This immersive program is designed to encourage students in the art of chamber music and foster collaboration, creativity and musical excellence. Students will spend the weekend working intensively to hone their chamber music skills while cultivating the joy of collaborative music making. Guided by BCMS Performing Artists and WCC music faculty, students will be led in sessions focused on musicianship, rehearsal technique and performing technique. The weekend will culminate in a celebratory performance on the last day that will be open to the public and showcase the participants.
Students can apply as individuals (to be placed in trios, quartets, quintets, or string choirs) or as preformed groups.
Jump to: How to Apply | Who Can Apply
When & Where
April 18-19, 2026
Heiner Hall, Whatcom Community College
How to Apply
Deadline: March 1st, 2026
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. See “Who can apply”, below.
- Make an audio or video recording of yourself or your ensemble performing.
- Complete the application form by the deadline.
- Applying is free.
Core Faculty
- Pat Nelson, Woodwinds Coach
- Erika Block, Woodwinds Coach
- Jennifer Weeks, Woodwinds Coach
- Lenelle Morse, Violin/Strings Coach
- Lisa Humphrey, Viola/Strings Coach
- Samantha Sinai, Cello/Strings Coach
- Rebekah Hood Sava, Cello/Strings Coach
- Jeffrey Gilliam, Piano/Ensemble Coach
- Gabriel Manalac, Piano/Ensemble Coach
- Vince Green, Brass/Ensemble Coach
Who Can Apply
- Students from Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and Island counties interested in playing music in small ensembles.
- Ages 11-18 (*younger qualified students may be admitted to the program)
- Musical Ability:
- Intermediate Strings: For those who have completed Suzuki book 2 or equivalent and are excited to explore more ensemble playing.
- Advanced Strings: Be able to play 3 octave scales, are comfortable one on a part, are working in the equivalent to Suzuki Book 5 and above.
- Advanced Winds/Brass: Be able to play full range scales, are comfortable one on a part, and have experience playing in small ensembles and/or orchestral settings. For example: participation in Solo and Ensemble events, All State events, local youth orchestras.
- Advanced Piano: Be able to play at the level of Clementi/Kuhlau sonatina, Bach inventions, & Chopin preludes and above.
- Ensembles and individuals:
- Apply as a pre-formed ensemble. Do you already play chamber music with a group at school or through an afterschool program? Your entire ensemble can apply to participate. This immersive experience will help bring your group to the next level of playing. One member of your group must reside in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, or Island county.
- Apply as an individual. Curious about chamber music, but have never participated? Students can apply as individuals and will be placed in a chamber music ensemble of compatible ability.
Preparing Your Recording
- Find a quiet place to record.
- Audio or video is acceptable.
- If submitting a video, please make sure your entire upper body is visible. For string players, make sure your bow hand is still visible when you are playing at the tip.
- Recording (individuals):
- State your name, age, and the title of the piece that you will be performing.
- Play a two or three octave scale of your choice.
- Perform 2 minutes of a solo.
- Recording (ensembles):
- Students applying as a pre-formed group may submit one 3-5 minute recording for the group.
- State the names of the performers, age and title of the piece that you will be submitting.
- Ensembles who participated at the Regional SJMEA Solo and Ensemble event can submit a partial recording from this performance.
Accepted Applicants
If you are accepted into the Youth Chamber Music weekend, you will receive an acceptance letter by March 5 th via email.
Your acceptance email will include:
- Link to pay the registration fee due by April 1st. Full tuition is $250.
- Option to request financial based need assistance will be available at this time.
- Please read our financial aid information below.
A follow up email will include:
- Music you have been assigned to practice and a recording to help learn the piece as a whole
- If you are attending as a pre-formed group coming with music please send links to scores
- A map of Whatcom Community College with how to find parking and the music department will be included
- Student schedule of events for the weekend
Applicants who are not accepted into the festival this year will receive a full review of their application with suggestions for how to be successful the following year.
Financial Aid
We believe in equity and access to educational programs for students and are committed to helping those accepted into the program with partial or full tuition assistance if needed.
Support HCMF!
If you’re able, please consider donating to the Harmony Chamber Music Festival so we can continue to offset tuition costs to families.
Questions
Have a look at the most frequent questions about the festival.
Many Thanks to Our Festival Sponsors
