FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SPOLETO ARTS SYMPOSIA (SAS)
Where is Spoleto, Italy?
How do I get to Spoleto, Italy?
How long has the program existed?
Who runs the Spoleto Arts Symposia?
How are participants chosen?
Do I need to know Italian?
How often will I have Italian language classes?
Is the number of participants limited?
Who are the SAS participants?
What is the daily schedule?
Is there free time for personal reflection on what has been learned?
What do participants do on days off?
What are the SAS facilities?
What happens if I am sick or injured?
Are there places for me to exercise?
What are the dates of SAS 2008?
What is the deadline to apply?
How far is it to get from living accommodations to our working places?
Is transportation available to get from places within Spoleto and to the train station?
Are any of the accommodations air conditioned?
What is the weather like?
How is the food?
What does "continental breakfast" mean?
Are special dietary considerations accommodated?
Which meals are included?
Is it okay to drink the water?
Are laundry facilities available?
What materials do I need to bring?
What is email access like in Spoleto, Italy?
What about my own computer and printer in Spoleto, Italy?
What clothing do I need to bring?
How much extra spending money should I bring?
What is the relationship between the Spoleto Arts Symposia (SAS) and the Menotti Festival dei due Mondi?
Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium:
How many private lessons can I expect to receive per week and what is the duration of each lesson?
How many private coachings can I expect to have?
Will I attend master classes every day?
How often will an individual singer work with the teachers in a master class setting?
Do I get to choose my voice teacher?
Will I have time to sing in more than one concert?
What if I have other questions?
Where is Spoleto, Italy ?
Spoleto, Italy is located in the Italian province of Umbria. It is about one-hour-and-a half north of Rome and about thirty minutes away from Assisi. It is a medieval hill town.
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How do I get to Spoleto, Italy ?
Once you are admitted to one of the programs, you will need to buy your airline ticket to Rome. We have a bus to meet participants who arrive by 1 p.m. on the stipulated arrival day. The bus is an additional cost of 50 Euro per person one way. There is also a bus available to take you to Rome airport on the stipulated departure day at the same cost. It tends to leave very early in the morning (approximately 4:00 a.m.) to accommodate the person with the earliest flight.
If you do not take our bus from Rome 's Fiumicino Airport to Spoleto on the day of arrival for your program, it is not difficult to reach Spoleto by train. Please send email to the Spoleto office (clintoneve@aol.com) and we will send you specific directions for taking the train from Rome 's Termini train station to Spoleto on the Ancona line.
Some participants rent a car and drive to Spoleto. The trip usually takes 1.5 hours, but there was road construction during summer 2005, so the trip took longer. You must be an experienced driver to feel comfortable driving on the autostrade in Italy. Parking in Spoleto is difficult and limited.
We do NOT recommend that you take a taxi from Rome to Spoleto; it is EXTREMELY expensive. back to top
How long has the program existed?
Summer 2008 will be our 16 th consecutive year of operation. The Spoleto Arts Symposia started as a vocal master class in 1992. The Spoleto Writers' Workshop was added in 1993. The Spoleto Cooking School and Kids' Camp were launched in 1995. The Spoleto Vocal Jazz Workshop is the newest program, started in 1998. back to top
Who runs the Spoleto Arts Symposia?
SAS was founded by CJ and Carole Everett. Educators, musicians, and administrators, the Everetts have worked at places ranging from The Juilliard School (where Carole was the Director of Admissions for seven years, 1986-1993), The Trinity School (NYC), the Nightingale-Bamford School (NYC), to CBS Cable TV, and Boosey and Hawkes, the music publisher. You will find their bios on the website.
The Everetts hire both American and Italian staff. You will find the faculty bios under each program. Support staff are all bilingual, and most have been with the programs for many years. They serve as liaisons to assist participants during the program. back to top
How are participants chosen?
Participants in the Spoleto Writers' Workshop are chosen based on manuscripts submitted, along with an application form. See the application part of the website for information about submitting your writing samples.
Participants in the Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium are chosen by audition and a personal interview. You will need to submit your application along with a CD or cassette, or choose to audition in person in NYC.
People attending the Spoleto Cooking School tend to be men and women who have a passion for Italian cooking and want to learn new recipes, treatments, and techniques. The class ranges from professional chefs to eager amateurs. Some are partners of people in one of the other programs.
