NORTH CAROLINA CHAMBER MUSIC INSTITUTE
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Mission Statement
To develop the artists and audiences of the future by providing mentorship and chamber music education to students through the formation of small ensembles that present outstanding performances of musical masterworks.
About This Cause
North Carolina Chamber Music Institute Overview Young people who study classical music usually begin in grade school. Grouped into large classes, they learn the fundamentals of playing and are exposed to traditional pieces in an orchestra. This is an important first step for learning an instrument, but it does not always provide talented students the training they need to excel. With so many students playing the same parts, their talents may not be recognized and nurtured. Chamber music is distinct from orchestral and solo playing and fills an important need in the Wake County area. Prior to the formation of North Carolina Chamber Music Institute (NCCMI), there was scant chamber music education in Wake County. In fact, NCCMI formed out of public demand: following a 2012 chamber music camp in Raleigh, students wanted to continue with their string quartets during the academic year and the Directors launched the first program. NCCMI received its non-profit designation in 2014 and continued to build its organization; from 13 to 97 students (FY20). Families and teachers see tangible results for their students who participate in this uniquely structured learning method: greatly increased individual performance and leadership skills as well as related improvement in their other musical programs. As the FIRST and ONLY comprehensive Chamber Music Education Program in Wake County, the appeal to students includes: 1. Working with peers of equal musical attainment in small ensembles of three or four players where every person plays an important and AUDIBLE role; 2. Rapid improvement in skill level through weekly rehearsals and intensive coaching sessions with leading professional musician/educators in the region, including North Carolina Symphony musicians; 3. The experience of public performances that provides immediate positive feedback. NCCMI operates throughout the Wake County area, with additional outreach in Chapel Hill and Durham. In 2016-17, NCCMI developed key partnerships with NC State University, Chamber Music Raleigh and the North Carolina Symphony. These associations provide nationally and internationally recognized artists to teach NCCMI students in inspiring Master Classes/Workshops. NCCMI brings the highest quality chamber music training to young musicians, regardless of economic circumstance. Scholarship applications are accessed directly through the NCCMI website and awards have increased since inception to more than 10% of the total budget. Funding for the program comes from charitable contributions, tuition payments and grants, including 2 years of consecutive awards from the City of Raleigh and United Arts Council (FY18 and FY19). The NCCMI Board has grown from 5 to 10 members with additional subcommittees dedicated to Development and Accessibility. NCCMI creates a unique environment where young musicians can thrive, through small groups that share in the experience of fine art. Advanced music students from the Wake County area, aged 7-19 audition for NCCMI and have returned at a rate of over 70% each year. THREE MAJOR GOALS reflect the NCCMI mission: GOAL 1: Students/Ensembles work consistently and efficiently as a musical team, responding effectively to positive reinforcement and appropriate criticism. Effective teamwork is an essential goal because chamber musicians must perform in a small ensemble without a conductor. NCCMI takes as a model the highest-level professional ensembles. These groups work together via a constant "give and take" of ideas. They engage in critical thinking to express individual thoughts and exchange constructive criticism. While each player is responsible for his/her own part (accurate pitch and rhythm, control of dynamics, expression and tempo), they must join together and perform as a unified team. They work to perfect their precision and stylistic unanimity, while maintaining the appropriate balance between parts, a form of mental acrobatics. Through this important process, musicians journey together toward a shared musical interpretation. Because artistic teamwork is a necessity for professional ensembles, it is also high priority in the NCCMI program. Students of all ages are expected to strive to attain great teamwork skills. Goal 2: NCCMI groups will exhibit consistent professional and leadership skills. By its nature, chamber music relies upon exceptional individual and group proficiency, as well as leadership skills built upon initiative, responsibility and emotional intelligence. These skills are actually honed through the chamber music training itself. Advanced skills are developed gradually, with musical assignments of increasingly complexity. Master teachers, who understand the challenges and rewards of playing great music, follow a plan that builds these skills throughout the program year. Chamber