FAQs
What is this organization?
This is the Hopewell Valley Community of Associated Music Projects, or HV CAMP. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in the greater Hopewell Valley, New Jersey, that provides music-making opportunities to those who might not otherwise have them.
What kind of ensembles do you offer?
Beginning in 2026, we will be offering five ensembles: a Pops Orchestra, a Jazz Ensemble, a Saxophone Ensemble, a Brass Ensemble, and Jazz Combos.
When do your groups meet?
The ensembles have three seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Jazz Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, and Jazz Combos meet during all seasons. The Pops Orchestra and the Brass Ensemble are Spring and Fall only.
I mean, what is the rehearsal and concert schedule?
In general, this is the template for each season:
Spring & Fall:
Jazz Combos: Sunday afternoons (exact times vary based on the number of combos)
Brass Ensemble: Sundays 5:15-6:30pm
Pops Orchestra: Sundays 6:45-8pm
Jazz Ensemble: Mondays 7:30-9:30pm
Saxophone Ensemble: Wednesdays 7-8:30pm
Summer:
Jazz Ensemble: Mondays 7:30-9:30pm
Saxophone Ensemble: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
Jazz Combos: Wednesdays after Saxophone Ensemble (pending the number of combos)
When are dress rehearsals and concerts?
The Spring & Fall have two concert weekends in May and December, respectively. Dress rehearsals occur on Friday evening and/or Saturday afternoon, and the applicable concert is Sunday. The first concert weekend is usually for the Brass Ensemble, the Pops Orchestra, and Student Recitals. The second concert weekend is usually for the Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and the Jazz Ensemble.
The Summer has one concert weekend for the Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and the Jazz Ensemble.
How many ensembles can I join?
You can join as many as you like so long as you play an instrument that fits the group. (For example, you can't play a saxophone in the Brass Ensemble.)
How old do I have to be to join?
We welcome all ages from young to old, but we do have the following requirements:
-If you are younger than 15, you must traditionally audition for entrance into any ensemble. You may be denied entrance if we don't feel you're ready.
-If you are younger than 19, you (and a parent/guardian when applicable) must sign an 'Under 19' waiver that states you understand all of our rules and the dates of our concerts, etc.
What's the average age of members?
Most of our ensemble members are adults ranging from their 20s to their 70s, but we do have a small number of teenagers. We like to informally say that most of our members are people who played in bands and orchestras while in high school or college and then went into different careers.
Do I have to be able to play an instrument to join?
Yes. We require that you have played your instrument for at least one cumulative year. If you played for four years in high school and then haven't picked up your instrument since, that's no problem!
How good do I have to be at my instrument to join?
We believe all members need to be able to competently play their instrument. On average, this means being able to play major and minor scales through roughly three sharps and three flats (either by memory or by reading them off a page). We don't expect virtuosity, but we do expect to not have to teach basic things about how to play an instrument.
Do I have to be able to read music to join?
Yes. If you can't read music in any capacity, you are unfortunately not eligible to join. Again, we don't expect perfection, but if you can't read a simple piece of music put in front of you to play on your instrument, our groups are not for you.
Are there other requirements to be eligible to join?
Yes. Your attitude has to be excellent. If you are a jerk, or if you are egotistical, you won't last long in our groups. Our goal is to create a positive musical environment. If playing the lead part is more important to you than the overall success of the group, you won't last in our groups. We value humor as much as our desire to seek musical excellence, so be ready to laugh!
What is the audition process?
As long as you are at least 15 years old, the auditions are seating auditions to simply ensure that you meet our minimum requirements. We have pedagogically designed our seating auditions so that we can learn about you and your ability. You're asked to do the following general things at the seating audition:
-Sign an insurance waiver
-Complete a theory survey
-Play some scales
-Play a piece you've prepared to showcase your talent
-Sight read some music you haven't seen prior
How much does it cost to join?
We charge a $15 audition fee just to hold your spot. Once you are admitted, we charge $50 per ensemble. Further, all ensembles except the Jazz Combos require a $5 music deposit fee.