Jazz singers in the Spoleto Vocal Jazz Workshop send in a cassette or CD, along with their application form. Many participants in this program are European, eager to work on their English as well as expand their repertoire in jazz.
Children ages 4-16 participate in the Spoleto Kids' Club. They are usually the children of participants in the other programs, along with local children of Spoleto, allowing for a true multicultural experience. back to top
Do I need to know Italian?
All classes are conducted in English. When there is a teacher for whom English is not totally fluent, SAS provides a translator.
You will have a far more enriching experience if you learn some Italian, however. Few of the townspeople in Spoleto know much English, and they are so grateful when you try to speak their language, no matter how haltingly, with your phrase book and courage to pantomime. You will also have the opportunity to study conversational Italian as part of SWW and SVAS. back to top
How often will I have Italian language classes?
Italian language classes are offered most working days and are 45-minute sessions. Participants in the Writing Workshop and Vocal Arts Symposium are encouraged to attend. We offer various levels. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you would like and can fit into your own daily program. The only times that we cancel Italian classes are when there is a crunch with concert preparation. We encourage participants not only to attend the language classes, but also to get out and speak with native Italians and not always "hang out" with other English-speaking people. Immersion in a culture is the best way to learn a language. back to top
Is the number of participants limited?
Yes. In each program we want participants to have individual attention. The Spoleto Writers' Workshop usually has approximately 30 students. In the Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium, we have evaluated enrollment over the years and have determined that 40-45 singers is optimal for our time and staffing. The Cooking School is limited to 12 students per session. The Spoleto Vocal Jazz Workshop usually enrolls approximately 20 students. The Kids' Camp can accommodate up to 12 children. back to top
Who are the SAS participants?
Participants in the Spoleto Writers' Workshop tend to be serious adult writers. Ages have ranged from 20-86. Some writers have already published or completed writing degrees, but many are aspiring amateurs who show promise but have no formal background. Some are eager to learn new approaches or would like to write in a new genre. Most want inspirational time and teaching in a new setting, and time to work on their own.
Singers in the Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium range in age from students in the Pre-College section, extremely talented and mature young men and women ages 16-18, to students in college or conservatory, and many graduate students. Other participants are professionals looking to have concentrated time to work on a role or technique.
See above for information about the Cooking School, Vocal Jazz, and Kids' Camp participants. back to top
What is the daily schedule?
Each program has its individual schedule. A typical day in the Writers' Workshop includes a continental breakfast, writers' workshop session from 10-1 p.m., lunch together, and then Italian lessons available in the late afternoon, or a conference with one of the faculty, or time for your individual writing. Evenings may include attending a concert, listening to a reading, attending a workshop on a topic of interest, such as publishing, or time to explore the town and dine on your own.
The Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium usually has a master class from 10-1 on working days. Lunch is 1-2:30, followed by the "riposo." Afternoon options are Italian class, coachings, staging rehearsals for scene preparation, or individual voice lessons. Evenings may include concerts, listening sessions, or free time for your own practice or study.
The Spoleto Cooking School usually has cooking class from 10-1. You then eat the lunch that you have prepared. Afternoons are either a field trip or free time. Evenings may include attending a concert or continuing on your field trip and having dinner together, or having time to dine on your own.
Spoleto Jazz singers usually have master class from 10-1, followed by lunch and the "riposo." Afternoons may be more master class time together. Evenings are often time to perform together at various venues both in Spoleto and around the region.
Children attending the Spoleto Kids' Camp have a rich and varied program. It may include field trips to nearby places of interest, or time in town doing activities ranging from sports, to arts and crafts, singing, and drama. Children are usually occupied from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. back to top
Is there free time for personal reflection on what has been learned?
Over the years we have learned that "down time" for participants is very important. We strive to balance class and group time with individual attention and time for personal reflection and work on your own. back to top
What do participants do on days off?
There is limited time off during these intensive workshops. There is usually one organized trip to a nearby town available at an additional cost to participants. In addition, participants may enjoy a day in Spoleto, at the pool, or taking the train to nearby Assisi, Perugia, or Rome, or going on an overnight trip to Florence. back to top
What are the SAS facilities?
Housing varies according to your own needs and tastes. Descriptions of the housing options are included on the website according to your program.
For many years, the writers met in a convent in Spoleto. This year we are holding classes in another charming location.
