For the past eight years, Encore Strings Birmingham has welcomed young musicians for a week of learning, collaboration, friendship, and — of course — lots of music.
This past June, our Summer Academy was especially exciting because, for the first time, we expanded our program to serve two different age and experience levels. The result was a summer filled with new music, new friendships, outdoor fun, and two wonderful performances for family and friends.
A New Camp for Beginning String Players
Over the years, Encore Strings Birmingham’s Summer Academy has welcomed students ages 7 and older who range from early intermediate musicians to advanced players. But we began to recognize a need for something new.
Younger students — especially those at an early Suzuki Book 1 level — also need opportunities to experience the joy of making music with others.
That led to the creation of a separate camp designed specifically for beginning musicians.
For students who primarily study their instrument through private lessons, opportunities to play alongside other young musicians can be limited. Our new camp gave beginning string players the chance to put newly learned skills into practice, experience ensemble playing, and discover the excitement of creating music as part of a group.
Just as importantly, it gave them an opportunity to connect with other children who share their interest in music.
Keeping the Momentum Going Through Summer
Summer can be a wonderful time for young musicians to continue building upon the foundation they have worked so hard to establish during the school year.
Rather than stepping away from their instruments for several months, students at Encore Strings Birmingham’s Summer Academy have the opportunity to continue learning, playing, and growing in a fun and encouraging environment.
Through ensemble rehearsals and instruction from members of Encore Strings Birmingham, students learn new music while developing important skills they can carry back into their private lessons and future musical experiences.
Learning Beyond the Music Stand
Of course, Summer Academy is about much more than rehearsals.
Throughout the week, students also explore music history and theory through interactive activities and games designed to make learning fun.
Between rehearsals and lessons, campers have time to step outside, play four-square and frisbee, create sidewalk art with chalk, and simply enjoy being kids.
It is this balance of focused learning, creativity, and play that makes Summer Academy such a special experience.
A Week That Ends in Music
At the end of each camp, students have the opportunity to share what they have learned during a final performance for family and friends.
Seeing young musicians take the stage after a week of learning and collaboration is always one of our favorite moments. This year’s concerts were made even more special as members of Encore Strings Birmingham joined in the celebration of the students’ hard work and accomplishments.
From the first notes played in rehearsal to the final applause at the concert, the week was a reminder of what can happen when young musicians are given the opportunity to learn together.
Save the Dates for Summer Academy 2027
We are already looking forward to next summer!
Encore Strings Summer Academy: Prelude Strings
July 12–16, 2027
Designed for younger beginning string players, including students ages 6 and older who are at an early Suzuki Book 1 level.
Encore Strings Summer Academy: Chamber Strings
June 21–25, 2027
Designed for students ages 7 and older, from early intermediate through advanced players.
Both camps will take place at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and will culminate in a final performance for family and friends.
Give the Gift of Music
Registration for the 2027 Encore Strings Birmingham Summer Academy will open by January 1, 2027 — and what could be a more meaningful gift for a young string player?
For parents, grandparents, and loved ones looking for a meaningful birthday or holiday gift for a young string player, an Encore Strings Birmingham Summer Academy experience is a wonderful opportunity to give them something truly lasting: the joy of making music, building confidence, and connecting with other young musicians.
We can’t wait to see what next summer brings!
