Rehearse, experience...perform!
Interact with some of the best teachers and performers in the world.
Masterclasses, chamber music, orchestra, and much more!
About Us.
The Hattiesburg Orchestral and Chamber Music Academy (Formerly known as the FestivalSouth Orchestra and Chamber Music Academy, is a five-day intensive program that provides young musicians the opportunity to acquire, develop and enhance their skills as orchestra and chamber ensemble performers while exposing them to great literature presented by very experienced conductors and players in the field.
The mission of the Hattiesburg Orchestral and Chamber Music Academy is to inspire these future professionals and amateur musicians with a lifelong love for orchestra and chamber music.
Academy Events:
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Daily Orchestra rehearsals
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Chamber Music
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Sectionals
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Masterclasses
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Informal Performances
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Gala Performance
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Fun Activities
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Enrichment activities (conducting, music, theory, music history)
Audition Information:
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Audition requirements and procedure:
1. Submit the online application form
2.Upload your video audition to YouTube with the following requirements: (Paste the link to the
online application form)
a) A scale of your choice 2 or 3 octaves (shifting preferred)
b) A solo piece that demonstrates skills
Note.- Upload the video to YouTube as an unlisted video. Label the video as follows:
(First name Last name, instrument, Orchestral Academy 2026 audition)
Audition deadline: May 15, 2026.
An email with the audition results will be sent to the students a week after the audition has been
received.
Academy Costs:
Deposit $ 150
Academy Fee $250 (including deposit)
Housing/Meals/Internet $450* (for out-of-town students)
*Pending availability and only for out-of-town students
(**Subject to change. Prices are set by William Carey University and may change before May 2026.
Applicants will be notified if costs change.)
Tentative schedule:
Monday -Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Final performance:
Friday, June 12, 2026
@ Thomas Fine Arts Auditorium
Time: TBD
Free Admission!
Total cost:
Day students: $250 (including $150 deposit) *Day students pay tuition only.
*Meals: Lunch will be provided for all participants at the WCU cafeteria.
Payment information:
Mail you deposit or full tuition check payable to Winters School of Music
(add Orchestral Academy on the memo line) to the following address:
Winters School of Music
Attn: Hattiesburg Orchestral Academy
WCU Box 14
710 William Carey Parkway
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Overnight students (out-of-town students only): $700
(Cost includes tuition, housing, meals, and wireless internet.) *Pending availability.
Online Application link here: Application Form