About Marrowstone

A Northwest institution since 1943, Marrowstone serves as a training ground for talented young musicians to study orchestral and chamber music. The faculty simultaneously presents a renowned concert series featuring some of the finest professional classical musicians in the world.  Marrowstone is presented by the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras and is hosted by Western Washington University.  Located in picturesque Bellingham, Washington, the WWU campus offers a uniquely intimate environment for approximately 200 students (age 13 - 23), a dozen fellowships (age 18-25), and 35 faculty members. True to its 65-year history, Marrowstone remains an orchestral experience. Marrowstone's two full orchestras prepare each week for Sunday afternoon performances in the University's superb concert hall. World-class conductors work with the orchestras and all students benefit from experiencing different conductors over the course of the festival. The curriculum also includes chamber music studies and performance, music-related courses, master classes and opportunities for one-on-one instruction.

Location

The land and waters of the northwest corner of Washington and southwest British Columbia are noted for their natural beauty. A wide range of outdoor activities attract people from around the world. Hiking, shoreline walking trails, and beaches are within a 10-minute drive from campus. Other popular attractions include whale-watching and drives and hikes in the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest and Wilderness areas.
Mid-summer temperatures range from pleasantly warm during the day to refreshingly cool in the evening. The low humidity and abundance of sunshine provide the perfect climate for outdoors activities. Please be prepared to dress in layers, though, as the weather tends to change throughout the day!
Visit the Bellingham Visitors Bureau for more information about the area.

Facilities

Western Washington University's Performing Arts Center (PAC) is one of the finest facilities in the nation for teaching, performing, and studying music. The facility includes a concert hall, large auditorium, electronic music studio, keyboard lab, ample practice and teaching spaces, and large rehearsal areas. The music library, with holdings in excess of 70,000 books, scores, and recordings, has been rated as excellent in recent accreditations.

Performance Space:Orchestral and chamber music performances will take place in the 700-seat PAC Concert Hall, while many master classes and workshops will occur in the Music Studio Theater.  Students have the opportunity to perform in public chamber music concerts conducted on Fairhaven Green at noon on Fridays in Fairhaven.