Vivace String Camp
August 2–9, 2008, Houghton College,
Houghton, NY

For people who play string instruments, guitar, and piano


Vivace String Camp is an eight-day camp experience rich in the art and joy of learning. VSC takes place on the beautiful campus of Houghton College, one hour from Buffalo and Rochester. The goals at VSC are to provide an inspiring musical environment, to foster the love of learning, and to stimulate creative and analytical thinking. Multiple divisions of string orchestra, piano ensemble and guitar ensemble provide an opportunity for musical and technical advancement at every level of proficiency. Chamber music, which uses just one person to a part, enriches the individual development of confidence and sound. Spending eight days immersed in this kind of extensive training is an opportunity for learning that is both empowering, enlightening and fun, an experience to be treasured for a lifetime.


Click here for a video message from camp director Martha Thomas.


The camp ends with chamber music recitals on Friday afternoon and evening, and a full “Command Performance” of all student large ensembles, performing for parents and friends.

Vivace STRING CAMP offers string, piano, and guitar students, ages 10–18 the opportunity to:
  • play in large and small ensembles
  • participate in technique and master classes
  • learn about alternative playing styles
  • learn how to practice better at home
  • perform for friends and family
  • attend concerts and workshops
  • show the other sides of you in the camp talent show
  • laugh, play sports, meet new people who share your interests and be with other musicians like you in a nurturing environment

Vivace String Camp faculty includes:
  • Conductors: Bryan Eckenrode
  • Violins: Martha Thomas, Cindy Lin, Greg Docenko, Lisa Lantz, Lin He
  • Violas: Leslie Bahler, Sam Marchan
  • Cellos: Nancy Baun, David Schmude
  • Bass: Bill Staebell
  • Guitar: Joanne Castellani
  • Piano: Sharon Johnson, Steve Thomas
  • Yoga: Lisa Griffis Davis
  • Registrar: Joshua Stamp
  • Photographer: Sarah K. McIlhatten

Please click the 'Faculty' button on the left to view more about VSC faculty.

Vivace String camp faculty in rehearsal

Classes run one hour. A sample day at Vivace includes:
  • breakfast
  • orchestra
  • yoga
  • sectionals for your instrument
  • lunch
  • seminar (all campers)
  • free time for Frisbee, joke telling, ping pong, swimming, or reading
  • dinner
  • chamber group
  • concert
  • time in your dorm before lights out!
Some comments from last year's campers:

"The concerts helped us get more classical music in our minds"
"I want to get better and it was fun"
"I love being with people who are inspired by music like I am"
"I really liked improving my playing"
"It was so much fun; can't wait til' next year"
"I love this camp"