Join us for a week of immersive music-making at the Strings Scholars Camp! Designed for young string players with at least one year of experience on violin, viola, cello, or double bass, this program offers daily orchestra rehearsals, sectional coaching with Butler University faculty and music majors, and engaging music theory and elective classes modeled after the college experience. The camp culminates in a final performance showcasing the progress and dedication of all participants. Students are expected to bring their own instrument.
Artistic Director: Thomas Chen
This program is designed for students entering grades 7–12 in the fall of 2026.
Camp Hours: *Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
*Residential campers will move in on June 14, 2026.
Campers may choose to stay on campus for the full week, arriving the Sunday evening before camp begins. Residential campers are housed in Irvington House, enjoy three meals a day in the Residential College dining hall, and take part in nightly activities led by resident assistants, with overnight supervision provided by RAs and a dorm chaperone.
Lunch will be provided for all campers in the campus dining hall. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner* will be provided for residential students.
*Residential campers should eat dinner before moving in on Sunday.
Strings Scholars Camp will require participants to submit a recorded placement audition video to assign campers to the appropriate ensemble. Details are forthcoming and emailed to registrants at a later date.
Thomas Chen is Director of Orchestras at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. Under his direction, the Carmel High School Symphony Orchestra earned regular appearances at the Indiana State School Music Association State High School Concert Finals, produced a recording of Dvorak Symphony No. 9, and performed at The Midwest Clinic in 2019 and 2024. Chen previously held the position of Assistant Director at Dobie High School in Houston, Texas.
In addition to public school teaching, Chen is Associate Conductor with the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra’s Symphony Orchestra. Chen has performed as a guest conductor with the Purdue University Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Wesleyan University Summer Music Camp, and Wright State University Fall Strings Festival.
Chen earned his Bachelor of Music Education from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he studied viola with Dr. Nicole Brockmann. While completing his studies, he earned opportunities to perform in masterclasses with the American String Quartet and Joan Tower.
Chen is a proud member of the American String Teachers Association and National Association for Music Education. He currently serves as Orchestra Division Chair with the Indiana Music Education Association and President-Elect with the Indiana Chapter of the American String Teachers Association.
Register by May 15, 2026.
Tuition & Deposit:
- Program tuition is $500 for commuter students or $900 for residential.
- A $25 non-refundable deposit is required at checkout to reserve your spot. This amount is applied toward your total tuition.
- The remaining balance is due May 18, 2026, unless you are on an approved flexible payment plan. All payment plan balances must be paid at least 14 days before camp begins.
Refund Policy:
Send all cancellation requests to bcas@butler.edu
- Department Cancellation: If the department cancels a camp session, you will receive a full refund.
- 30+ Days Before Camp: Full refund minus the $25 deposit.
- 14–29 Days Before Camp: 50% refund of the amount paid, minus the $25 deposit.
- Fewer Than 14 Days Before Camp: No refunds will be issued.
- Camp sessions are not prorated for vacation, illness, or missed days.
Email: bcas@butler.edu
Phone: 317-940-5500