All students are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the Festival’s Policies and Code of Conduct (see “Policies” section below) and to observe Festival rules and regulations.

General Guidelines Include

• Respect for all Festival students and members of surrounding communities.
• Adherence to Maine State laws, Bowdoin College rules, and Festival regulations regarding alcohol and tobacco use and possession.
• Adherence to the Festival’s practice/quiet hours policy.
• Adherence to curfew for students age 17 and younger.
• Completion of assigned duties.
• Attendance at rehearsals, performances, and events.
• Failure to adhere to policies and rules will result in disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from the Festival. Any student dismissed from the Festival will forfeit all of his/her fees in their total amount.

All enrolled students must submit current health insurance coverage details with their enrollment forms in order to secure their participation with the Festival. (For the 2025 season, health insurance coverage must be valid through August 9, 2025.)

Please refer to the travel page on our website here.

Saturday Timeline

• Registration and check-in: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Osher Hall
• Parent Info Session (optional): 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Studzinski Recital Hall
• Campus Tour: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Leaves from Osher Hall 
• Welcome Dinner for all Students and Faculty: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Thorne Hall
• Mandatory Student Orientation: 7:00 PM, Studzinski Recital Hall
• Mandatory Residence Life Orientation: 8:30 PM, Campus Residences

Late Arrival

If you arrive between 6:00 PM and 11:59 PM on Saturday, whether due to a travel delay or a pre-approved late arrival, please go to Osher, 30 South Street, Brunswick, to pick up your registration packet and room key.

If you experience travel difficulties, email grace@bowdoinfestival.org to let us know that you have been delayed. Remember, all late arrivals, absences, and early departures must be cleared with the Festival prior to your arrival at the Festival.

Please refer to the Student Life section of our Institute home page. Daily schedules at the Festival vary greatly depending on a student’s focus and interests. The Festival provides freedom for students to plan their own schedules, individual practice, and group rehearsal time. Students do not have pre-determined agendas for performances or day-to-day activities. Instead, students are surrounded by world-class faculty, inspiring peers, terrific facilities, and hundreds of opportunities to learn, rehearse, and perform. Students take these resources and create a schedule that reflects their personal goals for the summer.

The Festival’s residence life team works hard to make the environment at the Festival supportive, caring, and fun. They offer a variety of activities including off-campus trips to the beach, hikes along the Maine coast, and Goat Yoga! All activities and trips are included in the cost of attendance.

Match corresponding letter/number combination to the Bowdoin College Campus Map

• Administrative Office
  181 Park Row; 207-373-1400
• Appleton Hall – Block E8, #6
  Boys residence hall housing (subject to change)
• Music Office – Block B7, #77
  Osher Hall
• Crooker Theater
  Brunswick High School (where two Friday evening concerts will be held)
• Beckwith Music Library – Block E10; #11
  Located in Gibson Hall 
• Gibson Hall – Block E11, #11
  Location of faculty studios and rehearsal rooms
• Maine Hall – Block F7, #4
  Girls residence hall housing (subject to change)
• Osher Hall – Block B7; #77
  Location of Music Office, Residence Life Office, faculty studios, and rehearsal rooms 
• Peter Buck Center for Health and Fitness – Block F5; #35
• Sills Hall – Block G5; #29
  Location of faculty studios and rehearsal rooms
• Studzinski Recital Hall – Block E5; #40
  Bowdoin College’s state-of-the-art recital hall
• Thorne Dining Hall – Block C10; #70
• Winthrop Hall – Block G7; #3
  Girls residence hall housing (subject to change)
• West Hall – Block B7; #76
  21+ housing (subject to change)

 

Auditions

Chamber music auditions will occur virtually over Zoom in advance of the Festival, starting in May. Please be prepared to play 2–5 minutes of a solo piece of your choice. Students will receive their assignments about two weeks before the beginning of their session and should arrive ready to start rehearsing with their groups immediately. Students attending both sessions, must audition for both sessions.

Chamber Music Assignments and Rehearsals

Ensemble assignments will be emailed about two weeks before each session. Students will receive their music at check-in on Saturday, so that all students are playing from the same edition.