For example, let's say you want to join the Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Combos. In total, you'll pay:
-$15 audition fee
-$50 dues for the Jazz Ensemble
-$50 dues for the Jazz Combos
-$5 music deposit fee for the Jazz Ensemble
Do you offer any refunds?
No. With the exception of our policies regarding the audition fee and the music deposit fee (see below), all transactions are final unless the board of directors approves a refund in a special circumstance. We expect everyone to read everything on our website before paying for anything.
New members who successfully audition, complete the theory survey, attend the requisite number of rehearsals, attend the dress rehearsal, and perform in the concert will receive $10 of the audition fee back at the end of the season.
At the end of each season, we review all the music and folders for usage and damage. We offer our members the opportunity to receive the music deposit fee back if everything is returned in good condition. (Members can also roll the music deposit fee over to the next season.)
What is the attendance requirement?
To be eligible to perform in the season's concert, each member must make a minimum number of rehearsals:
-For the Pops Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, attendance at a minimum of 7 out of 10 rehearsals is required.
-For all other groups, attendance at a minimum of 6 of 8 rehearsals is required.
What if I don't have an instrument?
We actually have some instruments and equipment to ease the opportunity to play. We have a handful of wind and string instrument we can loan to members. We also have things like a piano, some drums, and some amplifiers that can make it a little easier.
Is there a dress code for the concerts?
Yes. All members are expected to have black dress pants that are not denim or otherwise casual. All members are expected to have black dress shoes (not sneakers) and black socks. Some ensembles alternate between black and white tops. Others allow for color.
Do you have any audio or video recordings of your ensembles?
Unfortunately, we do not keep these handy for two reasons...
First, the turnover in our groups does have the potential to significantly change the strengths of the groups from time to time. We also don't want to put undue strain on our members who might have issues with their performance being recorded for public consumption.
Second, our music is only intended for community and nonprofit use. We've had significant issues in the past with people illegally capturing and distributing our performances, and those people have essentially ruined it for everyone. It's difficult enough to combat these issues; we don't want to make it more difficult for ourselves!
What if I have more questions?
Email our Executive Director Jack Furlong at [email protected].
This is the Hopewell Valley Community of Associated Music Projects, or HV CAMP. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in the greater Hopewell Valley, New Jersey, that provides music-making opportunities to those who might not otherwise have them.
What kind of ensembles do you offer?
Beginning in 2026, we will be offering five ensembles: a Pops Orchestra, a Jazz Ensemble, a Saxophone Ensemble, a Brass Ensemble, and Jazz Combos.
When do your groups meet?
The ensembles have three seasons: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Jazz Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, and Jazz Combos meet during all seasons. The Pops Orchestra and the Brass Ensemble are Spring and Fall only.
I mean, what is the rehearsal and concert schedule?
In general, this is the template for each season:
Spring & Fall:
Jazz Combos: Sunday afternoons (exact times vary based on the number of combos)
Brass Ensemble: Sundays 5:15-6:30pm
Pops Orchestra: Sundays 6:45-8pm
Jazz Ensemble: Mondays 7:30-9:30pm
Saxophone Ensemble: Wednesdays 7-8:30pm
Summer:
Jazz Ensemble: Mondays 7:30-9:30pm
Saxophone Ensemble: Wednesdays 6-7:30pm
Jazz Combos: Wednesdays after Saxophone Ensemble (pending the number of combos)
When are dress rehearsals and concerts?
The Spring & Fall have two concert weekends in May and December, respectively. Dress rehearsals occur on Friday evening and/or Saturday afternoon, and the applicable concert is Sunday. The first concert weekend is usually for the Brass Ensemble, the Pops Orchestra, and Student Recitals. The second concert weekend is usually for the Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and the Jazz Ensemble.
The Summer has one concert weekend for the Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and the Jazz Ensemble.
How many ensembles can I join?
You can join as many as you like so long as you play an instrument that fits the group. (For example, you can't play a saxophone in the Brass Ensemble.)
How old do I have to be to join?
We welcome all ages from young to old, but we do have the following requirements:
-If you are younger than 15, you must traditionally audition for entrance into any ensemble. You may be denied entrance if we don't feel you're ready.
