The 2012 one week session, July 2-7, will be held at Pemetic School and St. John Church in Southwest Harbor. As in past seasons, applicants are accepted on a rolling basis as student ensembles are formed with peers who have similar skill levels and appropriate instruments. It is a very good idea to apply early (before March 1) so that chamber ensemble opportunities are maximized for all students and music can be assigned early for adequate practice time prior to the July program week.

Program tuition is $450 for a full-day program and $275 for a half-day program. Tuition includes a full day program, daily snacks, and opportunities for possible group activities such as swimming, field trip to another music program concert, or a late afternoon hike in Acadia National Park. Students are responsible for providing a bag lunch each day. There are several sandwich shops and a village grocery store within a short walk of the program and students may purchase cold drinks or lunch food during the lunch hour if required.

NEW THIS YEAR!! Applications to Arthur Russell Strings will be accepted on-line. All applicants are also required to submit a $50 application fee by mail, together with their on-line application, to be considered for Arthur Russell Strings. All accepted students will be able to apply this fee to tuition costs. Full payment of tuition balance will be due no later than June 10, 2012. We encourage students who are unable to meet the costs of the program to apply for tuition assistance. Scholarship applications are accepted on-line and can be found at the secure on-line application.

All accepted students will be responsible for arranging their own housing for this year’s program. To accommodate students who will be coming each day from a distance, the daily schedule will start a little later (9:30 AM) than in past years. If you will be unable to commute daily from home, we encourage you and your family to enjoy a vacation week in our area while attending Arthur Russell Strings. Acadia National Park and the beautiful seacoast area are at their best in July! If you and your family want to stay in the Mount Desert Island area for the week of the program and need assistance in locating a suitable place to stay, please check out the following helpful local websites.