Preparatory Program

COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

 *Update* Auditions for the 20-21 Preparatory Program will be online.

The Preparatory Program (Prep) is a chamber music based program designed to augment the individual music study of exceptionally talented string, wind, and piano students who anticipate pursuing a career in music. Utilizing the vast artistic resources of the Greater St. Louis region, including the St. Louis Symphony, area University and other music professionals, and our own Community Music School and Webster University faculty, the Preparatory Program offers high caliber instruction, performance opportunities, and artistic mentoring in one comprehensive curriculum. In addition to chamber music, the curriculum includes theory, ear training, music history and literature, performance classes, and special events such as student solo and guest recitals, master classes, guest lectures and public service projects. The Preparatory Program seeks to offer the resources and opportunities necessary to support tomorrow's professional musicians.

 Davin Rubicz, Artistic Coordinator 

Age Requirement:  students in grades 9-12. Younger students may be considered, based on teacher recommendation.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, August 28, 2020
AUDITION SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Saturday, September 12 by 6:00 PM

Complete a 2020-2021 Preparatory Program Audition Application

 

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Who should apply:

• Most advanced string, wind, and piano students who are well into the concerto level repertoire
• In grades 9-12.  Younger students may be considered based on teacher recommendation
• Studying privately on the instrument on which they will audition
• Highly motivated and who anticipate pursuing music study at the collegiate or conservatory level

Enrollment is limited to 35 students.

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Audition Requirements

CLICK HERE for the Suggested Audition Repertoire

Each student will have 10 minutes to audition.  Although jurors may hear only a portion of the repertoire, students should prepare all required material specified below:

• Two (2) contrasting pieces or movements to best demonstrate technical and musical ability.  Memorization is suggested by not required.  Accompanists are not required; students may elect to bring their own accompanists.
• Sight-reading excerpts will be selected by the jurors for the audition
• All major and melodic minor scales
  • Piano:  4 octaves plus harmonic minor scales
  • Strings:  3 octaves/4 notes per bow
  • Winds:  minimum 2 octaves plus chromatic scales

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Fees:  $930 (due November 1)

• $30 non-refundable registration fee assessed once per academic year per student upon enrollment.
• Upon acceptance, tuition is billed in October.  Limited tuition assistance is available.

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Program Dates:  September 30, 2020 - April 30, 2021

Orientation (6:30 pm):  Wednesday, September 30, 2020

3 Concert Cycle Rotations (weekly coachings): 10/12-11/29; 1/24-2/24; 3/8-4/25

Wednesday Group Classes (6-9pm): October 14, November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 10, and April 14 (2nd Wednesday of each month)

St. Looey Chamber Blitz:  February 12 - 14, 2021

Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition:  May 8 - 9, 2021 (selected students only)

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2020-2021 Concerts 

Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 6pm
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 7pm 
Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 6pm 

Click Here to go to the Prep YouTube Channel.

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Davin Rubicz - Preparatory Program Artistic Coordinator

 M.M. in cello performance, Rice University; B.M. Cleveland Institute of Music; Primary teachers: Richard Aaron, Norman Fischer. Section member:  Saint Louis Symphony (2010-2016), Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (2008-2009), Kansas City Symphony (2005-2008). Teaching positions include: Mercer University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, C.I.M. and Rice University preparatory depts. Professional chamber music festivals: LaJolla SummerFest, Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, Missouri Chamber Music Festival, Pulitzer Arts Foundation series. Student festivals: Aspen Music Festival (multi year fellowship), Music Academy of the West, Taos Music Festival, Spoleto Music Festival (Italy), ENCORE School for Strings, Indiana String Academy

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 Resources for Prospective Students:

• Download a 2020-21 Preparatory Program Audition Application (.pdf)
• Audition Policies, Requirements, and Process
• Financial Assistance & Scholarships
• Questions?  Call (314) 968-5939 or email Davin Rubicz at davinrubicz@webster.edu

Resources for Current Prep Students:

• 19-20 Prep Program Student Handbook