
VYO Chamber & Orchestral Summer Intensive
June 2-6, 2025
Blair Academy at Vanderbilt University
Blair Academy at Vanderbilt is thrilled to announce an exciting new chamber and orchestral training experience for precollegiate students! Led by the 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 the world-class Vanderbilt faculty musicians, ensuring 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: full orchestra, string orchestra, woodwind ensemble, and brass ensemble rehearsals and performances
- Chamber Music Focus: all students receive a comprehensive chamber music experience
- Masterclasses: woodwind, brass, string, and chamber masterclasses led by Vanderbilt's esteemed faculty
- Technique & Sectionals: small group technique classes and sectionals tailored to each instrument for personalized development
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
- 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 2-6, 2025
- Students can be dropped off as early at 8:15 a.m.
- The final concert will be on Friday, June 6.
Faculty
Christina McGann, violin and viola
Assistant Professor, Violin and Viola
An award-winning performer and educator, Christina 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 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 +
Sabrina Tabby, violin
Senior Artist Teacher of Suzuki Violin
Sabrina 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 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 +
Fred Sienkiewicz, trumpet
Director, Blair Academy Suzuki Trumpet Program
Fred 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. David 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 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 +
Joel Reist, bass
Assistant Professor of Double Bass
Bassist Joel Reist joined the Nashville Symphony in 1998 and has served as principal bass since 2003. He was previously a member of the New World Symphony (Miami, Fla.) and has performed at numerous festivals across the country. Joel holds degrees from Rice University (M.M.) and Carnegie Mellon University (B.F.A.). Read more +
Craig Madole, Intensive Director
Director, Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras
Craig 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 6-12 and woodwind/brass students in rising grades 9-12.
- Seniors graduating Spring 2025 must be current VYO members to apply and/or participate.
- Eligible instruments include: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Audition Videos:
- All audition videos should include approximately one and a half minutes of a prepared solo or excerpt, and a 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 Application: $619 (20% discount)
- Deadline March 3 - notified of acceptance by March 7
- Deadline March 3 - notified of acceptance by March 7
- Standard Application: $773
- Deadline April 21 - notified of acceptance by April 25
Participants will be provided with a VYO-COSI t-shirt, snacks, and lunches each day at a Vanderbilt University dining hall.
Need-based scholarships available with application for accepted students.
Space is limited - apply early!
Programs and Classes
- Blair Academy Student Handbook
- Register for Academy Classes
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras
- Vanderbilt Youth Choirs
- Vanderbilt Suzuki Program
- Private Lessons
- Fiddle
- Chamber Music and Collaborative Piano
- Beginning and Partner Piano
- Music Theory and Aural Skills
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology
- Blair Hit Songwriter Series
- Parking