Foundation Summer String Camp Information Packet

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Welcome to Foundation Summer String Camp!


We are delighted that your child will be joining us for a week of music, creativity, friendship, and discovery. Foundation Summer String Camp is designed to provide young beginners with a positive introduction to violin, viola, and cello through ensemble playing, movement, singing, music theory, and hands-on learning.

At Squam Ridge School of Music, we believe that music education should be engaging, challenging, and joyful. Through collaborative music-making and supportive instruction, students develop not only musical skills, but also confidence, focus, listening skills, creativity, and teamwork.

We look forward to making music with your child this summer!

Our Mission

Squam Ridge School of Music is dedicated to enriching the Lakes Region and White Mountains communities of New Hampshire through accessible, high-quality music education, meaningful performance opportunities, collaborative ensembles, and cultural education that fosters creativity, connection, and lifelong engagement with the arts.

Program Goals

  • Learn the fundamentals of a string instrument
  • Develop listening skills and musical awareness
  • Learn and apply basic music theory concepts
  • Participate in ensemble music-making
  • Build confidence through performance
  • Develop friendships through collaborative activities
  • Learn about different styles, cultures, and string music traditions
  • Experience the joy of music in a supportive environment

Camp Information

Dates: July 27–31, 2026

Location
Squam Ridge School of Music
420 Holderness Road (Route 113), Sandwich, NH
GPS: Squam Ridge School of Music

Please arrive between 9:50 and 10:00 AM
Camp begins promptly at 10:00 AM each day.
Students should be picked up promptly at 2:00 PM each day.
Friday’s schedule differs slightly due to the final performance.

Mentorship Ensemble

One unique aspect of Foundation Summer String Camp is our mentorship ensemble.

The Foundation Summer String Camp schedule overlaps with the Ridgeline Summer String Camp schedule, allowing beginning students to work alongside more experienced young musicians.

During the mentorship ensemble, Foundation students will be paired with Ridgeline students who can model good playing habits, ensemble skills, and positive musical leadership.

This collaborative experience encourages confidence, teamwork, and musical growth for students in both programs

Daily Musical Discoveries may include:

  • Meet the Violin, Viola, and Cello
  • The Amazing Hurdy-Gurdy
  • Music Around the World
  • How Music Tells Stories
  • Meet the Piano
  • Famous Composers and Great Performers
  • Rhythm, Dance, and Folk Traditions
  • How Instruments Make Sound

Every discovery encourages curiosity, creativity, thoughtful listening, and active participation. Students are invited to ask questions, make observations, and connect what they hear with the music they are learning throughout the week.

Daily Schedule

10:00 AM — Arrival & Welcome

Students arrive, unpack their instruments, greet their friends, and prepare for a fun day of music-making.

10:15 AM — Musical Warm-Up

Each day begins with movement, rhythm games, instrument fundamentals, listening activities, and playful exercises that prepare students physically and musically.

10:35 AM — Musical Discovery

Every day features a new musical topic through live demonstrations, performances, storytelling, and hands-on exploration. Students are encouraged to ask questions, make observations, and discover how music communicates ideas, emotions, and stories.

11:00 AM — Foundation String Ensemble

Students learn together through ensemble playing while developing listening skills, rhythm, teamwork, musical confidence, and expressive playing.

11:45 AM — Lunch & Outdoor Recreation

Students enjoy lunch together followed by supervised outdoor recreation, free play, organized games, and nature exploration (weather permitting). This extended break gives campers time to recharge, socialize, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Squam Ridge School of Music.

12:45 PM — Musical Challenges

Through fun games and collaborative activities, students strengthen technical skills, rhythm, note reading, scales, listening, creativity, and teamwork. Musical Challenges change throughout the week and are designed to reinforce concepts learned during camp while keeping students engaged through exploration and play.

1:10 PM — Ridgeline Collaborative Ensemble

Foundation campers join students from the Ridgeline Summer String Camp for a collaborative rehearsal where more experienced musicians mentor younger players through side-by-each ensemble playing. This shared rehearsal gives Foundation students an inspiring glimpse of what they can achieve with continued study while providing Ridgeline students valuable leadership experience and reinforcing a supportive musical community.

1:50 PM — Mini Performance & Camp Recap

Each afternoon concludes with a brief informal performance where students share something they learned that day—whether it’s a new song, rhythm game, ensemble piece, or musical discovery. Instructors celebrate each student’s accomplishments, reflect on the day’s activities, answer questions, and preview the adventures planned for tomorrow. Parents are welcome to arrive a few minutes early whenever possible to enjoy these daily musical “show-and-share” moments.

2:00 PM — Pick-Up

What to Bring each day

  • Instrument (if not using a school instrument)
  • Pencil
  • Packed lunch
  • Water bottle
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Appropriate footwear for indoor and outdoor activities
  • Please label all personal belongings with the student’s name.

Materials Provided

Squam Ridge School of Music will provide:

  • Sheet music
  • Staff paper
  • Music stands
  • Chairs
  • Educational materials
  • Camp activity supplies

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Parents and guardians are responsible for signing students in and out each day. Please notify camp staff if someone other than the parent or guardian will be picking up a student. If you anticipate arriving late for drop-off or pick-up, please contact camp staff as soon as possible.

Please arrive between 9:50 and 10:00 AM.
Camp begins promptly at 10:00 AM each day.
Students should be picked up promptly at 2:00 PM each day.
Friday’s schedule differs slightly due to the final performance.

Final Performance

Parents, family members, friends, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend our final performance.
This concert celebrates the accomplishments and growth of our students throughout the week and showcases the skills they have developed through rehearsal and collaboration.

Performance Information

Friday, July 31, 2026
3:00 PM
Location: To Be Announced

Students should remain at camp following the regular schedule in preparation for the performance.

Instrument Information

School Rental Instruments

Instruments such as violins, violas, and cellos, come in different sizes. In order to be sized appropriately, we will reach out to you when you sign up.

Students renting instruments through Squam Ridge School of Music will be assigned an instrument labeled with their name.

These instruments will remain on school property throughout the duration of camp and should not be taken hom

Personal Instruments

Students using their own instrument should ensure it is in good playing condition before camp begins. You should have the instrument itself (violin, viola, or cello), the bow, rosin, and a case.

If you are unsure whether your instrument is appropriately sized or in good working order, please contact Director Shelby Trevor to schedule an instrument consultation before camp begins.

If you are providing an instrument, you must ensure that you have the instrument before the start of camp. If you do not have an instrument by the start of camp, we will not refund your registration fee. We recommend that you have your instrument at least one week before the start of camp. If you do not have your instrument by July 24th, let us know so we can get one for you when we pick up the rentals for the other students.

Lunch and Health Information

Students should bring a packed lunch each day.

Please notify us of:

  • Food allergies
  • Environmental allergies
  • Medical conditions
  • Emergency medications
  • Other important health concerns

Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

Attendance

Consistent attendance is strongly encouraged, as each day’s activities build upon the previous day’s learning.
Please notify camp staff if your child will be absent

Questions?

For questions regarding camp, instruments, registration, or placement, please contact:

Shelby Trevor, Artistic and Educational Director & Co-Founder
603-800-3690
shelby.trevor@squamridgeschoolofmusic.org

Noelle Beaudin, Executive Director & Co-Founder
603-677-6537
noelle.beaudin@squamridgeschoolofmusic.org