-If you are younger than 19, you (and a parent/guardian when applicable) must sign an 'Under 19' waiver that states you understand all of our rules and the dates of our concerts, etc.
What's the average age of members?
Most of our ensemble members are adults ranging from their 20s to their 70s, but we do have a small number of teenagers. We like to informally say that most of our members are people who played in bands and orchestras while in high school or college and then went into different careers.
Do I have to be able to play an instrument to join?
Yes. We require that you have played your instrument for at least one cumulative year. If you played for four years in high school and then haven't picked up your instrument since, that's no problem!
How good do I have to be at my instrument to join?
We believe all members need to be able to competently play their instrument. On average, this means being able to play major and minor scales through roughly three sharps and three flats (either by memory or by reading them off a page). We don't expect virtuosity, but we do expect to not have to teach basic things about how to play an instrument.
Do I have to be able to read music to join?
Yes. If you can't read music in any capacity, you are unfortunately not eligible to join. Again, we don't expect perfection, but if you can't read a simple piece of music put in front of you to play on your instrument, our groups are not for you.
Are there other requirements to be eligible to join?
Yes. Your attitude has to be excellent. If you are a jerk, or if you are egotistical, you won't last long in our groups. Our goal is to create a positive musical environment. If playing the lead part is more important to you than the overall success of the group, you won't last in our groups. We value humor as much as our desire to seek musical excellence, so be ready to laugh!
What is the audition process?
As long as you are at least 15 years old, the auditions are seating auditions to simply ensure that you meet our minimum requirements. We have pedagogically designed our seating auditions so that we can learn about you and your ability. You're asked to do the following general things at the seating audition:
-Sign an insurance waiver
-Complete a theory survey
-Play some scales
-Play a piece you've prepared to showcase your talent
-Sight read some music you haven't seen prior
How much does it cost to join?
We charge a $15 audition fee just to hold your spot. Once you are admitted, we charge $50 per ensemble. Further, all ensembles except the Jazz Combos require a $5 music deposit fee.
For example, let's say you want to join the Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Combos. In total, you'll pay:
-$15 audition fee
-$50 dues for the Jazz Ensemble
-$50 dues for the Jazz Combos
-$5 music deposit fee for the Jazz Ensemble
Do you offer any refunds?
No. With the exception of our policies regarding the audition fee and the music deposit fee (see below), all transactions are final unless the board of directors approves a refund in a special circumstance. We expect everyone to read everything on our website before paying for anything.
New members who successfully audition, complete the theory survey, attend the requisite number of rehearsals, attend the dress rehearsal, and perform in the concert will receive $10 of the audition fee back at the end of the season.
At the end of each season, we review all the music and folders for usage and damage. We offer our members the opportunity to receive the music deposit fee back if everything is returned in good condition. (Members can also roll the music deposit fee over to the next season.)
What is the attendance requirement?
To be eligible to perform in the season's concert, each member must make a minimum number of rehearsals:
-For the Pops Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble, attendance at a minimum of 7 out of 10 rehearsals is required.
-For all other groups, attendance at a minimum of 6 of 8 rehearsals is required.
What if I don't have an instrument?
We actually have some instruments and equipment to ease the opportunity to play. We have a handful of wind and string instrument we can loan to members. We also have things like a piano, some drums, and some amplifiers that can make it a little easier.
Is there a dress code for the concerts?
Yes. All members are expected to have black dress pants that are not denim or otherwise casual. All members are expected to have black dress shoes (not sneakers) and black socks. Some ensembles alternate between black and white tops. Others allow for color.
Do you have any audio or video recordings of your ensembles?
Unfortunately, we do not keep these handy for two reasons...
First, the turnover in our groups does have the potential to significantly change the strengths of the groups from time to time. We also don't want to put undue strain on our members who might have issues with their performance being recorded for public consumption.
Second, our music is only intended for community and nonprofit use. We've had significant issues in the past with people illegally capturing and distributing our performances, and those people have essentially ruined it for everyone. It's difficult enough to combat these issues; we don't want to make it more difficult for ourselves!
What if I have more questions?
Email our Executive Director Jack Furlong at [email protected].