Why should I attend Spring String Thing?

• Three days of great music with an incredible guest conductor
• Fun activities such as attending the movie theater, scavenger hunt, and an Ice Cream Social
• Five different orchestras so you’re placed in the right level for you
• Musicians your age so you’ll meet lots of new friends
• 35 professional musicians to help you throughout the weekend

Who can attend?

We welcome students currently in grades 7 through 12. These students should also have a minimum of two years of instruction on violin, viola, cello, or string bass and can perform a minimum of grade II music. If you are not yet in 7th grade, please keep practicing and we’ll see you in the future!

How do I register?

A parent/guardian completes the registration form below and electronically signs. You will receive a confirmation page with your responses. Print it for your records.

You will also be asked to pay electronically at the end of registration. You can pay the full $340 or make two separate payments of $170 and $170. The second payment must be completed by May 1. Your credit card charge will appear as "JMU E-Market."

Click here to register.

What if I made a mistake and need to change information on my registration?

If it is a minor change, you can let us know at Friday check-in. If it is a major change, such as instrument, name, or residence hall, please email us immediately. 

Do you offer scholarships? 

We offer $170 scholarships to students who earned a spot in the Virginia All-State Orchestra 2024. In addition, SST participants may also earn a scholarship for participation in the following year's camp from the guest conductor: “Most Professional,” “Most Improved,” and the “Director’s Award.” There is also a loyalty award in honor of the retired SST director, Dr. Robert McCashin, and his wife, Clarine “Charlie” McCashin. 

What is Check-In?  

At check-in, you will receive your key, meal card, name tag, and t-shirt. We will also check your registration information for any changes.  

Why are there three different times for Check-In?  

There will be a large number of families arriving at around the same time so staggering check-in and auditions helps reduce crowding in the halls.

Why do I need to audition?

The audition helps us find the orchestra that is right for you. You may be placed in an orchestra that seems “too difficult” with challenging pitches and rhythms. However, you may be placed in an orchestra that “seems easy,” but you can improve on techniques like vibrato and articulations. We believe that all of our orchestras are excellent learning opportunities.

What do I need to do for the audition?

You only need to perform one scale (your choice of rhythm and bowing) and a brief sight reading. You do NOT need to prepare a specific song. Since this is a sight reading weekend, this type of audition helps determine the best ensemble for you.

• Violin - G scale (you choose 2 or 3 octave) and sightreading
• Viola and Cello - C scale (you choose 2 or 3 octave) and sightreading
• Bass - G scale (you choose 1 or 2 octave) and sightreading

What if my audition doesn’t go well?

Remember, no one has a “perfect” audition. Everyone —even professionals—wish they could play an audition better. To gain an accurate sense of each student’s accomplishments, students may audition only once for a judge. There are no “re-auditions.”

How will I know where my audition room is?

There will be signs throughout the music building which list the audition rooms. The first letter/digit tells you the floor you need:

B = basement         1 = 1st floor (ground level)            2 = 2nd floor         3 = 3rd floor

There is an elevator and stairwell by the Main Street entrance. A second stairwell is in the middle of building and a third stairwell is near Alumnae Drive.

Can I borrow a JMU instrument?

People perform best on the instrument they use every day. Please bring your own instrument to Spring String Thing.

If you need to rent a bass for the weekend, please contact:

Megan Tiller, owner of Tiller Strings
Website: www.tillerstrings.com
Phone: 540-588-0332
Email: tillerstrings@gmail.com

Where do we park on Friday?

Use the Warsaw Parking Deck which is a four minute walk to the Music Building. You do not need a JMU parking pass for the Warsaw Deck. If you have a double bass, you can drop it off at the circle in front of the Music Building.

What clothing should I bring?

Bring clothing and bedding for a variety of weather. Mid-May in the Shenandoah Valley has been as cold as 33 degrees and as warm as 93 degrees!

• Casual, school-appropriate clothing for two days
• Warm jacket/rain jacket and umbrella
• Pajamas
• Walking shoes
• Concert uniform and concert shoes

What else should I pack?

Dorms are not hotels. Dorm rooms carry only basic items such as a bed with mattress, desk, chair, and toilet paper. Make sure you pack:

• Bedding: pillow, extra long sheet set, and blanket
• Towel set
• Hair dryer, if needed
• Personal hygiene (hand soap, shower soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste)
• Medicine/supplies for three days
• Cell phone/alarm clock
• Spare change for vending machines/laundry
• A lanyard for your keys and meal card
• Instrument, portable music stand, rosin, extra strings, rock stop/shoulder rest, water-repellant case

What should I NOT bring?  

• Non-essential medicine or medicine for more than three days
• Expensive items such as electronics, jewelry, or designer clothing
• Anything that endangers safety. This includes, but is not limited to: alcohol, drugs, tobacco, incendiary items, or weapons

For other items that are prohibited, review JMU’s guide: “What to Leave Behind.”

What if I forget to bring something?

Some items you can borrow from your roommate such as toothpaste, shampoo, etc. Some things you shouldn’t share such as toothbrush, deodorant, medicine, etc. Tell your counselor and we will do our best to help.

What else do I need to prepare?

Make sure your instrument and supplies are in good shape. Do you need to replace your strings or have your bow rehaired? Do you need a better rock stop or shoulder rest? Is your case waterproof? If you have a bass, we recommend a case with wheels.

You should also begin to practice for longer periods of time. Most players are not accustomed to a three-hour rehearsal!

Can I choose a roommate?

Students are placed in a dorm room with one other roommate. Each room shares a bath with one other room. You can request a roommate during online registration. This person must also request you so double-check your spelling. Please understand that while every effort will be made to place matching requests, there is no guarantee. A new roommate may become a great new friend!

