The Arts+ String Orchestra Camp is the place for young musicians from the Charlotte area to come together to learn, perform, and grow. Through playing games and learning new music, our four different orchestras—including our Orchestra 101 track—will gain confidence, hone their techniques, and discover just what they’re capable of as orchestra players.

Green, Blue, and Red Orchestras are open to players in grades K-12 who already have one year of experience. These campers will learn from, perform alongside, and experience chamber music with top educators from local universities, the Charlotte Symphony, and Charlotte-area schools.

Orchestra 101 Camp is designed for 6th-8th graders who have never played a string instrument before or who are wanting to change instruments. These campers will spend the week learning all of the fundamentals needed to successfully start a new musical journey, including playing technique, instrument care, and the basics of reading sheet music. Campers can choose between violin, viola, or cello. Click here to go to the Orchestra 101 registration page.

Camps will finish with a concert on Friday afternoon that is free and open to the public. Come join us to make some amazing music together!

OUR ENSEMBLES

• Green Orchestra: (Grades 8-12)
• Blue Orchestra: (Grades 5-8)
• Red Orchestra: (Grades K-5)
• Orchestra 101: New Players or Players Changing Instruments (Grades 6-8)

PREREQUISITES

• Green (Grades 8-12) and Blue (Grades 5-8) Orchestras: At least one school year of instruction on their instrument AND the ability to read music for their instrument.
• Red (Grades K-5) Orchestra: At least one school year of instruction on their instrument. Note-reading skills are NOT required.
• Orchestra 101 (Grades 6-8): No experience required. Available instruments are violin, viola, and cello.

INSTRUMENTS

• Red, Blue, and Green Orchestra students are expected to have their own instrument.
• Orchestra 101 students may bring their own instrument or utilize an Arts+ instrument that cannot be taken home.

END OF CAMP CONCERTS

• Blue/Green Orchestra Chamber Music: Some Blue and Green Orchestra students will learn chamber pieces and perform on a chamber recital at the end of camp on Thursday. This is optional for families to attend.
• Band 101 and Orchestra 101 showcases will be at 1 p.m. on Friday. These campers may either leave after the showcase or stay through the following full band and orchestra concert.
• Orchestra and Band Camp Concert will be at 2 p.m. on Friday. Camp will conclude at the end of the concert.

FINANCIAL AID

• Limited financial aid is available to qualifying families, processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please follow this link for additional information on how to apply.

MERIT AWARDS

Merit Awards of $50 toward camp tuition are available to students who are members of:

• The Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO)
• Youth Orchestras of Charlotte (YOC)
• Union Symphony Youth Orchestra (USYO)
• Cornelius Youth Orchestras
• Western Regional Orchestra Jr.
• All-State Regional Orchestra
• CMS Middle or High School Honors Orchestra

Contact our Student Services Coordinator BEFORE completing registration at registration@artsplus.org to receive a special discount code.

TALENT-BASED SCHOLARSHIP

Advanced students registered for String Orchestra Camp are invited to audition via video submission for a full tuition scholarship. To apply, please email registration@artsplus.org to receive the video submission link to be reviewed by our audition committee. Videos must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 29. The winner will have their tuition refunded in full following the committee's decision.

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP

• Monday Drop-Off and Registration need to have a parent/guardian come inside to fully check campers in. Friday Pick-Up will be after the student showcases, inside.
• Besides Registration and Friday’s showcase, drop-off and pick-up will utilize the carpool lane in the parking lot. Please follow directional signs to form the carpool line.

LUNCH, SNACKS, AND WATER BOTTLES

• Monday-Friday: Campers should bring their own lunch and a water bottle to camp.
• Snacks and snack breaks will be provided during the daytime.
• Our snacks include gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.
• Campers may also bring their own snacks, but please do not bring ANY food products with peanuts.

ALLERGIES, MEDICINES, AND SPECIAL NEEDS

Please reach out to Arts+ staff in advance to let us know about allergies, medicines, or other special needs your camper may have. We will do our best to accommodate as we are able!