music carries musical skill-building a step further than orchestra playing. Large ensembles do not require this level since the conductor largely conveys the musical interpretation, but chamber musicians must learn the technique of exchanging clear non-verbal cues (eye contact, body language) in order to "move" and play together. This art form requires that musicians shift constantly between changing roles: leading, following or moving in complete synchrony. The whole of the musical score (including parts played by other students in the group) becomes embedded in memory and collectively recreated in front of the audience. GOAL 3: Students/Ensembles demonstrate confident musical mastery, as well as effective verbal commentary, in performances that reflect diversity in content, type and venue. Chamber music is best performed in a small-room setting; in that environment, it can impact listeners in a deeply intimate and powerful way. However, it must be performed with technical mastery and artistic conviction to be effective. Current trends in chamber music performance point to increasingly diverse repertoire; engaging interaction between performers and audiences; and less traditional concert venues. NCCMI aims to emulate these trends and train its students to be comfortable in front of audiences, regardless of whether the venue is formal or casual. In over 45 Wake County area events, NCCMI groups perform as cultural ambassadors to the community. Public performance is an important component of the music education curriculum and groups perform at locations from libraries to retirement homes, and the Community Music School in Raleigh. Young chamber musicians strive for their best performances because the time-honored repertoire by composers like Beethoven and Shostakovich demands the greatest level of commitment. This repertoire by the great composers- while parallel to the symphonic masterpieces- is one that students would not have the opportunity to learn through orchestral programs. At the same time, other styles of music (popular, improvisation, Celtic fiddling, contemporary) are important in developing artistry in youth; these are essential components of our American musical heritage that are well suited to small ensembles. Each year, NCCMI commissions a new work by a local composer, performed by an NCCMI ensemble. An Additional Organizational Goal: NCCMI is dedicated to expanding accessibility to those who otherwise would not be able to participate in chamber music groups or attend concerts and is actively working toward that goal. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES: 1. To announce auditions/scholarships, e-blast invitations are sent to private/public schoolteachers. Promotional faculty concerts are presented (Enloe HS, Ligon Middle School, Green Hope High School, Ravenscroft School, etc.). Audition prerequisite: 2-3 years of instrumental training through private/school lessons. 2. Selection Process: Music students aged 7-19 register online and audition in April-August at Director's studio in Raleigh, at Wake area schools or at summer music camps. NCCMI seeks to represent all demographic groups. 3. Group formation: Director matches qualified students into small groups in spring (Leadership/returning ensembles) or late summer (regular groups). These include string quartets (2 violins, viola and cello), piano trios (piano, violin and cello) and woodwind quintets. Students are matched by level/schedule/geographical area. Total student body population ranges from 80-100 in 20-25 small ensembles. Groups receive 4-8 assignments of yearly repertoire; each student is responsible for their independent part. 4. Weekly Sessions: Ensembles are assigned a specific day/time for weekly sessions from September to May. Groups study repertoire and additional curriculum materials, either in coaching sessions with professional teachers (16 sessions) or in student-led rehearsal sessions (10-12 sessions). 5. Master Classes and Workshops (2 required from 10 possible events): These occur periodically throughout the program year. At Master Classes, groups perform for visiting or locally recognized artists (Ex. Juilliard String Quartet or Harlem String Quartet). At Workshops, students develop artistic and ambassadorial skills (Ex. Public Speaking class with NPR Commentator Miles Hoffman and "Unlock Your Inner Composer" with Composer Jessica Meyer). 6. Performance Review Concerts: Half-year written Evaluations of groups/students. Faculty members evaluate students on various musical elements. Each group's lead coach delivers evaluation results to their ensemble. Each student receives individual evaluation. 7. Outreach Performances (1 required per ensemble)- Community outreach events throughout the year help students develop confidence/performing skills. ACCESSIBILITY NCCMI recognizes that all students, regardless of disability, economic or other issues, should be able to play and enjoy great chamber music. However, the ability to pay tuition can be a barrier to participation. Tuition is kept low and financial aid is provided if needed. Aid applications are easily accessed through the NCCMI website.