Your ensemble is responsible for coordinating rehearsals. Coaching days are:

Week 1 – Tuesday and Friday afternoons
Week 2 – Monday and Thursday afternoons
Week 3 – Monday and Wednesday afternoons

Week 4 – Tuesday and Friday afternoons
Week 5 – Monday and Thursday afternoons
Week 6 – Monday and Wednesday afternoons

Private Lessons

Please plan to schedule weekly private lessons individually with your instructor. Your instructor will reach out at the beginning of your session.

Studio Classes

You are welcome to attend any open Studio Class. The selection of players for each class is at the discretion of the instructor. To play in another instructor’s class, ask your instructor to recommend you.

Orchestra

You may be selected to perform in the Festival Orchestra. The orchestra performs once each session and includes two rehearsals. You will receive an email notification from the Music Office if you are selected and will provide you with your music and the rehearsal schedule. Orchestra attire is all black.

Practice Rooms

For individual practice, pianists and composers are assigned to practice rooms which they share with at least one other Festival participant. Double bass, harp, and percussion players have specific practice studios that accommodate their instruments. All other players are expected to practice in the rooms where they reside. For group rehearsals, chamber groups with piano meet in the pianist’s practice room, and those without piano should expect to meet in a player’s residence. Groups that have more than four players may sign up for additional practice space through the Music Office. Please bring a folding stand for practice and rehearsals.

Cellists and bassists are required to use endpin anchors in all facilities. Please bring your own device.

Luthier Visits

Luthiers commonly visit campus and show instruments in the lobby of Osher Hall. Check the Student Portal calendar for the schedule. Instrument repair is also available in town at Frost Gully Violins.

Student Performances

Young Artist Series performances (more than 20 each year) feature student performances in Bowdoin College’s Studzinski Recital Hall. To be selected for this concert series, each chamber group or solo performer must submit an online performance request form through the Student Portal. It is expected that you have faculty and collaborative pianist approval prior to submitting your request.

Community Concerts allow Festival participants to gain important performing experience in front of appreciative audiences at off-campus venues. Online sign-up for Community Concerts is available through the Student Portal.

Streaming and Recordings

Most student performances are livestreamed and recorded. Check the website for a stream link. Recordings will be disseminated within 3 weeks of the performance.

Faculty Concerts, Lectures, and Masterclasses

Concerts and events are an integral part of the learning experience at the Bowdoin International Music Festival. You are encouraged to attend all concerts and events unless they conflict with rehearsal schedules. The series are:

The Subscription Concert Series features guest artists and Festival faculty in evening performances at Studzinski Recital Hall. These occur each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening at 7:30 PM. When the orchestra performs, concerts are held at Crooker Theater. The Festival provides shuttle bus service to and from the theater. The bus leaves campus promptly at 6:45 PM and returns students to campus after each concert.

The Gamper Festival of Contemporary Music began in 1965 and features work by the Festival’s resident and guest composers and premieres the work of students in the Festival’s composition program. It is the Festival’s celebration of new music.

The Young Artist Series features chamber and solo performances by Festival students. Concerts are held several evenings each week in Studzinski Recital Hall.

Free Events include lectures, public masterclasses, and studio classes. Masterclass performers will be selected by the Festival faculty.

Tickets are required to attend the Subscription Concert Series. Free student tickets will be given out on a first come first serve basis at 7:10 PM the day of the concert at the Studzinski Hall lobby. Overflow livestreaming accommodations are available when necessary.

Tickets for Crooker Theater Orchestra concerts will be available at the bus from an RA staff member. Buses leave from the Osher parking lot at 6:45 PM. You can choose to ride the bus or drive yourself to Crooker once you have received a ticket from an RA staff member.

For all public events, please refer to this calendar. Upon arrival, you will be given a password to the Festival’s private Student Portal which includes non-public events such as residence-life activities, links to community concert applications, directories, and other useful Festival information.

The Music Office staff will email information about Chamber Music assignments, Young Artists Concerts, and Community Concerts. Please check your email frequently for updates. All Festival students are expected to have frequent access to email and a cell phone. If that’s not the case, please contact Grace Bell (grace@bowdoinfestival.org) to make other contact arrangements.

