2026 Credo Chattanooga Festival Orchestra

 

About Credo Days: Chattanooga

Credo Days: Chattanooga
March 22-23, 2026
First Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Nationally and locally recognized faculty and community musical leaders will energize this intensive two days – which will feature:

  • String Orchestra (intermediate and advanced)

  • Community Outreach

  • Mini-masterclasses

  • Performance Opportunities

  • Parent & Educator Enrichment

Credo Days: Chattanooga is built on the principles of the Credo National Festival: Musical excellence and commitment to public service, within the intersection of faith and music. Faculty members are nationally and locally recognized music leaders who are eager to mentor Credo students at the very rewarding and personal intersection of music and faith.

Each student is cherished at Credo. The environment nourishes the most accomplished pre-conservatory students as well as those participating in their first serious summer music festival. All string students age 11-20 will find a home at Credo Days: Chattanooga.

To Apply

APPLICAtion Requirements

As noted above, all string students age 11-20 will find a home at Credo Days: Chattanooga. We need a brief recording of your level to place you in the most appropriate experiences during the day....

Each applicant is required to submit 1) a registration form, and 2) a placement video.

  • Placement Video: 3-8 minutes of your best playing from 2 contrasting solos.

Video Guidelines

  • Each solo piece should be an unedited single take.

  • Audition videos do not require piano accompaniment.

  • Videos should be recorded within 3 months of the Credo application deadline so we have a current representation of your skill set.

  • Upload your recordings to YouTube and include the links on your application form.

Application Timeline

  • January 19: Applications open

  • March 8: Applications close

  • March 16: Repertoire sent and posted for attendees

Cost

Tuition: Suggested tuition is $50*

*The suggested donation for Credo Days tuition is $50, which helps cover program costs. If you need help with tuition costs, a "pay what you can" option is available. If you are able, your generosity in contributing more than the suggested amount to support others who may need help is greatly appreciated.

Location

First Cumberland Presbyterian Church
1505 N. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421

2026 Credo Days: Chattanooga Faculty

DirectorS

  • Peter Slowik
    Professor of Viola, Oberlin Conservatory
    Founder and Artistic Director, Credo Music

  • Dr. Joanna Pepple
    Assistant Professor of Musicology, Lee University

  • Katie Talley
    Credo Days Chattanooga Administrator, Bridges Academy of Music Director

Faculty

  • Janelle Byrkit – Viola/Violin, Teaching Artist and Chamber Music Director, Bridges Academy of Music

  • Dr. Marlene Colburn, DPT – Violin, Physical Therapist specializing in Injury Preventative Musicianship

  • Shawna Dose – Violin, Owner, Bluebird Studios

  • Andy Eason – Cello, Teaching Artist and Orchestra Director, Bridges Academy of Music

  • Ellen Francisco – Violin/Viola, Director, SoundPoint Strings/At First Sight

  • Andrew Kang – Viola, Viola Instructor/Clinician, Atlanta Violins

  • Eva Kim – Piano, Teaching Artist Piano and Collaborative Pianist, Bridges Academy of Music

  • William Navalon – Viola/Violin, Teaching Artist, East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra, Four Bridges String Quartet

  • Erica Robinson – Violin/Viola Instructor, Owner, Eb Studios

  • Suzanne Sims – Cello, Teaching Artist, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra

  • Amy Shannon – Cello, Teaching Artist, Somersault String Ensemble, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra

  • Dexter Smith – Violin, Teaching Artist, Bridges Academy of Music

  • Dr. Lana Teko – Viola, Teaching Artist, Atlanta Music Project

  • Cameron Wilcox – Violin, Violin/Viola instructor, Cameron Wilcox Violin and Viola Studio, SoundPoint Strings

FACULTY BIOS