Testimonials
"Going to summer camp, I met a lot of new friends and the outstanding faculty."
Academic Courses
After auditions have been completed, Summer Music Camp participants can sign up to participate in one or more of the academic classes listed below, depending on how many options the
participant enrolls in.
The following is a list of potential course offerings. These offerings may be adjusted at a later date.
World Drumming
This course offers a unique opportunity for those wishing to learn about other cultures' music in a hands-on way. The course will consist of listening to authentic examples, and the main focus of the class will be forming drum circle ensembles that will learn the basics as a larger group, then split off as smaller groups to practice, learn about, and perform music of the African and Central/South American traditions. If you were one of those youngsters who begged to play the rhythm sticks in elementary music class, World Drumming is for you.
Choral Musicianship
This is a class in which the following topics will be explored: choral blend; choosing a repertoire; director vs. singer; styles and genres of choral music; and comparing and contrasting different choirs. We will examine choral music and analyze it from a conductor's standpoint as well. This is a great class if you are interested in pursuing a career in choral music.
Musical Theatre
We will play theatre/acting games, create scenes, discuss theater history, take part in listening lessons, and practice dancing for our ever-popular Choreography Day. This class will be taught through lecture, videos, and much student participation. This is the perfect class for anyone who has ever been involved in, or hopes to be involved in, musical theatre.
Beginning Guitar
Okay, so you're not Eric Clapton, John Mayer, or Jimi Hendrix. That's okay—this class is for you. You will learn the mechanics of the guitar, basic strumming techniques, and some starter chords. The class will culminate in a performance so that you and the other participants can showcase your creativity and new skills.
Male/Female Voice
You will explore a variety of issues pertaining to solo and choral singing, including voice types, vocal health, and the differences between operatic and musical theatre singing. The class will include performances by faculty members, and there will also be opportunities for you and the other participants to sing. Bring all your questions about singers and singing to the class.
Jazz History
This course will feature a mix of jazz listening and a timeline history of jazz, including the genres of Dixieland, stride piano, big band, jazz combo, and modern jazz.
Jazz Listening
This course will be taught by different jazz instructors each day; each will talk about the kind of jazz he or she enjoys. This will give students a better idea of what jazz styles are available for the general public to listen to.
Jazz Combo Masterclass
This course will feature all of the jazz instructors in performance. They will showcase jazz combo repertoire for the students and talk about what goes into putting a combo together.
Jazz Improvisation
This course will be divided into three levels of beginning, intermediate, and advanced jazz improvisation. The students will use their instruments to learn the different nuances of improvisation.
Jazz Guitar
This course is for campers who are performing jazz guitar for the camp and playing in jazz bands. Each student is required to have his or her own instrument. (This is a not a beginning guitar class.)
Jazz Bass
This course is for campers who are performing jazz bass for the camp and playing the bass in jazz bands. Each student is required to have his or her own instrument. (This is not a beginning bass class.)
Jazz Drumming
This course is for campers who are playing the drum set for the camp and performing in jazz bands on a drum set. Students do not have to bring their own set; however, this class is only for camp drummers.
Jazz Piano Composing
This course is intended for campers who are either part of the piano camp or for campers who are playing jazz piano in the jazz bands. This course has a limited enrollment; students MUST have piano experience.
Choral Listening
In this course, the students will engage in a survey of choral sound and choral repertoire from throughout history and the world.
Wind Listening
The students will listen to a variety of musical excerpts from the symphonic wind and band repertoire.
Orchestral Listening
The students will listen to a variety of musical excerpts from the orchestral repertoire.
Piano Listening
The students will listen to a variety of musical excerpts from the classical piano repertoire.
Conducting
The participants can learn the rudimentary skills required to stand in front of an ensemble and conduct with musical intent. This class will explore such basic skills as beat patterns, preparatory beats, cut-offs, and cues.
Musical Survival Skills*
This class is for students who have a general grasp of music fundamentals, such as note reading, ear training, and sight singing, but who also need to improve their skills. This
activity-oriented class will practice these skills that are vital for success in any ensemble.
*If you have taken a formal class in music theory at school, or an AP course in music theory, this class is not for you.
Sojourners in Music Theory*
This class aims to help students gain fluency in general music skills and to forge an understanding of how chords work in the context of music. This is an activity-oriented class that
will build on previous knowledge in music fundamentals.
*If you have taken a formal class in music theory at school or an AP course in music theory, this class is not for you.
Music Theory Challenge*
For those of you who have had considerable musicianship training, this course will enhance your knowledge, as well as teach you a few new tricks. This course will delve into music
theory and include many diverse activities, such as composition exercises.
*This class is for those who have taken a formal music theory course in high school.
Beginning Piano
This course is designed to help students acquire the basic fundamentals of playing the piano.
Keyboard Harmony
This course, designed for students who have already mastered the basic piano fundamentals, can help them work on more advanced playing techniques.
program of College of Arts and
Architecture's School of Music
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