Office Hours

• Music Office: Osher Hall, M-F 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
• Box Office: Studzinski Recital Hall Lobby, M-F 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
• Res. Life Office: Osher Hall, M-F 9:00 AM-4:30 PM, Sat: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
• Permanent Administrative Office: 181 Park Row, M-F 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Please make the Music Office or Res. Life Office in Osher Hall your first stop for questions.

All mail should be addressed to:

YOUR NAME
c/o Bowdoin International Music Festival
6300 College Station
Brunswick, ME 04011
USA

Students should pick up their mail at the Music Office in Osher Hall. Mail will be available on weekdays after 2:00 PM.

Alcohol and Illegal Drugs: All Festival participants must comply with state and federal alcohol and drug laws, as well as the Bowdoin College Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Policy. These laws and policies include, but are not limited to:

• All individuals must be at least twenty-one years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages.
• Use of false identification by minors is prohibited.
• It is illegal to purchase, furnish, deliver, or sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
• All persons over the age of 21 will be held responsible if anyone under the age of 21 is present where alcohol is being consumed.
• For those over the age of 21, alcohol consumption is only permitted in your private room. No alcohol is allowed outside on campus, in program facilities, or in apartment common areas. This includes but is not limited to hallways, common rooms, and practice areas.
• It is illegal to carry an open container of alcohol in a public place, including on the street, on the sidewalk, in a car, in a residence hallway, or a social space.
• Hard liquor or drinking games are prohibited.
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia are prohibited.
• Participants under the influence of alcohol or drugs are fully responsible for their actions and will be held accountable.

Any violation of the Festival’s alcohol and drug policy will result in disciplinary action which may include immediate dismissal with no refund. Resident Assistants may key into a participant’s room when responding to a situation.

Smoking: Smoking is not allowed in or within 50 feet of any building on campus. You must abide by State tobacco laws and the Bowdoin College Smoking Policy. These policies include, but are not limited to:

• All individuals must be at least eighteen years of age to purchase, possess, or consume cigarette papers or tobacco products.
• It is illegal to provide tobacco to anyone under the age of 21.
• The use of false identification is prohibited.

Weapons: Weapons, including firearms and ammunition, are strictly forbidden. You may not bring weapons to the Festival or possess them anywhere on Bowdoin College grounds, including in any College or Festival building. For more information, refer to the Bowdoin College Weapons Policy.

Anti-Discrimination Policy: The Bowdoin International Music Festival will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, creed, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, or physical or mental handicap.

Health: Medical Care is not available on campus. All concerns should be taken to the walk-in clinic just off campus, or to the Emergency Room at one of two local hospitals. All students are required to have current valid health insurance. You must provide information regarding your current insurance prior to arrival. Residence Life staff will assist with transportation to clinics and/or hospitals as needed.

Noise: Students may practice in their rooms from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, except in apartments, where the hours are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Festival students may not engage in activities that create excessive noise that disturbs fellow participants, neighbors, or the non-Bowdoin community. All parties must be registered with the Director of Residence Life and Activities. The party registration form must be completed two days prior to the party.

Social Code: All participants must abide by the Bowdoin College Social Code. Persons found in violation of any of the following rules will be subject to disciplinary action including immediate dismissal with no refund:

• Theft or vandalism of personal or public property. NOTE: In accordance with Bowdoin College policy, all Festival participants must keep both the outside door to their residence hall/apartment and the inside door to their room locked at all times.
• Trespassing into unauthorized spaces, private or public.
• Verbal, physical, or sexual harassment or abuse.
• Failure to observe practice hours as designated below: (All other hours are enforceable quiet hours)
  Residence halls: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Apartments: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  Gibson Hall: 7:00 AM – 12:00 midnight. Osher Hall: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Failure to observe the curfew at your residence:
  (13-15 year olds) Sunday – Thursday, 10:00 PM. Friday and Saturday, 11:00 PM
  (16-17 year olds) Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 PM. Friday and Saturday, 12:00 AM
• Failure to complete assigned duties (ushering, etc.)
• Failure of any participant to attend all rehearsals and perform in assigned concerts. Rehearsal absences may be excused only by the Festival Directors.

