General Camp Questions:

What are the camp dates and daily hours?

Full Day: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Half Day: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Where is the camp located?

Our camp takes place at Faith Presbyterian Church in Covington.

16330 LA-1085, Covington, LA 70433

What is the cost of camp, and are there any additional fees?

• Full Day: $400 (**Early bird $350)

• Half Day: $300 (**Early bird $250)

To qualify for the early bird discount, you must register before April 15th, 2025.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

Our students will participate in various class sizes throughout the day. Sometimes as a whole group, sometimes in smaller groups of 5 to 15 students. For smaller classes, students are divided by levels, so the ratio of student-to teachers changes each year.

What is the age range for campers?

• Full Day campers: 8 to 18

• Half Day campers: 6 to 8

Are there any prerequisites for attending (e.g. prior fiddle experience)

The only prerequisite is that your child have about one year of experience (for example: they should know how to hold their instrument, be able to find their fingers go on the fingerboard, , use the bow, and be open to following instructions). The student does not need to know how to “fiddle.”

Is the camp open to beginners?

Yes! We just ask that the student have a year of experience in school or private lessons to get the most out of this camp.

How do I register, and is there a deadline?

You can register online here. To get the early bird rate, you must register before April 15, 2025 (4/15/25). The final date to register for Fiddle Camp is May 16, 2025 (5/16/25)

Fiddle-Specific Questions:

Does my child need to bring their own instrument?

Yes. Your child will need to bring their own instrument every day. There may be the option to leave their instruments locked in a classroom over the duration of fiddle camp.

What styles of music will the students learn (e.g. Celtic, Bluegrass, Jazz, etc.)?

Celtic, Cajun, Jazz, Bluegrass, Old-Time, etc.

Will students learn to read sheet music, play by ear, or both?

Both, however many of our clinicians only teach traditional music by ear, so it is a skill that is taught at this camp.

Are there group performances or showcases during or at the end of the camp?

Yes. We have daily showcases among the students. And we have our big group performance at the end of camp, followed by a celebratory potluck lunch.

Can my child bring an instrument other than a violin/fiddle?

Yes! We encourage viola, cello, and bass players to participate. We have an amazing low-strings instructor on staff, Dr. Kent Jensen. He is a cellist in the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and one of the conductors at the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra. We are privileged to have him join us each year!

Logistics and Safety:

What should my child bring to camp each day (snacks, water, etc.)?

They must bring a packed lunch, water bottle, art shirt, and towel (for quiet time/outside time)

Are meals or snack provided?

Snacks are provided for a snack time break, but the students must bring their own lunch.

What is your policy on allergies or special dietary needs?

We do not have a strict policy, but we ask parents and students to be conscientious of common allergies, like nut allergies.

Who supervises the children during non-lesson times?

Our core staff, Mrs. Young-Bridges, Mrs. Hill, Mr. Serban, Dr. Jensen, and parent volunteers will oversee the supervision of the children during non-lessons times.

What happens in case of an emergency?

If necessary, relevant emergency services will be contacted immediately, then our camp director, Mrs. Young-Bridges, and parents will be notified immediately.

Skill Development:

Will there be time for one-on-one instruction?

There is the option to add on privates lessons with any of our fiddle instructors. Please reach out to Mrs. Annie Young Bridges to set up an extra lesson.

How are the campers grouped, by age, skill level, or both?

Our full day campers will be grouped all together for large ensemble playing, and then divided into smaller groups based on level. Our half day campers are grouped together by age.

What other skills will my child learn besides playing the fiddle?

We provide a variety of activities for the children to experience beyond fiddling. We have a morning assembly meeting before we start classes and workshops. At the assembly we often practice yoga and meditation for young people. Before lunch we have a dance instructor lead the kids in group dances. Often the style of dancing is Irish Céilí dances. Additionally, the kids get to create art each day!

Will my child need to practice outside of camp hours?

It is not necessary to practice after camp each day. If your child is inspired to play even more when they get home, it is definitely beneficial for locking in the tunes they learned throughout the day in their heads and muscles, but it is not a requirement.

Additional Activities:

Are there non-musical activities included (e.g. games, crafts, outdoor time?

Yes. We will do art each day. We will do some gentle yoga and stretching. If the weather permits, we also have outside play-time.

Are parents allowed to observe or participate in any classes?

Yes, parents can attend as volunteers. We love parent volunteers!

Payments and Cancellation:

Are payment plans or scholarships ships available?

Scholarships are available. If you are in need of financial assistance there is a spot for you to describe your need on the registration form. NorthShore Strings will contact you as soon as possible to let you know what scholarship opportunities can be arranged. We are partnered with the Northshore Traditional Music Society, a 501c3 non profit, and with their help, we are able to help students attend this camp.

What is your refund policy if we need to cancel?

Deposits are non-refundable. However, for extenuating circumstance we will look at it on a case-by-case basis.

Is there a discount for siblings?

No. Not at this time.