From the traditional to the extraordinary.
An annual celebration of nearly all-things-stringed!
String musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in a weekend that includes creative and inspiring workshops, adjudication from master teaching artists, a faculty recital, and a final celebratory performance of all NSSF participants.
The adjudication portion of the festival is open to both solo and ensemble players and will be held in an open-room masterclass format. Throughout the weekend, participants will be exposed to high-level presentations, professional instruction in both traditional and contemporary music, and have the chance to explore workshops designed to be relevant, informative, and fun. Students will gain performance experience while receiving guidance, constructive feedback, and important confidence-building tools helpful for any emerging artist.
The adjudication portion of the festival is open to both solo and ensemble players and will be held in an open-room masterclass format. Throughout the weekend, participants will be exposed to high-level presentations, professional instruction in both traditional and contemporary music, and have the chance to explore workshops designed to be relevant, informative, and fun. Students will gain performance experience while receiving guidance, constructive feedback, and important confidence-building tools helpful for any emerging artist.
2020 Spring Strings Team
Master Teaching Artists & Adjudicators
Cosima Luther• Adj. Violin Professor, Pepperdine University
• Lead Teaching Artist, Youth Orchestra LA • Co-founder, Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp • BIOGRAPHY Jessica Catron |
David Mason• Cello Faculty, Ventura College
• Cellist, Bakersfield Symphony • Advocate of Music by Living Composers • BIOGRAPHY Amelia Thornton |
Bill Kautz |
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FESTIVAL SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Saturday, February 29
8:30-3:30pm - Solo & Ensemble Adjudication
2:30-4pm - Workshop “Improvisation 101” by Billy Kautz
4pm - Workshop by Amelia Thornton (more info tba)
Sunday, March 1
10:30am - Workshop “Warrior Practice Techniques” by David Mason
11:30am - Workshop “Fiddling" by Cosima Luther
2pm - NSSF Final Performance and Celebration
Saturday, February 29
8:30-3:30pm - Solo & Ensemble Adjudication
2:30-4pm - Workshop “Improvisation 101” by Billy Kautz
4pm - Workshop by Amelia Thornton (more info tba)
Sunday, March 1
10:30am - Workshop “Warrior Practice Techniques” by David Mason
11:30am - Workshop “Fiddling" by Cosima Luther
2pm - NSSF Final Performance and Celebration
Festival Workshops
open to all, not just festival registrants!!
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Improvisation 101
Led by Billy Kautz Saturday, February 29th, 2:45-4:00pm $10 pre-registration, $15 drop-in *OPEN TO ALL INSTRUMENTS/VOICES!* Improvisation allows you to play things without having them written down or even having ever heard the sounds you are playing before. Improvisation allows musicians to play with sound - you get to try new ideas and new techniques. Playfulness helps musicians get into a free space inside themselves, where it is easy to connect to others and to the world in a more spiritual way. Improvisation is about seeking connection. If you listen, copy, and build on what others are doing -- magic happens! It's as if you are all one being, sharing each others thoughts and ideas in real time. Improvisation is a meditation. It is about being in a space where the music goes on and on, time slows, and you never want to stop. It fills you up to the brim and further. It amplifies your feelings to a place that is almost beyond endurance. Open to all levels - this is a class for anyone, regardless of experience! We will explore several fun and simple exercises to unleash our creativity - bring your instrument! |
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Something Special TBA
Led by Amelia Thornton Saturday, February 29th - 4:00-4:50pm $8 pre-registration, $10 drop-in tba |
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Be a Practice Warrior
Led by David Mason Sunday, March 1st - 10:30-11:20am venue tbd $8 pre-registration, $10 drop-in tba |
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Fiddling
Led by Cosima Luther Sunday, March 1st, 11:30-12:45pm $10 pre-registration, $15 drop-in tba open to all string players |
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Registration is opening in January 2020!
Images from the 2019 Nearly Spring Strings Festival