Cosmos

I asked my bass teacher, and he agreed with your interpretation. He thinks that they probably think it's unlikely I'll be selected this year, but that I should write and thank them for their message and ask that they keep me in mind for next year.

That's ok with me! I would be very happy to do an orchestra festival over a chamber music festival in any case!

violadad

I've got to agree with everything Bassdad has said. Unless you have an "in", like an instructor teaching at a camp/festival who WANTS you there, there's no guarantee. There's no saying you won't make the cut, but as a caveat Marlboro does draw some top notch undergrad, grad, prepros and young professionals, so it's a tough field.

If the money is not an object, then I'd say audition. Just my $.02.