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Credo String Program 2010 : July 4 - July 24
Our twelfth summer of programming!

“The high level of communication and professionalism shown by all the student groups, performing after just a few days of rehearsals, came from something other than technical level or coaching; it stemmed from a real commitment, a belief in working together towards a greater goal.” - theStrad magazine

Credo is an intensive and invigorating program that includes music study, service, and performance. It is open to string players and pianists age 13-22.

Credo students typically hail from across the nation and several foreign lands, and cover a wide variety of social and faith backgrounds. They are united in their common love for (and excellence in) chamber music performance.

2010 marks Credo's twelfth summer of programming, our ninth at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.  

Credo students receive extensive daily coaching and mentoring with world-class faculty.  Students are placed in chamber music and residential environments on a basis of musical achievement and social development (age).  While in residence at Oberlin's world-renowned Conservatory of Music, students enjoy excellent rehearsal, coaching and practice facilities, a celebrated music library collection, and many recreational opportunities offered on Oberlin's park-like campus. It's a wonderful location to focus and grow. Take an Oberlin tour with SMI-Credo Artistic Director Peter Slowik to acquaint yourself with the campus and town.

Student Chamber Music Coaching / Performance
Each chamber group receives daily coaching and will be expected to perform several times each week. Repertoire will be assigned and mailed to students in June, allowing them to master their individual parts before arriving. This advance preparation combines with Credo's carefully matched assignments to foster unparalleled growth as individuals and ensembles.

As an important part of Credo's mission of service, students devote each Thursday to a variety of service activities. They share their special musical gifts in concerts at day-care centers, Oberlin summer educational programs, nursing homes, and prisons (for pre-professional/college students). They also experience the joy of accomplishment in such tasks as park site preparation, cleaning homeless shelters, and community beautification projects. Each service day offers an opportunity for faculty and students to connect outside the confines of the practice room, and to develop a life-long passion for serving others with our art and being.

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Faculty

The Credo Faculty come to Credo from many of the leading music schools and orchestras across the country. Together they create the (often life-changing!) CREDO experience.

Faculty for 2010 include:

Mark Butin, Chamber Music,  Principal Violist, Honolulu Symphony
Stephen Clapp, Violin; Dean of Julliard School
The Credo Trio:
            Karen Burgman, piano
            Elizabeth Larson, violin
            Steuart Pincombe, cello
Bryan Dumm, Violoncello; Cleveland Orchestra
John Fitchuk, Chamber music;
Alan Harrell, Violoncello; Cleveland Orchestra
James Howsmon, Piano, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Dr. Lee Joiner, Violin; Wheaton College 
Dr. Kangwon Kim , Concertmaster, Madison Bach Musicians
Marilyn McDonald, Master Classes, Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Matthew Michelic, Viola; Lawrence University
Peter Slowik, Viola; Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Dr. Kathryn Schmidt Steely, Viola; Baylor University
Milan Vitek, Violin; Oberlin Conservatory (on leave in 2010)
Anne Martindale Williams, Principal Cello; Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra

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Tuition/Fees

All-inclusive tuition, room/board fee for 21 days is $ 2930.

Calendar of deadlines for 2010:

February 1 – First admissions decisions made
February 20 – Additional admissions decisions made
March 13 - Complete file due for financial aid applicants
March 13 – Additional admissions decisions made
March 27 - Completed applications are due
April 1 – Final Admissions decisions made
April 15 – Final date for $400 total deposit due
Early June: Student orientation packets mailed
On or before arrival at Credo: Remaining balance due

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FAQ’s

What is Credo’s minimum performance level?
Credo is open to any player who would benefit from the environment of intensive chamber music instruction. Many Credo students are prizewinners in national and regional solo competitions, others sit at or near the front of their youth orchestra sections, and others are solid players with good intonation and rhythm. Students are admitted to Credo based on finding suitable chamber music partners – thus compatibility with other applicants is more of a deciding factor than absolute talent/achievement.

Is financial aid available for Credo?
Yes. Credo is committed to using financial aid to make our program available to all. Typically, over $75,000 of financial aid is awarded each year. Financial aid is awarded primarily on a need basis.

Where do Credo/Prelude students come from?
So far, Credo students have come from over 38 different states, from New York to Hawaii, from Alaska to Florida! Over the years, students also journeyed from Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada, and Tanzania to share the Credo experience.

Is Credo a "church camp?"
No. Credo is a music program of high-level study and performance. Credo programs use faith and service elements to enrich and deepen the student's commitment to excellence and appreciation of the special power of music.

Are all faiths welcome at Credo programs?
YES! Credo (Latin for, "I believe") is a place for development and strengthening of faith. The required morning sing is led from a non-denominational Christian perspective by faculty (Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Mennonite). At Credo, students from (nearly) all Christian denominations and several non-Christian faiths have grown together by discovering their common beliefs and respectfully discussing differences.

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Questions?

About the Program | Apply | Sample Day | Tuition/Financial Aid | Meet the Faculty | FAQ’s