Mountainside Chamber Music
Music and Nature in Harmony
CELLO FOCUS & CHAMBER STRINGS in Beautiful Nelson British Columbia
Jeff Faragher and Josephine van Lier (2022)
Cello Focus Group 2025
Jeff Faragher and Olivia walsh at Cello Focus 2025 camp
CELLO FOCUS
July 11 & 12, 2026
"Baroque Essentials"
Director and Cellist, Jeff Faragher is pleased to announce that he will be joined by Edmonton, Alberta Cellist Josephine van Lier for Cello Focus 2026. Josephine participated in Cello Focus 4 years ago and we are very excited to have her join us again this year!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Cellists Jeff and Josephine will guide this 12 hour adult (13+)cello workshop which dives deep into Baroque technique and style. Participants will explore historically informed approaches to bowing, articulation, phrasing, and ornamentation, with an emphasis on bringing Baroque music to life. Through guided instruction and hands-on playing, cellists will refine their stylistic awareness and expressive confidence. Ideal for returning participants and experienced adult players eager to deepen their connection to Baroque repertoire.
Over the weekend, selected pieces (TBA) will be worked on to apply the above mentioned techniques and instruction. Upon registration, your part will be assigned. It is important that you are prepared in advance by knowing your parts, as well as being familiar with the scores so your focus will be free to apply the learned material.
Sessions will be arranged according to levels of experience so that each cellist will have their own needs addressed. Together Jeff & Olivia will guide the participants through an enjoyable and enriching cello journey.
We encourage all cellists within the early to late Intermediate levels. Adults and youth ages 13+
Register for Chamber Strings & get 10% off Cello Focus tuition.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (12 hrs of instruction)
SATURDAY: 9-12 & 1-4 (Lunch 12-1)
SUNDAY: 9-12 & 1-4 (lunch 12-1)
Faculty & Student Concert TBA
Announcement of Specific Repertoire to come! Stay Tuned
.jpg)
Community is welcome to attend the inspiring concert by Faculty on July 9.2026
CHAMBER STRINGS
July 6-10, 2026
This intensive and stimulating 5-day program is for String players wanting to enrich their music studies while playing w/other enthusiastic players of Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass.
Daily activities include partaking in string orchestra, sectionals, and a small chamber group. Once final registrations are received, players will be assigned a seat in the orchestra and placed in a string trio or quartet that best matches their level and experience based on questions answered on the registration form. Orchestra, sectionals and chamber groups are coached daily by our skilled faculty and additional time is given and encouraged for groups to play on their own. This stimulating program also offers one private lesson, a fabulous faculty concert, Picnic by the Lake, sight reading session(s), an engaging lunchtime talk by Luthier Ross Hill and a celebration with our final student concert.
Intermediate to Advanced Students Adult (13+
Recommended RCM grade 6 or Equivalent
FACULTY include Cellists Jeff Faragher and Olivia Walsh with Cvetozar Vutev (violin & viola) and Martine den Bok (violin and viola)
Our Faculty consist of professional musicians and excellent quality instructors of their instruments. They will all work closely with our students daily during the Chamber Strings week offering small ensemble coaching, orchestral conducting, warm-ups, sectionals, and private lessons (one 45' lesson per registrant)
CLICK to Peruse the orchestral sheet music and have a listen!
NOTE: Small Chamber Group music will be sent via email on or before May 25, 2026, once final registration is complete and we can match levels of experience in the smaller groups.
ADVANCE PREPARATION
It is essential that participants make the time before arriving at camp on Monday to learn your parts. If your part is either too challenging or way too easy please contact Sue once the music is sent out. Sometimes easier parts can give you an opportunity to master the music and spend time at camp refining the elements of ensemble playing. The goal of the coaching in ensembles is to focus on playing as an ensemble so it is important to know your part well. Time will be available during the week for further practice individually as well as with your small ensembles. Each afternoon after ensemble coaching with a faculty member, it is strongly suggested that you commit to spending some additional time with your ensemble once the structured activities are done for the day. When Lessons are happening ensembles can practice with players who are available with good success and interesting learning on how parts fit together.
FINAL SCHEDULE (TBA)
The daily Schedule includes small chamber groups (1.5 hr) and sectionals (30 min). Afternoon schedule includes orchestra (1.5 hr) lessons and lots of additional practice time alone or with your ensembles. There is a wonderful Faculty concert and a sight reading night, a picnic at the Lake and we end the week with the final student concert on Friday afternoon.
Ross Hill is our wonderful Luthier from AEOLIAN STRINGS in Calgary. He will be on site during the chamber week and available for bow rehairs, minor repairs, retail sales of instruments, bows, strings, and other accessories. Ross has been on site with Chamber Strings for over 10 years!
CAMP LOCATION
NELSON CONVENANT CHURCH
702 Stanley St. Nelson, BC
There are SEVERAL coaching, rehearsal, and practice spaces for students to enjoy all day and all week! Space will be available for practice from 8 am to 5pm. Arrangements can be made for earlier or later hours.
Having a blast at FIDDLE FUN led by Fiddler, Brie Hurlbert