
Egg Harbor, Wis. (July 14, 2020) – Birch Creek completed its first two sessions of virtual music instruction with 42 young music students participating in Percussion & Steel Band Online (June 22-26) and Symphony Online (June 29-July 3). World-renowned Birch Creek faculty and a host of new and returning students from around the country spent a full week in masterclasses, private lessons and performances. Students, ages 13-21, received mentoring and advanced their music skills from the safety of their homes.
Continuing a 19-year tradition at Birch Creek, the Symphony Online session concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Burton Prize for the Birch Creek Concerto Competition. Nine online students joined the competition and the two winners are Wisconsin students. The winners are Jasper Chambreau (bass) from Madison, Wisconsin and Luke Whittingham (percussion) from Middleton, Wisconsin. Runner-up Jack Thompson (oboe) is from North Aurora, Illinois. The winners of the Burton Prize receive a monetary award and will perform solo pieces in concert during the 2021 Symphony Session at Birch Creek.
Birch Creek Online continues through July with Jazz I Online taking place July 13-17 and Jazz II Online running from July 27-31. Registrations are open and can be submitted at birchcreek.org/academy/apply-now.
Birch Creek Music Performance Center is Door County’s Residential Summer Music Academy in Egg Harbor, WI, for advanced young musicians pursuing a career path in music. For 45 years, students in Percussion & Steel Band, Symphony, and Big Band Jazz have been taught by nationally known performers and educators during the day and performed alongside them in concerts at night. Birch Creek will return to its Academy programming in 2021. 2020 Fall Concert Series begins on September 5 through December 5. Subject to change