Young Musicians’ Chamber Music Program

A free three-day chamber music workshop for string players, January 22–24, 2027, at the Hayward Odd Fellows Hall. Students rehearse in small groups with coaches and finish with a concert on Sunday afternoon.

Applications are due November 15, 2026.

Who can apply

• String players ages 12 to adult: violin, viola, cello and bass
• All levels, from beginning through advanced
• Students should be able to read music and simple rhythms. School or private lessons are recommended.

What students will do

• Play in small groups of two or more, one player per part, without a conductor
• Groups are formed by ability and experience
• Coaches share rehearsal and performance techniques
• The focus is classical repertoire, and students can bring other pieces if they’d like
• Performance practice: bowing, walking on stage, posture, concert dress and seating

Schedule

• Friday, January 22: 7:00–9:00pm rehearsal
• Saturday, January 23: 10:00am–4:00pm rehearsal, lunch provided
• Sunday, January 24: 11:00am–1:00pm rehearsal, 2:00pm concert

Where: Hayward Odd Fellows Sycamore Lodge #129, 950 B Street, Hayward. Parking and the entrance are behind the building.

Cost: Free

What to bring

• Your instrument
• Your assigned music, to every rehearsal and the concert
• A music stand, if you have one
• Pencils

What is chamber music?

Chamber music is played by a small group, usually a trio, quartet or quintet, with one player on each part and no conductor. It started as home entertainment for people of every background, amateur and professional alike. Playing it builds listening and teamwork, gives students a chance to perform, and it’s a lot of fun.

Apply

Fill out the form below and upload a video or audio recording of the student playing. The recording should be at least 30 seconds and no more than 3 minutes. Applications are due November 15, 2026.

Can’t apply online? Call Cathy O’Connor at 510-209-2019 and she’ll help.

Student information

Student name *

Instrument *Choose an instrumentViolinViolaCelloBass

Age *

School gradeLeave blank if not in school.

Private or school music teacher’s name

Student contact information

Email address *We’ll send a confirmation here. A parent’s email is fine.

Street address *

Apartment, suite, etc.

City *

State *

ZIP code *

Home phone

Cell phone

May we text the cell phone number?YesNo

Parent or guardian

Is the student under 18? *YesNo

Parent or guardian name *

Parent or guardian email *

Parent or guardian phone *

Experience and recording

Performing experience and the solo pieces you’re playing now *

Recording of you playing (video or audio) *At least 30 seconds and no more than 3 minutes. Pieces you’re working on now are fine. Record at your phone’s normal video setting (not 4K) and use Wi-Fi to upload. Maximum file size 500 MB.

Choose FileNo file chosenDelete uploaded file

Schedule and agreements

Rehearsal and concert schedule

• Friday, January 22: 7:00–9:00pm rehearsal
• Saturday, January 23: 10:00am–4:00pm rehearsal (lunch provided)
• Sunday, January 24: 11:00am–1:00pm rehearsal, 2:00–4:00pm concert

Odd Fellows Hall, 950 B Street, Hayward. Parking and entrance are behind the building.

Release

I acknowledge that I am voluntarily allowing my child to participate in this workshop as a guest of the IOOF Sycamore Lodge. I agree to waive and release any and all claims that I may have against the Sycamore Lodge relating to this workshop. I acknowledge that the Sycamore Lodge will be documenting the events and performances taking place during this workshop. I hereby consent to and authorize the Sycamore Lodge to capture, use, reproduce, and distribute audio recordings and images (photographic, video, electronic, and digital) of my child and/or my child’s musical performance or quoted statements for the purposes of advertising, promotion, documentation, and educational use in various print, electronic, digital media, television, radio, internet, IOOF projects. Sycamore Lodge agrees not to alter or modify the images, recordings, and/or statements in a way that is contrary to the original purposes. I agree that the use of such images, recordings, and/or statements may personally identify my child by name. This agreement is binding upon heirs and/or future legal representatives. All photographic, video, audio, electronic, and digital images, recordings, and reproductions shall be the property of Sycamore Lodge. I have read the above authorization and release prior to its execution, and am fully familiar with the contents thereof.

Attendance *

I agree to take part in all rehearsals and the final concert on January 24 at 2pm.

Release *

I have read the release above and agree to it.

Student signature (type full name) *

Parent or guardian signature (type full name) *If the student is 18 or older, type the student’s name again.

Date *

Submit application

Please do not fill in this field.

Questions

Contact program director Cathy O’Connor at 510-209-2019 or cathoc59@gmail.com.

Tax-deductible donations help support the program. Contact Cathy if you’d like to give.