VYO Chamber & Orchestral Summer Intensive
June 1-5, 2026
Blair Academy at Vanderbilt University
Blair Academy at Vanderbilt is thrilled to again offer orchestral training experience with the option to also participate in an immersive daily chamber music experience for precollegiate students! Led by and extensive faculty of the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, this five-day program provides an experience tailored for the most talented young musicians. Students will work closely with world-class instructors, ensuring expanded potential for artistic growth and creative inspiration.
As the only precollegiate summer intensive in the Southeast offering both orchestral and chamber instruction, this inaugural event promises a rewarding and transformative experience for participants.
Program Highlights:
- Orchestral Training: Comprehensive full orchestral training experience for woodwind, brass, percussion, and string musicians
- Technique & Sectionals: Instrument specific technique classes and sectionals
- Chamber Music Focus: Optional add-on chamber music experience
- Masterclasses: Opportunity to audition for masterclass performances
In addition to these diverse opportunities, students will enjoy a rigorous yet supportive environment that fosters musicianship, artistry, and technical excellence.
Join us for this extraordinary opportunity to elevate your musicianship and create lasting memories alongside peers who share your passion for chamber and orchestral music!
Location
Blair Academy at Vanderbilt is located at the Blair School of Music, 2400 Blakemore Avenue in Nashville, on the campus of Vanderbilt University.
Schedule
Orchestral Intensive:
- 12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 1-5, 2026
- Students should not arrive/be dropped off until 12:15 pm
Chamber Intensive - optional add-on*
- 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 1-5, 2026
- Students should not arrive/be dropped off until 8:50am
The final concert for both intensives will be on Friday, June 5.
Faculty
Violin Masterclass
Cornelia Heard, violin
Professor of Violin
A member of the lauded Blair String Quartet, Cornelia Heard holds the Valere Blair Potter Chair at Blair School of Music and has served on the artist faculty and as co-director of the chamber music program at the Aspen Music Festival and School since 2005. Heard holds a master of music degree from the Juilliard School . Read more +
Christina McGann, Chamber Coordinator
Assistant Professor, Violin and Viola
An award-winning performer and educator, Christina McGann has performed as a soloist at the Kennedy Center and appeared with orchestras around the world. In addition to her chamber engagements, she is concertmaster of the Nashville Opera. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in violin performance from The Juilliard School. Read more +
Kirsten Greer, cello
Senior Artist Teacher of Suzuki Cello
A member of the Atlantic Ensemble touring chamber group and a Blair instructor since 2005, Kirsten Greer is an avid performer of new and commissioned works, with world premieres throughout the U.S. and Europe. She holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the University of South Carolina. Read more +
Daniel Reinker, viola
Adjunct Associate Professor of Viola
Daniel Reinker joined the Blair viola faculty in 2002 and also serves as principal viola with the Nashville Symphony. Formerly a member of the San Antonio Symphony and Ohio Chamber Orchestra, Reinker studied at the Univ. of Cincinnati College-Conservatory, the Yale School of Music, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Read more +
Sabrina Tabby, violin
Senior Artist Teacher of Suzuki Violin
Sabrina Tabby has performed across four continents as a concertmaster, soloist, and ensemble player. She was recently appointed Concertmaster of the Mankato Symphony in Minnesota, and appears on numerous albums and motion picture soundtracks. Read more +
Jessica Dunnavant, flute
Artist Teacher of Flute
An active teacher and performer, Jessica Dunnavant is a member of the Jackson Symphony (Tenn.) and performs with Music City Baroque. She previously taught at Texas A&M-Kingsville, Florida State, and Middle Tennessee State University. Jessica holds degrees from MTSU, the University of Maryland, and Florida State. Read more +
Cassie Lee, Clarinet
Adjunct Associate Professor of Clarinet
An active performer and educator, Cassie Lee has been a member of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra since 1979 and previously performed with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the Ars Nova Woodwind Quintet. She has held faculty appointments at the University of Tennessee and the Governor’s School for the Arts and has been a member of the Blair School of Music faculty since 1981. Read more +
Fred Sienkiewicz, trumpet
Director, Blair Academy Suzuki Trumpet Program
Fred Sienkiewicz leads the only Suzuki Trumpet training in Tennessee and is an accomplished musician who has performed with the Nashville Symphony and Nashville Opera. He holds a doctorate from Boston University and degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music and University of Massachusetts. Read more +
David Samuel, viola
Assistant Professor of Viola
David Samuel is a member of the esteemed Alexander String Quartet and toured the world for eight years with the Afiara Quartet. He formerly served as associate principal viola with the Auckland (New Zealand) Philharmonia Orchestra. Samuel attended The Juilliard School, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Read more +
Bethany Wiese, tuba
Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium
Appointed to the Blair faculty in fall 2023, Beth Wiese formerly served at Appalachian State University (Boone, N.C.) and spent two years as a fellow of the New World Symphony (Miami, Fla.). She holds degrees from Northwestern University (D.M.), Yale University (M.M.), and Lawrence University (B.M.). Read more +
Craig Madole, Intensive Director
Director, Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras
Craig Madole has extensive experience in conducting, teaching, and leadership, as he mentors Blair music education students and local area teachers. He pioneered Williamson County School’s first middle school orchestra program in 2007 and remains active as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and music education advocate. Read more +
Application Process
VYO-COSI is open by audition to string students in rising grades 8-12 and woodwind/brass students in rising grades 9-12.
*Younger students may apply if their ability level is appropriate. Please email Craig.A.Madole@vanderbilt.edu for this request prior to applying.
- Seniors graduating Spring 2026 must be current VYO members to apply and/or participate.
- Eligible instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, and bass
- VYO musicians currently in Philharmonia and Curb Youth Symphony do not need to submit an audition if only participating in the Orchestral Intensive - only a prepared solo for the chamber intensive.
- Students must participate in the Orchestral intensive to participate in the Chamber Intensive add-on.
Audition Videos:
- Audition videos should include approximately one and a half minutes of a prepared solo, etude, or excerpt and 1 melodic-minor scale and arpeggio of choice.
- Violin, viola, and cello, should play 3 octaves.
- All other instruments should pick a melodic minor scale and arpeggio that can reflect the full range of the student’s instrument and musical capability.
- Upload an unlisted YouTube link of your audition video to the application form.
Tuition & Deadlines
- EARLY-BIRD application deadline: Wednesday March 4, 2026
- EARLY-BIRD Tuition save 20%: Orchestral Intensive $364; Chamber Intensive $280 ($644)
- Last Chance application deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Accepted students will be notified by April 22. (Registration may close before April 15 as positions are filled.)
- Last Chance Tuition: Orchestral Intensive $455, Chamber Intensive tuition $350 ($805)
- 25% sibling discount also available
- Positions fill quickly - Apply as soon as possible!
- Registration and all forms in VUPACE must be completed by 2 weeks after each application deadline in order to secure your placement and any applicable discounts.
Participants will be provided with a VYO-COSI t-shirt, and a snack.
Participants participating in both intensives will need to bring a sack lunch.
Need-based scholarships available with application for accepted students