Enrollment Update: Preview and apply for Parsons Summer Intensive Studies courses now. Preview spring courses before registration opens on November 12.

About This Program

In this intensive experience with Mannes School of Music, participants will learn, rehearse, and perform alongside Sandbox Percussion through daily rehearsals, coachings, and workshops. Participants will be divided into multiple chamber groups, each consisting of one member of Sandbox Percussion and two to four participants. These groups rehearse a concentrated selection of repertoire for several hours each day, vigorously studying and learning the music more deeply than ever before. Each chamber group presents their piece in a culminating marathon public performance on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
 
Participants will also attend evening master classes and lectures with Sandbox Percussion and guest artists to learn about both the creative and administrative aspects of running a successful chamber music ensemble. As an added benefit, seminar participants will participate in Biophony on Thursday, June 20, 2024, a special sunrise-to-sunset festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden's iconic 52-acre site, thanks to a special collaboration with Metropolis Ensemble.

Chamber Music Intensive
New for 2024, the seminar will feature a concurrent Chamber Music Intensive (CMI) for advanced participants. This program is specifically designed for those seeking an immersive chamber music experience that simulates the experience of having a chamber music group comprised of you and your peers. These participants will be placed in an independent group and assigned selections from Sandbox Percussion's repertoire. They will receive intensive daily coaching from all four members of Sandbox Percussion and a daily "sit-in" session, during which one or two members of Sandbox will join in to play and rehearse with the group.

Participants in the CMI will also attend all guest and Sandbox Percussion masterclasses and performance classes, plus perform in the final seminar concert and at Biophony.

Applicants may indicate their interest for consideration on the standard application form, and pre-existing chamber groups may apply. Individual applicants accepted into the Chamber Music Intensive will be assigned to a new ensemble.

Observation Pass
We are delighted to offer an Observation Pass for the Summer Seminar, open to everyone of all ages—from students to hobbyists to professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to observe all performance classes, Sandbox Percussion masterclasses, and guest artist seminars. They will also be given priority seating at the final Seminar concert on June 18, as well as access to the Biophony marathon on June 20.

Format: On-site

Dates: June 12-20, 2024

What You'll Gain

  • Concentrated group percussion coaching
  • In-depth knowledge of contemporary percussion repertoire
  • Immersive performance experiences
  • Supplemental classes with practicing artists

How You'll Learn

  • Direct interaction with Grammy-nominated Sandbox Percussion members
  • Collaboration in small group settings
  • Rehearsals towards final performances
Schedule and Location

June 12-20, 2024 (see schedule)

Arnhold Hall, 55 W13th Street
New York, NY 10011
Tuition and Registration

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees (Seminar): $1,245 + $40 fee

Tuition and fees (Observation Pass): $300 + $40 fee

University credits: This is a noncredit program.

Questions: Contact us here.

Seminar Application Process

Please note that students must be at least 16 years of age by June 1, 2024 to participate in the Summer Seminar.

Deadlines

  • February 16, 2024: Early Decision
  • April 3, 2024: Regular Decision

 All students must submit an application and will be required to provide the following:

  • Written or selfie-style video response (approximately 250 words or a 1-minute video) explaining why you want to come to the Sandbox Percussion Seminar and/or the Chamber Music Intensive, what you are hoping to learn, and what you are hoping to share.
  • Two links to recordings (preferably video) of yourself playing:
    • One solo on a mallet instrument
    • One contrasting piece of your choice, on an instrument of your choice

Applicants who would like to be considered for the Chamber Music Intensive will additionally be asked to provide the following:

  • Pre-existing ensembles: A list of all group members (NB: each member must submit an application form), as well as any additional information you would like to share about your group

Observation Pass

Observation Pass participants should complete the Observation Pass Interest Form. Once reviewed, follow-up information will be provided to complete registration.

Requirements

Please note that students must be at least 16 years of age by June 1, 2024 to participate in the Summer Seminar.

Observation Pass is open to anyone of all ages.

Housing

Housing is available to seminar participants at an additional cost.

Housing is available to Observation Pass participants ages 16 years or older at an additional cost.

Out-of-state and international students who are interested in the summer program should email mannesprep@newschool.edu for housing information.

Refund Policy

Tuition is non-refundable.

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