Classical singers have daily master class in the Sala Pegasus, a 12-century deconsecrated church with a beautiful Steinway grand piano and exquisite acoustics. Performance spaces vary from outdoor concerts, to opera houses either in Spoleto or nearby towns, and the Sala Pegasus. Practice rooms are available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in either the Scuola Elementare or the Music School. Private lessons and coachings also make use of these facilities.
Cooks have their classes in the Scuola Albeghiero, a school in Spoleto dedicated to the hospitality trades.
Vocal Jazz participants have daily master classes at the Meeting Point, a special series of rooms with good acoustics and working space for jazz musicians.
The Kids' Camp is based out of the Elementary School in town, but uses many town facilities for its activities. back to top
What happens if I am sick or injured?
There is a hospital in Spoleto. One of our staff will accompany you to the Emergency Room. Please note that you are responsible for any medical fees and should check with your medical insurance about overseas coverage.
It is important for you to bring adequate supplies of all medications you are currently taking. back to top
Are there places for me to exercise?
Spoleto has two swimming pools: the town public pool, Olympic-sized, clean, and refreshing, and a private pool nearby, up in the mountains. Both charge an entry fee. For the public pool, it is easy to take the public bus there, and it runs every half hour. For the private pool, participants usually take a taxi, but may walk down.
There are beautiful hiking trails in the nearby mountains. And, most participants find the "giro della Rocca", the walk around the aqueduct and in the shadow of the castle in town, to be a wonderful place to jog or walk. In addition, because Spoleto is a hill town, just walking around can be stimulating exercise itself. back to top
What are the dates of SAS 2008?
Please see the individual section of the website for your program. Be sure that you are absolutely clear about arrival and departure days. back to top
What is the deadline to apply?
SAS works on a rolling-admissions basis, meaning that applications are evaluated as they are received. Thus, it is to your advantage to apply early. We will continue to process applications while there are still openings in a program, though many programs may be filled by late spring. Call the office directly (212-665-3544) or send an email (clintoneve@aol.com) for up-to-date enrollment information. back to top
How far is it to get from living accommodations to our working places?
During SAS, you will be walking up and down hills in this medieval Italian hill town. Participants who have mobility issues will not be happy in our programs. You should expect to walk from housing to major venues at least ten minutes each way. back to top
Is transportation available to get from places within Spoleto and to the train station?
There is a local bus service that is useful to get to the train station and to the swimming pool. It is not useful for getting you around town, however, as this is best done on foot. Taxis are available but are quite pricey. If you have trouble walking around, quite honestly, this is NOT the program for you. back to top
Are any of the accommodations air-conditioned?
Some of the hotels for living accommodations are air-conditioned. Most working spaces are not, though fans are available. back to top
What is the weather like?
CJ Everett has been in Spoleto in the summers for over thirty years. During that time, weather in Spoleto has ranged from cool (as in Summer 2005 when we wore sweaters and had blankets on our bed at night), to hot-around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. We don't have a crystal ball or control over climate, but try to keep participants as happy as possible. back to top
How is the food?
FABULOUS! Participants dine at restaurants that we have used for years where the cooks are eager to please. The service is usually in courses and at a leisurely Italian pace. back to top
What does "continental breakfast" mean?
Italians do not tend to eat big breakfasts as many Americans do. Continental breakfasts usually consist of a roll, coffee, sometimes juice or fruit. If you need more to eat in the morning, there are fresh markets all over town for you to buy bread, cheese, or fruit. back to top
Are special dietary considerations accommodated?
Vegetarian diets are easily accommodated in the programs. Low salt is also a possibility. We do not have any possibility to accommodate a Kosher diet, however. back to top
Which meals are included?
Continental breakfast and lunch on working days are included. Some receptions and dinners are also included. Participants are free to have many dinners on their own. back to top
Is it okay to drink the water?
Yes. There are also fountains in many parts of town with cold, fresh mountain water that is potable. All bars and grocery stores sell bottled mineral water as well, and you can choose "naturale" (without bubbles) or "frizzante" (with bubbles). back to top
Are laundry facilities available?
Spoleto does not have one single Laundromat! There are a few dry cleaners/laundries, but they are extremely expensive. We urge participants to bring along Woolite and to do your laundry in your sink. back to top
What materials do I need to bring?
Writers need to bring a notebook, pens and pencils, work that they want to discuss in conference, and copies of finished work if they want to participate in student-run discussions. Computers are not encouraged, though many bring their laptops. There are no printing facilities, but it is not necessary to print your new work. See below for caveats regarding printers.
