Mahler Project applications open in select instruments — Click here for more details

String Intensive applications due MAY 1st

About Credo National Festival

For 25 years Credo has fostered the growth of prominent young musicians through our unique amalgam of music, faith, and service (Develop the Gift, Acknowledge the Source, and Respond in Service).

This year our program will be a spectacular week of education and performance in Chicago’s legendary Symphony Center.

The Credo National Festival will have two tracks:

Mahler Project
July 14-20, 2024

Orchestral students ages 18-26 will experience a focused week of professional preparation of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 under the direction of Maestro David Chan (MET Opera, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music). Every section will be led by a titled player from a major American Orchestra. Every day will present numerous formal and informal opportunities for close musical and personal mentorship with acclaimed faculty. Applications open in select instruments – Click here for more details.

String Intensive
July 15-20, 2024

String students ages 12-19 will follow an exhilarating curriculum of chamber music, master classes, career development, and musicianship. String intensive students will interact with faculty members of the Mahler Project. All students in String Intensive will perform in Symphony Center under the direction of Credo Artistic Director Peter Slowik (Oberlin Conservatory), conducting them in Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings. Applications due May 1st.

 

All Credo National students will experience:

Credo alumni and NEC students at an outreach event

  • Instrumental technique classes

  • Intensive rehearsal and performance schedule

  • Outreach events in and around Chicago

  • Comp tickets to National Festival Finale Concert in Symphony Center

  • Attend Grant Park Symphony Concerts

  • Visit world-recognized luthier and bow maker shops in the immediate area

Mahler Project students additionally receive:

  • Side-by-side rehearsal and performance with professionals in your section

  • Professional mentoring

  • Mock auditions

String Intensive students additionally receive:

  • Chamber music reading and performance

  • Interpretation (musical theory and form) classes

  • Visit the Art Institute of Chicago (across the street from Symphony Center)

 
 

“Music making was always the top priority and I felt immensely blessed to be a part of something so pure and good. Credo teaches and encourages each musician to be highly skilled technicians, thoughtful artists, and sensitive collaborative players, but most importantly it carries the message that music comes from deeply rooted place in each of us, and with that we are capable of expressing our joy and giving our musical message to everyone who listens.”

Hannah Hammel (Credo ‘14, ‘15) Principal Flute, Detroit Symphony Orchestra

 
 

2024 Credo National Faculty

Festival Directors:

  • Peter Slowik (Credo Artistic Director, String Intensive Conductor), Oberlin Conservatory

  • David Chan (Mahler Project Conductor), MET Opera, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music

faculty:

  • David Taylor, Assistant Concertmaster, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

  • Holly Jenkins, Violin, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

  • Lisa-Beth Lambert, Violin, National Symphony

  • Hanah Stuart, Violin, San Diego Symphony

  • Marlea Simpson, Associate Principal Viola, Minnesota Orchestra

  • Aaron Mossburg, Viola, Pittsburgh Symphony

  • Daniel Orsen, Viola, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra

  • Anne Martindale Williams, Principal Cello, Pittsburgh Symphony

  • Amos Yang, Assistant Principal Cello, San Francisco Symphony

  • Scott Pingel, Principal Bass, San Francisco Symphony

  • Andy Anderson, Acting Assistant Principal Bass, Lyric Opera of Chicago

  • Marie Tachouet, Principal Flute, Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra

  • Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida, Principal Oboe, Pittsburgh Symphony

  • James Logan, Principal Clarinet, El Paso Symphony

  • Anthony Georgeson, Acting Principal Bassoon, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

  • William Caballero, Principal Horn, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

  • Michelle Baker, Horn (chair) Manhattan School of Music, former MET Orchestra

  • Steven Franklin, Principal Trumpet, St. Louis Symphony

  • Megumi Kanda, Principal Trombone, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

  • Simon Gomez, Principal Timpanist, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra

“Credo is one of the very few places where musical excellence is fully integrated with a musician's spiritual development. At Credo, the whole person is addressed, nurturing the body, mind and spirit.”

Anne Martindale Williams, Pittsburgh Symphony

 

The Credo National Festival is a peak performance experience.  If you are looking for a longer summer course of study, the Credo National Festival can be combined with such festivals as:

  • Aspen Music Festival (session 1)

  • Bowdoin Music Festival (session 1)

  • Madeline Island Chamber Music

  • Masterworks Festival

  • National Orchestral Institute

  • Round Top Festival Institute

    … and of course Credo Boston and Credo St. Louis

Where

are Alumni Now?

Alumni Achievements

Credo alumni occupy leadership positions in major orchestras, colleges, and conservatories throughout the country, and are consistently among the major prize winners in national and regional competitions.

 

To Apply

Complete and submit an application and pay the application fee. You will need to have a completed audition recording before finishing the application – see instructions below.

