Ridgeline Summer String Camp Information Packet

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Welcome to Ridgeline Summer String Camp!

We are delighted that your child will be joining us for a week of music, creativity, friendship, and musical growth. Ridgeline Summer String Camp is designed for developing violinists, violists, and cellists who are ready to strengthen their skills, deepen their musical understanding, and gain valuable ensemble experience.

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, creativity, leadership, 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

Students will:

  • Improve technique and confidence on their instrument
  • Develop stronger listening skills and musical awareness
  • Expand and apply their understanding of music theory
  • Strengthen note-reading and rhythm skills
  • Develop ensemble rehearsal and performance skills
  • Build leadership and mentorship skills
  • Gain experience performing with musicians of varying skill levels
  • Develop friendships through collaborative musical experiences
  • Experience the joy of making music in a supportive community

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 12:20 PM and 12:30 PM.
Camp begins promptly at 12:30 PM each day.
Students should be picked up promptly at 4:00 PM each day.
Friday’s schedule differs slightly due to the final performance.

Mentorship Ensemble

One unique aspect of Ridgeline Summer String Camp is our mentorship ensemble. The Ridgeline Summer String Camp schedule overlaps with the Foundation Summer String Camp schedule, allowing developing musicians to work alongside younger and less experienced students.

During the mentorship ensemble, Ridgeline students serve as musical role models and leaders, helping Foundation students develop confidence, ensemble awareness, and positive musical habits. This collaborative experience benefits students in both programs. Foundation students gain encouragement and support from older musicians, while Ridgeline students strengthen their own understanding through leadership, observation, and teaching.

Mentorship is an important part of the Squam Ridge educational philosophy and helps foster a strong sense of community among students of all ages and experience levels.

Leadership Expectations
Ridgeline students are expected to model positive behavior, respectful communication, attentiveness, and good musical habits during camp activities. As mentors to younger students, they help create a welcoming and encouraging environment for all participants.

Daily Artist Workshops

Each day features an interactive workshop designed to broaden students’ musical understanding through live performances, demonstrations, masterclasses, discussions, and creative exploration.

Artist Workshops may include:

  • Faculty performances and demonstrations
  • Instrument history and performance practice
  • Student masterclasses and performance coaching
  • Music theory in performance
  • Chamber music coaching
  • Career pathways in music
  • Listening and score study
  • Composition and improisation

Students are encouraged to ask questions, engage in discussion, and explore music from the perspective of developing artists.

Daily Schedule

12:30 PM — Arrival & Warm-Up

Students arrive, unpack their instruments, reconnect with friends, and prepare for the afternoon’s rehearsals and workshops.

12:45 PM — Technique & Musicianship

Students strengthen technical skills through scales, shifting exercises, rhythm activities, ear training, and other musicianship exercises designed to build confident, expressive performers.

1:10 PM — Ridgeline Collaborative Ensemble

Ridgeline students are joined by Foundation campers for a collaborative rehearsal where experienced students serve as mentors through side-by-side ensemble playing. This shared rehearsal develops leadership, communication, ensemble awareness, and musical confidence while fostering a supportive learning community.

1:50 PM — Break & Recreation

Students enjoy a short break with time to relax, socialize, and recharge before the afternoon’s workshop and rehearsal.

2:05 PM — Artist Workshop

Each day features an interactive workshop designed to broaden students’ musical understanding through live performances, demonstrations, masterclasses, discussions, and creative exploration.

3:00 PM — Ridgeline String Ensemble

Students rehearse challenging repertoire while developing ensemble skills, musical expression, stylistic awareness, leadership, and artistic independence in preparation for the final performance.

3:50 PM — Performance Reflection & Pack-Up

Students reflect on the day’s accomplishments, discuss rehearsal goals, celebrate progress, and preview the next day’s activities before dismissal.

4:00 PM — Pick-Up

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.

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

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, collaboration, and musical leadership.

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 home.

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