The Lincoln-Way Youth Strings (LWYS) Youth Orchestra program has served our community for over 25 years. The program is held at Amazing Love Lutheran Church, at Pfeiffer and Route 30 in Frankfort, directly behind the Frankfort Public Library.  The annual Lincoln-Way Youth Strings Summer Strings Camp is open to all string students in the area. The LWYS program serves students from L-W Youth Strings, Frankfort 157C, Summit Hill, New Lenox, Manhattan, Joliet, Orland Park, Lockport, Peotone, and more. SPREAD THE WORD!

Back for a second summer: A try it and see camp for brand new beginners! Know any neighbors or friends that might like to try? This is also great for those who plan to start this fall with their school program, and would like a head start. There is no experience necessary and an instrument will be provided at camp. Spread the word!

The Summer Strings program emphasizes the fundamentals and advancing technical skills of playing a string instrument while exploring the world of traditional and alternative string music. LWYS summer camp students will be exposed to playing different musical styles, and will learn about conducting, how string instruments are made, and the science of sound on a string instrument.

LWYS Summer Strings will take place for two weeks beginning on Monday, June 19 and continuing through Thursday, June 29th. Students attend four days each week. Our three orchestras are designed to meet the needs of students at every level, with the advanced orchestra learning the Jr. ILMEA State Festival music during camp - preparing them for the competitive auditions in the fall. Our times this summer are as follows:

June 19-29 Monday-Thursday
8:30-9:15 Beginners - No experience needed and an instrument will be available for use at camp.*
9:15-10:45 Intermediate: Completed 1st or 2nd year of LWYS/school orchestra and/or private lessons
10:15-11:45 Advanced: Completed 3+ years of Youth Strings/school orchestra and/or private lessons
6:30 PM Thursday, June 29th Outdoor Concert!

*Additional forms will be provided from our instrument rental company Quinlan and Fabish, for all Beginners that choose to use one of the instruments we provide. Beginner students may then be able to take them home for the duration of the camp.

Once you register via the Google Form and payment is received, you will receive an email along with links to pdf’s of the music the week before camp. A camp calendar will also be emailed and posted on the LWYS website. Please reach out to me at lwyouthstrings@gmail.com if you have registered and do not receive an email from me.

Students who attend Summer Strings will have an opportunity to design our LWYS Summer Strings Logo. This will be used on our summer concert t-shirt.

Total cost for the program is $110 L-W High School students in the L-W Orchestra Program are given free tuition and need only purchase a shirt for $10. Please complete the online registration form, and make payment via PayPal or mail payment by check made out to Lincoln-Way Youth Strings to the address given on the registration form by June 12, 2023. If you are new to the program, an information/emergency/internet release form, WAIVER  form needs to be emailed or mailed in as well and can be found online at our website www.lwyouthstrings.com.

* . This is a two week camp, and a concert can only be successful if both weeks are attended. However, if you have a preplanned vacation/unavoidable conflict, please don't miss out on the benefits of music making this summer - come join us for the week you are available.

I look forward to the exciting music learning planned for this summer. This information can also be found online at www.lwyouthstrings.com . If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact me at your convenience at lwyouthstrings@gmail.com.  See you this summer!


Sincerely,

Michelle Freeland
Lincoln-Way Youth Strings Director