Credo Mahler Project has a “Rolling Admissions” policy – the earlier you apply, the greater the chance you’ll be accepted to the Mahler Project. Mahler Project still has a limited number of openings – Click here for more information.

Credo String Intensive has a “Rolling Admissions” policy – the earlier you apply, the greater the chance you’ll be accepted. Don't wait until the deadline to apply!

Credo has made our programming available at low cost to everyone; however, if the fees will be a burden, please email the Credo office to receive a financial aid application.

 
 

MAHLER PROJECT

  • Each applicant is required to submit two videos. Upload your recordings to YouTube and include the links on your application form.

    The first recording should be approximately 5 minutes of a major concerto for your instrument – unless specific repertoire is listed in the audition requirements (eg, violin and trombone).

    The second recording should be the specified excerpts indicated below. (NOTE: MORE EXCERPTS TO COME)

  • Here are helpful guidelines. Submitting your audition video is as easy as using your phone camera or computer! Just follow the steps below.

    Announce your first and last name at the beginning of each video.

    You may send different takes of each solo piece performed – but each take must be unedited.

    Record your excerpts in the order listed.

    The recording of excerpts MUST be completed in one continuous take.

    Watch and listen to your video before submission, checking for audio levels and the video’s visual presentation overall.

  • Application fee: $30

    March 5: Application final deadline

    February 15 - March 10: Students will be admitted on a rolling basis; earlier applicants have a better chance of admission

    March 15: $300 non-refundable deposit due

    June 15: Final tuition payment due

  • Tuition: $730

    Discounts:

    $200 off tuition for a city festival (Boston, St. Louis) for students participating in the national festival in the same calendar year

    $100 Early bird discount for students paid in full by April 15

    $100 family discount for each additional member of the same family

    Discounts may be combined.

  • 1) A limited number of housing slots are available – first come, first served. Just a 3-block walk from Symphony Center, single-occupancy rooms are available for $100/night to students age 16 and older. Indicate "Yes" on the application if you are interested in Housing. Click here for details.

    2) Alternative options include staying with family or friends in the area, or teaming up to get a less expensive suburban hotel (or AirBNB).

    3) We are seeking host homes for students, but cannot guarantee this option. Contact us if you are interested in getting matched with a host home.

    FOOD: Credo will provide daily snacks and a couple of meals. For the duration of the festival, we are expecting participants to determine their engagement with Chicago’s food scene. Maybe sometimes you'll want to grab a yogurt and fruit for breakfast – there are grocery stores nearby! Dozens of restaurants are within easy walking distance, whether you prefer a quick and cheap bite, casual dining, or crave to explore the best of what Chicago has to offer!

    Questions? Contact us for more information.

  • WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT CREDO LOOK LIKE?

    A typical day at Credo includes master classes, small string ensemble rehearsals and coachings, string orchestra rehearsal and coaching, and classes on Music Theory, conducting, and other inspiring topics.

    Sample Weekday Schedule:

    9:15-10:45 - String orchestra rehearsal

    11:00-12:15 - Instrumental master class (shifting techniques)

    12:15-1:15 - Lunch

    1:15-1:45 - Time for centering

    2:00-3:30 - Chamber music rehearsal/coaching

    3:30-5:00 - Field trip to local luthier

    5:00 - Released

    DO I HAVE TO BE BETWEEN 18-26 YEARS OLD?

    The age suggestion is simply advisory for any Credo program. Personally and musically mature students will certainly be included in the program if they are selected through the application process.

    WHAT IS CREDO'S PERFORMANCE LEVEL?

    Credo is open to any player who would benefit from the environment of intensive musical instruction in an independent setting (students will self-navigate among several rooms on different floors of Symphony Center). Many Credo students are prizewinners in national and regional solo competitions, many others sit at or near the front of their youth orchestra sections. We generally find Suzuki book 5 and age 12-13 are minimum levels for students to function effectively, but each student is different.

    IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

    Yes. Credo is committed to using financial aid to make our program available to all. Typically, financial aid goes to those who demonstrate significant need.

    WHERE DO CREDO STUDENTS COME FROM?

    So far, Credo students have come from 43 states: New York to Hawaii and Alaska to Florida! Over the years, students also journeyed from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, China, the Netherlands, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Tanzania to share the Credo experience.

    IS CREDO A "CHURCH CAMP"?

    No. Credo is a music program of high-level study and performance. Credo programs use faith and service elements to enrich and deepen the student’s commitment to excellence and appreciation of the special power of music.

    ARE ALL FAITHS WELCOME AT CREDO PROGRAMS?

    YES! Credo (Latin for “I believe”) is a place for development and strengthening of faith. The required morning sing is led from a non-denominational Christian perspective by faculty. At Credo, students from Christian denominations and several non-Christian faiths have grown together by discovering their common beliefs and respectfully discussing differences.

