Programs at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival
The Sewanee Summer Music Festival includes several programs; while the details of each program vary, they all strive to provide inspirational music education and performance experiences to our students. Because our programs intersect in meaningful ways, our priority is to foster a cohesive, shared experience for every student.
Instrumental Performance (June 13-July 11, 2027)
Our original program is based around the orchestral experience, with weekly lessons provided by our faculty and additional chamber music experiences over four weeks of study. Students interested in a more intensive chamber experience can audition for the Chamber Music Intensive, where they will receive additional instruction and opportunities. Additional performance opportunities are available in the form of the Jacqueline Avant Concerto Competition and Concerto Lab. Students range in age from 14-28, with the majority being in their undergraduate degree program. High School students participating in this program in 2027 will have sessions dedicated to helping them prepare for college music auditions, to help distinguish this program from the new SSMF Pre-College Experience (details below).
Composition (June 13-July 11, 2027)
Running concurrently with the Performance program, the composition program provides students with weekly composition lessons, seminars on various topics within composition, the time to compose in a music-rich environment, and, crucially, the opportunity to have their works performed. Every student in the program is guaranteed an orchestral reading of a miniature, from which one work will be selected as the winner of that year’s composition competition. The winning work will be performed by the Sewanee Symphony in week 4. There are weekly composer showcases, where student composers can have their works performed by students in the performance program. Students range in age from 16-25.
SSMF OperaFest (June 13-July 4, 2027)
2027 will mark the 7th year of the three-week OperaFest program at SSMF. This pre-professional program provides coaching, lessons, and multiple performance opportunities for participants in the form of Aria Showcases, Opera Scenes, and each has the opportunity to perform a work with a small ensemble (typically piano quintet). OperaFest students have a vocal chamber music competition, where they compete for 2 spots to perform with the faculty on a Faculty Chamber Series. In addition, every student leaves with a professionally produced video recording for their use. Average student ages in this program range from 18-30.
High School Solo Vocal Institute (June 27-July 11, 2027)
Brand new for 2027 is the High School Solo Vocal Institute. This program if for all high school age students and voice types and provides coachings, lessons, and masterclasses. performance opportunities for participants include Opera Aria concerts, Liederabend, French Melodie recital, Contemporary English Song recital, Broadway revue, Cabaret Night, and Opera scenes.
SSMF Pre-College Experience (June 27-July 11, 2027)
The SSMF Pre-College Experience is a two-week program designed to prepare music loving students for college. This unique program offers both a high level ensemble experience performing masterworks AND an academic exploratory program that includes daily classes preparing for the standardized college entrance exams. For 2027 The Pre-College Experience is open to orchestra string students.