Can students stay off-campus?  Can I do part of the weekend?

Students are required to stay on-campus and participate for all of Spring String Thing (beginning of registration time on Friday through their Sunday concert). If you are unable to participate for the full event, please email us to withdraw and allow another child this great opportunity.

Where can parents/guardians/teachers stay?

Harrisonburg has a wide variety of hotels and bed & breakfasts to suit every preference.  

Likewise, our beautiful Shenandoah Valley is full of diverse activities. We hope you will explore all the Valley has to offer while your child is busy making music and friends!

Where will my dorm be?

In early May, JMU decide will which dorms are available. Most of the dorms are in the Bluestone Area which is a quick walk from Forbes and the Music Building. In some years, we have Hillside dorms which are closer to the movie theater.

What if I lose my key or meal card?

Room keys and meal cards cost $25 each to be replaced so keep them with you at all times. A lanyard works best.

If you are missing a key or card, tell a counselor so we can help you search. Meanwhile, we’ll make sure you get your meal or into your room.

What meals are included?

Spring String Thing provides five meals: Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Sunday brunch. We also offer a Friday night ice cream social and a Saturday night social with snacks and drinks.

For Friday lunch, bring either a bag lunch or plan to dine off-campus with your parent/guardian. We also recommend bringing a Sunday breakfast snack since your brunch may not be until 11 a.m. Vending machines are available in the residence halls, but may be empty by Sunday morning!   

What if I have severe food allergies?

JMU accommodates all students! If you have a food allergy or intolerance, your first step is to self-identify and contact the JMU Dining Health and Wellness Manager. The dietician will work with you personally on a customized meal plan that fits your medical needs.  

What if I become ill or injured?  

We have multiple staff members with their first aid licensure and/or are first responders at their schools. In the event of minor illness or injury, we will attempt to speak with the parent/guardian/emergency contact for preferences of treatment. If a major illness or injury occurs, we will contact the JMU Police who will initiate emergency protocols. Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital is just three miles from JMU. If a student tests positive for Covid, they will be immediately placed in a quarantine dorm room and provided meals until they are collected by their family.

What if there’s a family emergency and I have to leave suddenly?

Please contact JMU Police 540-568-6912 who will contact our administration. A staff member can help you pack, get your instrument, and sign you out with your parent/guardian.

Can I go anywhere on campus at anytime?

No. Student safety is our top priority. Much like a public school, this means you can only go to approved locations at assigned times. Check your schedule and listen to counselor announcements so you are in the right place, at the right time. Staff members will be in these assigned locations. Attendance is also taken at every rehearsal and dorm meeting/lights-out. We also ask you to walk in groups of three or larger during social times. This is helpful if a friend becomes ill or injured. 

Why do I have to stay in my dorm from 11 p.m. until 7:45 a.m.?

Intense rehearsals demand a lot from your mind and body. To refuel, you need sleep and rest. Remember, you aren’t the only one who needs to rejuvenate: your roommates, neighbors, and counselors do, too. 

Can I have visitors?

No. Student safety is our top priority. Much like a public school, this means SST may restrict or monitor access to students in our care. For example, we may ask a parent/guardian/teacher to show photo identification or be escorted while on our campus. Thank you for helping everyone to feel safe.

What do I need to know about rehearsals?

We have a lot of music to learn in a short amount of time. We will give you our best to help you achieve that. In return, we expect your best.

Cell phones must be left in your case and turned OFF. Cell phones or other electronics are not permitted in the rehearsal area.  

What if I make a mistake?

Everyone makes small mistakes such as being tardy once or forgetting their manners. A faculty or staff member will discuss the situation and what needs to improve. We know you’ll do your best and it won’t happen again. 

What happens if a student doesn’t obey the rules or endangers safety?

That’s incredibly rare at SST: we’re all here to help one another have a positive experience.

If a student disobeys rules or endangers safety, the parent/guardian/emergency contact will be asked to pick-up the student immediately. No refund would be given. Further consequences might occur as deemed by school officials or law enforcement.

What is the concert uniform?  

Please wear your school’s concert clothing. In general, this is either all black, black and white, or your school uniform. Concert clothing covers from the collarbone and shoulders to the knees. The following examples would be unprofessional: sleeveless shirts, transparent or ripped clothing, shorts, jeans, and flip-flops.

Where does my family park on Sunday?

The Warsaw Parking Deck is connected to Forbes where the final concerts occur. If someone has mobility challenges, they can be dropped-off in the Forbes parking circle. Please note that JMU Police strictly enforce parking rules.

When and what is Check-Out?

Check-Out will take place on Sunday between noon and 3 p.m. depending on our child’s performance time. You will need to:

1. Pack all of your luggage and remove it from the room.
2. Collect all trash and take it to the dumpster in the basement.  
3. A staff member will inspect your room and collect your key.

JMU may bill you if your room is damaged or contains trash.

What if my parent/guardian can’t meet me during check-out time?

Move your luggage to the far side of the dorm lounge (away from any doors). This space may be locked and unavailable until after all orchestras have finished performing. 

How long is each concert?

Each concert is approximately 60 minutes with brief intermissions between ensembles. Please plan to stay throughout the entire performance. Students will not be released until the conclusion of their concert.

Will there be a recording of the performance?

Students will receive a private link with a recording of each performance.  

Carrie Finnegan, Executive Director  
Spring String Thing 
James Madison University 
School of Music- MSC 7301
880 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22807  
sst@jmu.edu 

If you experience an emergency during Spring String Thing, please call JMU Police at (540)568-6912.

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