June 29-July 5, 2025
How to Apply & Deadlines
Sequoia accepts 45-55 intermediate and advanced students with strong sight-reading skills, ages 13 to 20.
The workshop accepts players of violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn. Pianists with good reading skills are also encouraged to apply.
Apply to Sequoia Chamber Music Workshop
*PDF: Adobe Reader required
The application deadline is May 15*, at which time the selection process will begin. Applications received after this time will be considered, if there are still places available.
*Sequoia is extending the deadline to apply to May 31 for these instruments only:
Flute, Violin, Viola, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Piano.
We can no longer accept clarinets, as we have reached capacity.
To apply, complete the online application. You will need to include contact information for the following:
- Parent/Guardian (if under 18)
- School music or private instructor
New applicants only must provide the following: (not required for returning applicants)
- Private music teacher contact information (they will receive a request to fill out a Teacher Recommendation form on your behalf.)
- A link to a 2-minute video audition recording demonstrating your abilities on the instrument (shared video file, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
A $50 non-refundable application fee must be paid online by May 15. Upon acceptance into the workshop, you then will pay the tuition balance.
Tuition & Housing Fees
Non-refundable application fee: $50
Tuition: $575
Housing: Single, $633; Double, $560. Starting with dinner on June 16 and ending with lunch on June 22.
Staying in the university dorms is not required. Some families choose to come to the Eureka/Arcata area with their participating children and stay in local Air B&Bs, hotels, campgrounds, or friends in the area. Those participants have the option of bringing a sack lunch daily or purchasing meals in the university cafeteria to eat with students staying in the dorms.
Cancelation Policy
Upon acceptance into the program, the registration fee is due in full by June 2. The Sequoia Chamber Music Workshop encourages participants to be reasonably sure of attending the workshop before paying the registration and housing fees. Once the workshop and housing fees are paid, there are no refunds.
If a participant must withdraw from the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the student may petition for a refund. It is the students responsibility to email a request and provide evidence for the reason for withdrawal. Each petition will be reviewed by Sequoia Workshop staff and responded to within 14 business days with a response.
Please note, the initial deposit of $50 is non-refundable, as Conference Event Services charges a $75 non-refundable fee.
Financial Aid
Given the very low student/teacher ratio, the costs for attending Sequoia are relatively modest. Nonetheless, we recognize that they may be beyond the means of the families of some highly qualified and deserving players. Therefore, Sequoia will do everything it can, within its own financial limitations, to make it possible for these students to attend. Any requests for partial tuition grants should be made in the online application, by checking "YES" on "Are you applying for financial aid?" We will contact you with further information about providing a Statement of Need.
Facilities
Sequoia takes place on the gorgeous campus of Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, California. Humboldt is home to one of the largest chamber music libraries on the west coast, a collection of more than 13,000 pieces for every imaginable combination of instruments. This extensive library provides students with the opportunity to explore rare and interesting works, as well as old favorites.
Rehearsals, classes and performances take place in the two music buildings on campus which include a number of rehearsal and practice rooms and a ping-pong table and lounge area for recreation between coaching sessions.
Workshop students are housed in residence halls on the campus. Students are separated on different floors by gender, and supervised by male and female dorm monitors who enforce the nightly curfew.
Sequoia's rules and policies conform to all laws pertaining to smoking, drug and alcohol use, as well as to regulations concerning health, safety, and environmental protection. Additional rules, such as curfews, have been established to protect student and staff privacy and safety. All rules will be strictly enforced, and willful violation can lead to immediate dismissal from the workshop without refund.
Contact Information
Contact the director:
Dr. Bill Harrington, DMA
(510) 507-9738
sequoia@humboldt.edu for more information and to be added to the mailing list