Singers need to bring two copies of music that is memorized and at performance standard, and any other music on which they would like to work. Many find it useful to bring a pitch pipe or very small portable keyboard. A tape recording devise is also helpful, along with a notebook.
Cooks will be supplied with apron, hat, and cooking utensils. A notebook is often helpful.
Children should be sure to bring swimsuits, bathing caps, and sneakers. Often a disposable camera is appreciated. back to top
What is email access like in Spoleto, Italy ?
There is limited access to email in Spoleto. Hotels usually have one computer and at various bars and internet places in town (Spider, near the Torre del' Olio), there are other computers. We urge participants, however, to be careful about overdoing email. Past participants have told us that by constantly being on email, especially with work, they never get immersed in the program or Italian culture, or away from their jobs. back to top
What about my own computer and printer in Spoleto, Italy?
If you deem this to be an absolute essential for your life in another culture, you must come prepared. SAS does not have a printer available for use of participants. To attempt to bring your own small printer can most likely become a nightmare, as they require voltage regulators, surge protectors to accommodate not only a 100 volt difference in power but in cycles per second alternating current. For your laptop computer, most all of the transformers that come with them are built to accept US and European current. You will need a plug adapter for the wall socket, US to Italian. Find one before you leave home, but be prepared for this to be a lot of work to get set up. back to top
What clothing do I need to bring?
Casual dress is fine for daily activities. Writers may want to bring one dressier outfit for your reading, though this is not an essential. Singers should bring concert attire. For men, this is usually a suit or tux, and for women one cocktail dress and one gown. Please note that it is a tradition in Italy that purple is never worn on stage. In the past few summers, there have been occasional afternoon rain showers, so an umbrella is useful. One sweater, in case it gets cool, is also recommended. back to top
How much extra spending money should I bring?
Each year we have taken a poll of participants regarding spending money. You need money for extra meals out that you choose to eat, for local transportation to the pool and for the bus to and from the airport, for your personal internet, telephone, and copying fees, and for any gifts you decide to buy. The average amount recommended by past participants was $500.00.
Please note that there are ATM machines in Spoleto that accept most cards. Travelers' Cheques no longer seem necessary. back to top
What is the relationship between the Spoleto Arts Symposia (SAS) and the Menotti Festival dei due Mondi?
SAS is an independent organization and not affiliated with the Menotti Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds. back to top
Spoleto Vocal Arts Symposium:
How many private lessons can I expect to receive per week and what is the duration of each lesson?
Usually during the course of the program, singers have 4-6 private lesson of 30-minutes each. back to top
How many private coachings can I expect to have?
Coachings of 30 minutes are usually scheduled about every other day, when you are not singing in a master class. If you are chosen to sing in ensembles or staged scenes, there may be more frequent coachings. Additional coachings with Signora Ferrari are also scheduled. back to top
Will I attend master classes every day?
Master Classes are held most working days from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. We encourage all participants to attend, whether you are singing on that particular day or not, as you can always learn from others, ask questions, and someone may be singing repertoire that you do, and you can see what the master teacher has to say when working with someone else. On occasion, there may be extra time, so you might be asked to sing. Sometimes we schedule an ensemble rehearsal or coaching during master class time, but you would only miss part of the class. Our scheduling expert tries to keep things balanced and also to honor individual requests. back to top
How often will an individual singer work with the teachers in a master class setting?
In past years, exclusive of the Italian maestri, singers sang in 3-5 master classes. We do encourage students to attend all the master classes, as so much repertoire is covered and participants can certainly learn and benefit from the work of others. back to top
Do I get to choose my voice teacher?
We hold an on-site "sing in" that is essentially a placement audition right at the beginning of the program. Based on this, the faculty decides which teacher could probably work best with which participant. We like to try to honor everyone's personal requests, too. back to top
Will I have time to sing in more than one concert?
If you are totally and properly prepared with your repertoire and at a high artistic level, you would be welcome to sing in as many performances as we have to schedule you in, whether in solo or ensemble work. We tend to present concerts around a theme. For example, a sacred music concert, art song and aria concert, etc. The coaches have to approve your selection before it is confirmed on a program. back to top
What if I have other questions?
We want you to be as informed as possible about the programs, so we are happy to answer any additional inquiries. Please contact CJ Everett, Executive Director, at: 212-665-3544 or clintoneve@aol.com
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