Who should apply?

The Orchestra Fantasy Camp is for instrumentalists over the age of 18 who wish to participate in a symphonic experience guided by top professional musicians and culminating in a public performance.

Our repertoire, Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, includes parts for:

Flute and piccolo, oboe, English horn, clarinets in A and B♭, bassoon, French horn, trumpets in A and B♭, trombone, tuba
percussion (timpani, bass drum, snare drum, cymbals, triangle, tambourine, tam-tam), harp, and strings. Players of all those instruments are encouraged to apply.

What if I have not played in orchestras in the past?

We welcome players who have not had orchestral experience.

What if I have not played my instrument in a long time?

Practice, practice, practice! You might want to consider taking a lesson to brush up your skills. But don't let a long break stop you from picking up your instrument!

What if I am not a good enough player?

This program is intended for intermediate to advanced musicians. However, we encourage everyone to apply regardless of current ability. All applicants will submit short video samples of their playing. Once all the samples are submitted, the orchestra will be selected for balance throughout the sections.

Do you accept players from out of the area?

Yes, and we will provide information on travel and hotel accommodations for participants from outside the Bay Area.

What is the difference between application and registration?

You must submit an application in order to be considered for the Orchestra Fantasy Camp. If you are selected, you will be invited to register and pay for the program.

What is the cost if I am accepted?

Registration cost is $500.

Is there financial aid?

Yes, a limited amount of financial aid is available. You will be asked during your application process whether you wish to apply for this support.

The registration page asks me to create an account. What is this for?

The Orchestra Fantasy Camp registration process is managed through SFCM Continuing Education. Their system requires you to set up a personal account in order to register for any of their programs. Your information will be saved on their system but is not shared with any other entities. You will have the opportunity to opt out of any marketing emails, etc.

What if I cannot attend. Can I get a refund?

Full refunds will be available until May 1. Partial refunds (50%) are available until May 15. No refund is available after May 15.

What do I need to submit?

Your application will be made online through the SFCM Continuing Education platform (click HERE to apply). Your application will include a few questions about your music background and experience and will include a request for a recording (audio or video) of yourself playing.

What should be on my recording?

You'll be asked to create a 4-to-6 minute recording of yourself playing that demonstrates your current level of proficiency. This should include a portion of one solo work (etude, sonata, or concerto, etc.) and one standard orchestral excerpt.

The application asks for orchestral excerpts. What are these?

These are highlights of standard symphonic repertoire that feature each instrument. Download your excerpts HERE.

How do I submit my recording?

Click here to be directed to a Google form where you will upload your recording. You will need a Google account to upload your file. If you do not have a Google account, and are not prepared to create one, contact us at info@amateurmusic.org and we will arrange an alternative method of file transfer.

Does my recording need to be professionally produced?

No, in fact simple recording or video made with your phone is preferred.

Who are the coaches for the Orchestra Fantasy Camp?

Our coach-mentors are listed on our Workshop Resources Page.

Is this a "side-by-side?"

The Orchestra Fantasy Camp is not a traditional side-by-side experience. Although mentors will be playing in their section of the orchestra, there will only be one mentor per section, so not all players will be seated next to a mentor.

What should I wear for the concert?

We recommend "business casual" attire for the concert. For women, this typically means a skirt or slacks, a button down or crew-neck blouse, and closed-toe shoes. For men, this typically means a button down shirt, slacks, and dress shoes. We request dark (black if you have it) jacket and slacks/skirts.

What if I have technical issues?

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What browsers do you recommend for AMN and the SFCM registration page?

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