp Kieve, in 2001.
The deadline for applications is June 15. To apply, visit www.DaPonte.com.
The DaPonte String Quartet was founded in 1991 in Philadelphia and moved to Maine more than 20 years ago and now performs more than 50 times a year state-wide and year-round, as well as touring the Northeast.
PHOTO: DaPonte String Quartet cellist Myles Jordan works with students. (Submitted photo)
