Prelude Chamber Music Camp was founded in 2002 by Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra colleagues Jeanne Majors, Christopher Chappell, and Vernon Humbert.  Our fourth camp season will be held at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church during the first two weeks of June 2005.  During our 3rd camp season sixty--eight students representing 29 area string teachers were enrolled.  Our faculty-student ratio is 1:4 so we can provide opportunities to really "fine-tune" a student's ensemble-playing abilities. 

Stringed instrument students of all ages are welcomed.  Applications for the 2005 season are due on April 1.  We hold placement auditions in May and assign students to play in trios and quartets that are coached by our fine faculty.  There are two string orchestra sessions every day. Special events occur during each weekly session.  We will have a special class by the Ritz Chamber Players during week one.  There will be a recital each week given by the student groups and some ensembles are selected to perform outreach programs at area retirement communities.

Financial assistance from PCM, Inc. is available if a request is made with your application. Also, the Jacksonville Children's Commission (421 W. Church Street or at w.w.w.jaxkids.org) offers Camperships which can be applied to our camp tuition.  These scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  If your child might qualify, please pursue these scholarships first.

In December 2003, Prelude Chamber Music Camp, Inc. qualified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  Several programs during the year are scheduled to help raise funds for the scholarship and special events fund.  Donations are welcomed at any time for our music projects.

Prelude Chamber Music, Inc.will host a Weekend Chamber Music Workshop for Adult Amateurs and Advanced Students on February 19 - 21, 2005.  Participants will attend three oustanding concerts ( a JSO Masterworks concert; cellist David Finckel &  pianist Wu Han at the Cummer Museum; and Amelia Island Chamber Music Players on the Riverside Fine Arts Series at the Church of the Good Shepherd). There will be several coached practice sessions, a special masterclass, and an opportunity to perform at an informal recital. For details, contact Jeanne at 904-388-5738 or majorkey@bellsouth.net .