Young Players' Weekend
"I feel that overall the Young Players’ Weekend was a very insightful event that guided me on the right path to not just becoming a better viola da gamba player, but a better musician as well."
-Jack Meyer
About The Young Players' Weekend
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Approximately every other year, the Society hosts a weekend retreat specifically geared toward younger players. The workshop is subsidized by the Society so that the cost is affordable to students, young professionals, and those of limited means.
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The primary goal of this workshop is—what else?—to get together and play the viol, but it also serves several secondary objectives for the Society and its members:
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to provide those who may not have the means to attend Conclave every year (or at all) with opportunities to learn from professional players and scholars
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to provide younger players who may not know many other viol players with the opportunity to connect with others who have similar interests
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to provide a warm welcome to the VdGSA family and to share information about all the fantastic opportunities available to VdGSA members
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YPW is held on a weekend usually in the spring. Workshop brochure and registration are available in the preceding November/December. The next YPW is coming up in March 2023.
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The 11th VdGSA Young Players' Weekend
The VdGSA’s eleventh Young Players’ Weekend will take place March 24–26, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin with Sarah Cunningham and Phillip Serna as faculty. You can read full details in the YPW brochure, and registration is available via the YPW page in the Members' Area of our website. (Membership in the Society is required (only $20 annually for students. If you are not already a member, you can join online.)
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Cost & Deadlines:
As of February 10 we have filled all places for this year's YPW. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list, in the event of cancellations, please contact Eric Miller at the link below.
Early Bird registration - $150 by February 10, 2023
Late registration - $175 by February 24, 2023
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For more information about the 2023 Young Players’ Weekend and future events, sign up for our YPW mailing list, or contact the YPW director Eric Miller, using the links below.
Eric Miller is the current YPW director.
Past Directors:
Pedro Funes-Whittington, 2016–2022
Jessica Powell Eig, 2013–2016
Josh Lee, 2008–2013
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies as a young player?
There is no age limit for YPW attendees. If you feel that you are a young player, you are welcome to attend.
How much does it cost?
The total fee for tuition, room and board in 2019 was $150. Fees may fluctuate from year to year, but the VdGSA has committed to keep the cost affordable to those of limited means.
How good do I have to be?
Every year, YPW includes players who run the gamut from absolute beginner to professional track. We value this diversity of experience and benefit from it. Whether you've been playing for 15 minutes or 15 years, there is a place for you at YPW.
Do I need to bring a viol?
Loaner instruments of all sizes are available for those who have difficulty traveling with an instrument and for those who are interested in trying a new size.
More information:
Email YPW Director Eric Miller
or find the VdGSA Young Players group on Facebook.