WCM’s Chamber Music Academy presents its first-ever Baroque Strings and Orchestra Workshop! Learn Baroque techniques from some of the DMV’s finest specialists and some of WCM’s amazing faculty members. This weekend includes one-off classes on bowing techniques, masterclasses and workshops on the music of J.S. Bach, a chance to participate in a Baroque orchestra, and a low-pressure community recital to perform some of the baroque pieces you love most to celebrate the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach! No need to have period instruments. We’re making this event accessible to all string players by performing and working with modern instruments! Stay tuned on registration information and more info on FREE bow assessments by one of our amazing luthier partners!
SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2027
Session I
9:00-11:30 AM – Baroque Bowing Techniques Class
Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
- Open to all string players! Available as a one-off class for anyone, regardless of orchestra participation.
- Required for Baroque Orchestra Workshop participation
Lunch Break
11:30-1:00 PM
WCM Recital Room
- $25 for catered lunch
Session II
1:00-3:00 PM – Breakout Sessions – Orchestra Sectionals
Washington Conservatory of Music
- Required for Baroque Orchestra Workshop participation
Session III
3:30-6:00 PM – Orchestra Rehearsal
Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
- Required for Baroque Orchestra Workshop participation
After Session III, all participants are invited to attend our Masters of the Dance Baroque Chamber Music Concert at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer at 7:00 PM. Attendance is free for Baroque Orchestra Workshop participants!
SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2027
Session IV
10:00 AM-12:00 PM – Masterclass on Bach Chorales
Washington Conservatory of Music – Rooms 302/303
- For singers and instrumentalists
- Not required for Baroque Orchestra Workshop participation
Bach Birthday Bash
1:00-4:00 PM – Informal recital celebrating Johann Sebastian Bach!
- Volunteer performances of pieces by J.S. Bach. Sign up and perform alone or with your friends! Pieces do not have to be fully “recital ready.” If you can play through your piece(s), we welcome you to join in this informal performance opportunity. Check out our Bach Birthday Bash event on washingtonconservatory.org/events to learn more and to register (for free!) to perform.
- Baroque Orchestra Workshop participants will have the chance to perform the pieces they worked on in Sessions I-III AND sign up to perform solos or small ensemble pieces by JS Bach!
- Birthday cake reception
- Sight-reading party to follow!
REGISTRATION FEES
- Session I: $75 -applicable only to those not participating in Baroque Orchestra Workshop
- Sessions I-III (Baroque Orchestra Workshop): $250
- Session IV: $50
- Catered Lunch: $25
- Performances at Bach Birthday Bash encouraged but not required
Stay tuned for registration links and more information! For questions, email info@washingtonconservatory.org.
