Program for Maine Students

Applications for our 2024 sessions are open. Apply by April 8.

2024 Session I
June 15-16, 2024 (ages 9-12)
2024 Session II
June 17-21, 2024 (ages 13-19)
Instruments
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano, Woodwinds
Application Deadline
April 8, 2024
Application Fee
$35 (non-refundable)
Session I Tuition
$110
Session II Tuition
$275

Kneisel Hall Program for Maine Students is a day camp open to young musicians ages 9 to 19.

With a chamber music intensive curriculum, what began as a small camp for local Blue Hill students has blossomed into a state-wide program with a growing reputation.

Every day consists of various instructional rehearsals, master classes, and workshops that culminate in final student performances. Daily activities also include fun sight-reading sessions, picnic, and talent show. In addition to working with our excellent faculty, the students are also mentored by young artists from Kneisel Hall’s famed Young Artist Chamber Music Program.

The opportunity to delve deep into chamber music and playing with peers who share the love of music makes our camp a memorable chamber music experience!

Eligibility and Session Dates

Our chamber groups are primarily strings and piano, but wind players are encouraged to apply. Students participate in either Session I or Session II according to their age and playing level.

Session I
June 15-16, 2024
Advanced beginning to intermediate students ages 9-12

Session II
June 17-21, 2024
Intermediate to advanced students ages 13-19, up to high school seniors.

Students can indicate, in the application form, which Session they wish to participate in. Students from the younger age group may be invited to participate in Session II, if their playing level is compatible with the advanced students. Applications from program alumni in college may also be considered.

Application requirement includes uploading video recordings: two excerpts of contrasting styles (one lyrical, one faster tempo).

This program is a day program, with activities from 9am to 5pm each day. Lodging at Kneisel Hall is not provided. Students coming from out of town are responsible for their own housing. 

Faculty

  • Marisa Solomon – Program for Maine Students director and cellist. Received performance degrees from the Oberlin College and San Francisco Conservatories. She is adjunct faculty at the University of Maine, a member of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, and serves on the Chamber Music Society board at the Collins Center for the Arts.
  • Patricia Stowell – Piano. As previous Director for the Maine Student Musicians at Kneisel Hall, Patricia Stowell has performed overseas and regionally and presently teaches privately in Bangor and at the Bay Chamber Music School in Rockport.  Her degrees from Indiana U. and doctorate from Northwestern U. also included 2 years in Vienna and Stuttgart. 
  • Rebecca Benjamin – Violin. Current member of the Abeo Quartet. She regularly performs with Symphony in C, the Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players, and New York Classical Players. Rebecca holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in violin from the Cleveland Institute of Music as well as a Master of Music in viola from the University of Delaware, and an MMA degree in violin from the Yale School of Music where she was awarded the Broadus Erle Prize. 
  • Scott Woolweaver – Violist. Received his degrees at the University of Michigan, Boston University, and New England Conservatory. Former member of the Vaener String Trio, New England Piano Quartette, Boston Composers String Quartet, Ives Quartet. He is Artist-Affiliate at Tufts University.

Health & Safety Protocols

Eligible students are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to attending our camp. COVID vaccination is required for faculty and staff. All students, faculty, and staff will be required to provide proof of negative test result on their first day. Health and safety protocols are subject to change, and may be relaxed or made more stringent as public health conditions evolve.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding eligibility, audition requirement, or other program related questions, please contact our faculty at khmainestudents@gmail.com.

Program for Maine Students 2023 - Session I
Program for Maine Students 2023 - Session II

“Whether planning a career in music or not, our students will have the ability to pursue music with future circles of friends. They will make music a permanent feature of their lives and carry on a centuries-old tradition.”