String Summer Camp

Technique Classes

Posture, tone production, right and left hand technique.

String Ensembles

Chamber orchestra sessions, with a performance at the end of the week.

String Sectionals

Students will work with faculty on orchestral and chamber music by instrument and section

Masterclasses

 Campers have the opportunity to perform solo pieces and work one on one with faculty.

Music Electives

Students can choose one elective according to their interests such as Beginning Conducting, and more!

Final Performance

As a culmination of our work together, campers will participate in a performance on the final day that showcases what they have learned throughout the week.

Dr. Catalina Barraza

A violinist, conductor, and pedagogue with experience across the U.S. and internationally, currently serving as Assistant Professor of Violin/Viola and string area coordinator at San José State University, California. Has been a violin faculty and orchestra conductor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and is the director of the SJSU Summer String Institute.

Bruce Moyer

A bassist and educator with extensive experience; currently serving as the bass teacher and Coordinator of the Strings Program. He Has performed and is currently a member with many different symphonies and orchestras. A dedicated music educator, is also a faculty member at Santa Clara and Stanford Universities and director of one of the largest private studios in California.

Dr. James Lin

A cellist and educator, associate faculty at West Valley College, and faculty member for the SJSU Summer String Institute. A sought-after teacher and adjudicator, with students excelling in competitions and performances. Has performed with major orchestras and in solo and chamber concerts across North America and Europe.

Thomas Alexander

A violinist and educator with over 30 years in the Bay Area, performing with various community and professional orchestras. Spent 15 years with the San Francisco Civic Symphony, serving as concertmaster and founding multiple ensembles. Dedicated to making live music engaging, he founded impromptuSF and has been teaching adults for over 20 years. Works with youth through the Cambrian Symphony and Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. Serves as a faculty member for the SJSU Summer String Institute.

Carolyn Shannon - String Assistant

Carolyn is passionate about nurturing students and guiding them to their full musical potential.  She began Suzuki violin lessons with Katy Green in Idaho. In school, Carolyn played with the Caldwell orchestras where she discovered her love of chamber music.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in applied violin from Northwest Nazarene University, studying with Jennifer Drake and Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, performing with the Meridian Symphony and coaching chamber ensembles.