2020 COVID-19 Program Outline

Audition & Group Assignments

• Online Auditions will be split into 2 parts:

   

• YouTube submission (due Sept. 30):  All applicants will upload a YouTube performance when they apply. 

  Students can submit 1-2 YouTube selections that best represents his/her range as a player.  This would include current level of musical phrasing and current technical level so the directors can best choose appropriate repertoire and matching ensemble members.  

• Zoom interview (Oct. 3-4 and 10-11): All applicants will then select a short 8 minute online interview time to meet with the directors and discuss repertoire, group members, and coach selections.  At this time, directors will ask a variety of questions regarding COVID to help them match groups in the most optimal way.  We ask that a parent attend this meeting to help answer certain logistical questions.  

• Online Orientations (Oct. 24-25):  All applications will receive a Zoom invitation to an Orientation with their branch directors and team members.  Directors will explain all of the aspects of the program and answer questions.  Individual groups will then meet in separate meetings to meet their members and discuss their strategy and goals. 

   

• Early coachings (in December/January) can be online or in person, depending on the group/coach comfortability.  Online coachings will entail members all have mastered their parts before the groups meet together to save time in rehearsals.  Each student will perform their part separately for the coach and members.  The coach will help each member as well as discuss the score and how their parts work together.  In-person sessions will not be necessary until late January.

      

• 2021 (Jan-Mar) Coachings will all be done with social distancing and masks.  Local venues will be available for rehearsing and coachings for an extra charge as needed.  

    

• Workshops and Master Classes will be done via Zoom with internationally renowned music professors from our International Honors Tours (one benefit of online learning!).

   

• The Final Concert will either be a Mini-Concert (each group performs separately for their family,friends, and videographer) or a regular Final Concert, depending on how the virus progresses.

Eligibility
JCM is open to instrumentalists and vocalists, age 8-20 (collegiate groups may enter with pre-formed JCM groups only). Our levels range from upper intermediate to very advanced. Advanced players are encouraged to audition for the Honors Concert. Consideration for Debut Artists is open to high school players only with several years of chamber music experience.

Tuition

$450 covers 8 coaching sessions, Chamber Music Orientation, and the Final Concert. Tuition also includes the following optional opportunities:

Master Classes – Attendance highly recommended. Performers chosen by audition.

Chamber Music Workshops – Open to everyone

JCM–Student Service Alliance – Student driven program to perform in beautiful retirement homes for performance experience and 5 community service hours. Performances are available to all students. Student leadership positions are available through interviews.

Playing with the Pros and the Debut Artists Program – Highly competitive opportunities that are awarded by audition only. Participation in these programs is free for the students, made available through scholarships from JCM.

Consideration for Summer Festival Scholarships – All JCM students are eligible to be selected for Summer Festival Scholarships based on their participation in JCM activities and commitment shown to chamber music. Some festivals require their own audition to use the scholarship.

Additional Opportunities

Concerto Competition*
Music in the Mountains Tour* (canceled this season due to COVID-19)
International Honors Tour (postponed due to uncertainty from COVID-19).  During this season (and last season), we will be creating a Priority List.  Those who were chosen for Korea 2020 have 1st priority, those who sign up this season will be 2nd priority.

*additional fees apply

Location of Events

Due to the size of Southern California, we have four distinct branches: Orange County, Los Angeles County, Conejo Valley/North Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. JCM holds separate auditions, orientations, master classes and concerts in each of these areas for greater convenience. Please check your area branch for exact event dates.

Application Deadline

The online application form and application fee must be received by September 20, 2020.  Once you have completed your form and paid the application fee, you will receive a link to select an Interview time. Please contact us if you are registering late, as there may still be vacancies after auditions.