Susquehanna University Orchestra Summit and Mini-Tour
July 19-25, 2026!
For High School string players, nominated to serve as "ambassadors" by their directors
• Great String literature, rehearsed at SU in Selinsgrove, PA and on tour to Long Island & New York City
• Returning for final performance: Stretansky Hall, Susquehanna University
(TUITION: $1075 All inclusive except for 2 meals on tour- scholarships available!)
REPERTOIRE
Copland "Hoe Down"/Bach, Brandenburg Concerto 3, 1st movement/Britten, Simple Symphony, 4th movement (interchangeable for program variety)
Samuel Coleridge Taylor/Troy Peters "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child"
Yukiko Nishimura "Shining Echoes"
Jeremy Woolstenhulme "La Cascara"
BASIC SCHEDULE
Sunday, July 19 late afternoon: check-in at Susquehanna University, audition for chair placements, first rehearsals
Monday & Tuesday, 7/20-7/21: Rehearsals and enrichment at Susquehanna University
Wednesday, 7/22 Tour begins! 11:00 Performance Crane's Mill, West Caldwell, NJ
W evening & TH morning New York City tour stops and hotel TBA
Thursday, 7/23 4:00 Performance at Ocean Grove Boardwalk Pavillion, Neptune Twp, NJ
Friday, 7/24 Fun day at Six Flags Great Adventure, return to Susquehanna University
Saturday, 7/25 late morning: Final concert, Farewell lunch, Summit ends
Nomination & Registration
STEP ONE: Directors nominate student musicians with THIS FORM
STEP TWO: Nominated students will be invited to submit THIS APPLICATION
STEP THREE: Upon receiving the application, students will be invited complete THIS FORM and read CAMPUS INFO
Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships may be awarded for our most advanced musician/ambassadors. Applicants may send a video of a solo that best demonstrates playing ability to Dr. Wiley: jswiley@susqu.edu.
DEADLINE: March 1, decisions made by March 15
Need-based scholarships are awarded for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. A school counselor should send a letter verifying the student's qualifications to Michelle Harmon: SummerPrograms@susqu.edu
Seating Auditions
No audition necessary for participation! We'll have seating auditions on Sunday, July 19 for chair placement. Music will be mailed to all musicians in May, 2026.
Co-Directors Zachary Levi & Jennifer Sacher WIley
an initiative of the Susquehanna University music department
in consultation with our esteemed colleagues
Advisory Board
Brian Buterbaugh • Michael Gamon • Veronica Jackson • LaShae Willits
Mission: The Susquehanna University Orchestra Summit & Mini-Tour seeks to increase opportunities for cross-cultural connections among young orchestral musicians. With music as a connecting language for scholarship and performance, the summit of students and directors is an oasis for intensive orchestral playing and thoughtful communication, promoting cultural empathy and musical growth. The resulting orchestra, encompassing musical ambassadors from participating organizations, will provide a mini-touring experience to major metropolitan areas of the northeast for young musicians.