    HOW IS MUSICAL GROWTH FOSTERED?

    Students engage in musical growth through chamber groups, master classes, large ensembles, and private lessons. They have the opportunity to study with outstanding faculty from leading conservatories and orchestras, and interact with professional chamber music groups.

STRING INTENSIVE

  • Each applicant is required to submit 1-2 brief video(s) consisting of 6-10 minutes of your best playing in a variety of styles. Upload your recording(s) to YouTube and include the link(s) on your application form.

  • Here are helpful guidelines. Submitting your audition video is as easy as using your phone camera or computer! Just follow the steps below.

    Announce your first and last name at the beginning of each video.

    You may send different takes of each solo piece performed – but each take must be unedited.

    Watch and listen to your video before submission, checking for audio levels and the video’s visual presentation overall.

  • Application fee: $30

    April 1: Financial Aid deadline

    May 1: Application deadline

    March 1 - April 20: Students will be admitted via rolling admission as early as March 1; all students will be notified by April 20

    May 1: $300 non-refundable deposit due within 10 days of acceptance

    June 15: Final tuition payment due

  • Tuition: $730

    Discounts:

    $200 off tuition for a city festival (Boston, St. Louis) for students participating in the national festival in the same calendar year

    $100 Early bird discount for students paid in full by April 15

    $100 family discount for each additional member of the same family

    Discounts may be combined.

  • 1) Students under age 16 should stay locally with families, friends, or relatives. Public transportation to Symphony Center is very convenient from anywhere in the Chicago area.

    2) A limited number of housing slots are available for students age 16 or older – on a first come, first served basis. Just a 3-block walk from Symphony Center, single-occupancy rooms are available (complete with adult supervision) for $100/night. Indicate "Yes" on the application if you are interested in Housing. Click here for details.

    FOOD: Credo will provide daily snacks and a couple of meals. We encourage students coming from home to bring their own lunch. For those staying in the dorm, we're expecting participants to determine their engagement with Chicago’s food scene. Maybe sometimes you'll want to grab a yogurt and fruit for breakfast – there are grocery stores nearby! Dozens of restaurants are within easy walking distance, whether you prefer a quick and cheap bite, casual dining, or crave to explore the best of what Chicago has to offer!

    Questions? Contact us for more information.

  • WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT CREDO LOOK LIKE?

    A typical day at Credo includes master classes, small string ensemble rehearsals and coachings, string orchestra rehearsal and coaching, and classes on Music Theory, conducting, and other inspiring topics.

    Sample Weekday Schedule:

    9:15-10:45 - String orchestra rehearsal

    11:00-12:15 - Instrumental master class (shifting techniques)

    12:15-1:15 - Lunch

    1:15-1:45 - Time for centering

    2:00-3:30 - Chamber music rehearsal/coaching

    3:30-5:00 - Field trip to local luthier

    5:00 - Released

    DO I HAVE TO BE BETWEEN 12-19 YEARS OLD?

    The age suggestion is simply advisory for any Credo program. Personally and musically mature students will certainly be included in the program if they are selected through the application process.

    WHAT IS CREDO'S PERFORMANCE LEVEL?

    Credo is open to any player who would benefit from the environment of intensive musical instruction in an independent setting (students will self-navigate among several rooms on different floors of Symphony Center). Many Credo students are prizewinners in national and regional solo competitions, many others sit at or near the front of their youth orchestra sections. We generally find Suzuki book 5 and age 12-13 are minimum levels for students to function effectively, but each student is different.

    IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

    Yes. Credo is committed to using financial aid to make our program available to all. Typically, financial aid goes to those who demonstrate significant need.

    WHERE DO CREDO STUDENTS COME FROM?

    So far, Credo students have come from 43 states: New York to Hawaii and Alaska to Florida! Over the years, students also journeyed from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, China, the Netherlands, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Tanzania to share the Credo experience.

    IS CREDO A "CHURCH CAMP"?

    No. Credo is a music program of high-level study and performance. Credo programs use faith and service elements to enrich and deepen the student’s commitment to excellence and appreciation of the special power of music.

    ARE ALL FAITHS WELCOME AT CREDO PROGRAMS?

    YES! Credo (Latin for “I believe”) is a place for development and strengthening of faith. The required morning sing is led from a non-denominational Christian perspective by faculty. At Credo, students from Christian denominations and several non-Christian faiths have grown together by discovering their common beliefs and respectfully discussing differences.

    HOW IS MUSICAL GROWTH FOSTERED?

    Students engage in musical growth through chamber groups, master classes, large ensembles, and private lessons. They have the opportunity to study with outstanding faculty from leading conservatories and orchestras, and interact with professional chamber music groups.

 

Mahler Project Audition Packets