The saxophone division of the Summer Chamber Music Camp will run for one week only. This is an intensive study into the world of the saxophone quartet and other small combinations for saxophones.  Taught by Dr. Jordan Smith, students will be provided opportunities to perform on saxophones they might normally not perform on, learn engaging and historic saxophone quartet music, and also learn advanced solo techniques, historical background of the saxophone, daily masterclasses, and more! Performance groups will be split by age so all repertoire will be at the appropriate level.  At the end of the week, a performance will be given showcasing the students.

The string division of the Summer Chamber Music Camp will run for both weeks. Strings students can participate in either week or BOTH weeks. New repertoire will be offered each week. String students must be at least 9 years old at the time of the summer camp. Recently graduated seniors, class of 2025, may also participate. String coaches will include YOCJ’s Artistic Director and violinist Mr. Phillip Pugh, former Symphonic Director and cellist Mr. John Enz, and violist Ms. Beth Meyers from the Princeton Symphony Orchestra! Both weeks will culminate in a performance in the sanctuary of Prince of Peace Church, featuring all the chamber ensembles.

The woodwind division of the Summer Chamber Music Camp will run for one week only, for students in grades 9-12 for the 2025-2026 school year. Students in middle school must get special permission to participate. Recently graduated seniors, Class of 2025, may also participate. Students who play flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, or bass clarinet, will have a unique opportunity to play in smaller groups, including duos, trios, and quartets. Chamber music provides musicians with the unique opportunity to hear themselves as solo voices in more intimate settings. Students will have the opportunity to choose from music for duos, trios, and quartets. Students who have pre-existing chamber groups may join together. Winds coaches will include YOCJ’s Wind Symphony and Woodwind Choir Conductor Mr. Scott Collins, and other YOCJ staff! The winds chamber groups will participate in a culminating performance in the sanctuary of Prince of Peace Church, featuring all the chamber ensembles.

Have fun playing percussion this summer at the YOCJ Summer Percussion Camp!  Our one week program offers students an opportunity to perform solos and ensemble pieces on a variety of percussion instruments.  Instruments will include pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments, such as snare drum, marimba, hand percussion instruments, timpani, and drum set.  Activities will include:

Individual and group fundamentals and rudiments coachings.

1. Sight reading skill development
2. Audition preparation.
3. Small and large group rehearsals.
4. End of camp recital performance.
5. Special guest artist performance.

This camp is intended for:
-Students who will be in grades 7-9 during the 2025-2026 school year.
-Students who have had one or more years experience playing percussion in their school music program.

Limit:  10 participants
Equipment Requirements:
-1 pair drum sticks – 5A/5B or similar.  
-1 pair xylophone mallets, medium or medium hard.
-1 pair yarn marimba mallets, medium soft or medium.
-Stick bag