Maine Statutory Rape Laws:
Statutory rape is illegal sexual activity between two people when it would otherwise be legal if not for their age. In Maine the “age of consent” is 16 years regardless of gender except in the case of student/teacher relationships, when the “age of consent” is 18.

Charges: Charges may include lost keys, lost music, damages, and other charges. Damage charges will be assessed for any damage to College or Festival property. Damages or loss of property that cannot be attributed to a specific participant are assessed to all participants who used the facility in question. Costs are pro-rated among those participants.

General Misconduct: A Disciplinary Committee adjudicates allegations of misconduct by Festival participants. Misconduct is defined as any action that is not in the best interest of the participant or of the Festival community. The committee may impose penalties for infractions of Festival policies and procedures. Penalties may include expulsion without a refund.

Generally, the types of misconduct that will be reviewed are:

• Illegal acts, such as use or possession of alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia or firearms, or furnishing alcohol to a minor. For example, in Maine individuals must be at least twenty-one years of age to purchase, possess, provide, or consume alcoholic beverages. Any participant found in violation of this law must stand for the consequences, including expulsion without refund.
• Actions that are threatening to other persons or property. For example, participants will be held accountable for verbal or physical abuse toward other individuals or personal property. Other examples of this type of conduct are theft, damage to property, and harassment.
• Second offenses for ignoring or failing to observe Festival policies and procedures. Examples of general disciplinary issues are: recipients of financial assistance failing to perform required work assignments, violating curfew, and making excessive noise.
• Cases referred to the committee by Festival instructors that involve conduct unbecoming a Festival participant in musical events. Examples of this are failure to appear for chamber music assignments or rehearsals or inappropriate behavior toward instructors, guest artists, patrons, Festival staff, or other participants.
• Late arrivals, absences, and early departures without prior approval from the Festival except in the case of a documented medical emergency.
• Disciplinary cases are serious and will be dealt with immediately. If a participant is charged with misconduct, or if disciplinary action is imposed on the participant, the committee chair will contact the participant’s parent(s) or guardian(s). The committee’s disciplinary decisions are final; however, a Disciplinary Review Committee will conduct an additional review of decisions recommending expulsion.

If you have any questions regarding campus life or policies during the Festival, please contact the Director of Residence Life and Activities at reslife@bowdoinfestival.me. Office hours are held Monday through Saturday in Osher Hall.

The Festival provides a basic pillow, blanket, sheet set, and towel. Students may exchange linens for a fresh set each Friday. 

Music

• Instrument with extra set of strings (composers, bring your instrument too!)
• Folding stand — you will need this for solo practice and chamber rehearsals.
• Endpin anchor
• Cello chair or chair cushion
• Solo or chamber music you intend to work on this summer (please bring piano parts)
• Pencils

Clothing

• Appropriate clothes for summer in Maine (average temperature is 65-85F)
• Concert dress (formal for Young Artists Series and Community Concerts, all-black for orchestra).
• Bathing suit and beach towel
• Sweater and lightweight jacket for cool nights
• Rain gear and an umbrella
• Hangers for any hanging clothes

Miscellaneous

• Toothbrush, toiletries
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.
• Cash, debit and/or credit card
• Water bottle (tap water throughout campus is safe to drink)
• Desk Lamp (there are ceiling lights in each room, some students may wish to have additional lighting)
• Fan — if you don’t have room to pack a fan, there is an option to rent a fan from the Bowdoin College Summer Programs office for $5.
• Linens — the Festival provides a basic pillow, blanket, sheet set, and small towel, but some students may wish to bring additional linens. Festival linens may be exchanged for fresh linens each Friday outside of Osher Hall.
• Laundry Detergent — there are laundry facilities in each residence hall. Detergent is not provided. There will also be opportunities to purchase detergent once on campus (trips to Walmart provided and full grocery store within a short walk).

Participants traveling from abroad may wish to have these items for potential travel legalities:

• Acceptance letter, attorney letter, and passport
• Copy of enrollment forms
• Evidence of ties to home country (continued employment or schooling)
• Evidence of overseas residence
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support travel to the U.S.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to temporarily remain in the U.S.
• Round-trip ticket