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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The fellowship is open to individual students aged 19 and above. For pre-formed quartets, the average age of the group should be at least 19 years old.

  • The Fellowship Application will OPEN November 2nd, 2027

  • Fellowship Quartets will be on a different schedule from the regular Festival students. They have at least 4 hours of dedicated rehearsal time each day, in addition to regular coachings with chamber music faculty.

    In the first two weeks, Fellows also double as Resident Counselors for the Festival students. They will work with the Residential Coordinator to ensure that all Credites have a safe and formative experience.

    In the third week, Fellows will travel to Goshen, IN and Chicago, IL for a residency tour. Activities include community outreach performances, masterclasses and a Gala Concert in Sauder Concert Hall. 

  • Yes! There will be a concert demonstrating a culmination of what students learned during the program! More details to come.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

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Credo Student Demographics

Who comes to Credo?

  • Pre-formed quartets.

    • Recent groups include the Fischoff-winning Breshears Quartet, the Celentano-Award winning Maple Quartet, and the Cave Quartet, from Singapore. Learn more about the Quartet Fellowship Program

  • Students from major conservatories

    • Given our location, there are always a significant number of Oberlin students, Obies! Other highly-represented conservatories include Eastman, CIM, and Juilliard.

  • Competition winners

    • Many of our students are winners in local and regional competitions. Credo alumni have also won first place in ASTA and MTNA national competitions, and have excelled in international competitions as well. 

  • Leaders and future leaders

    • The majority of Credo students come from the front of youth orchestra sections.  At Credo they meet with peers at the same level – “iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).” Credo students go on to careers as college department heads, principal players in professional orchestras, or community leaders.