We are a 4 week summer band camp offering daily lessons and ensembles on all brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. We offer a comprehensive jazz program including ensembles, and improvisation. Our guitar and string/electric bass program provides students on all levels with lessons and ensembles. We also have elective classes in music theory, composition and drum set.
All classes meet daily, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Students from any school district/town are welcome to attend. The only eligibility requirement is completion of the third grade by June.
Pre-registration: January 20 to April 30 $235 for the first child, $210 for each additional per family
Basic Tuition: May 1 to July 6 $275 for the first child, $250 for each additional per family
2nd Instrument: $75
Electives:
Jazz Ensemble: $60
Music Theory, Drum Set, Jazz Improv, Jazz Fundamentals: $30
Jazz Program
Jazz Fundamentals is a 30 minute daily non-performance class, and is a prerequisite to participate in Jazz I. Students who have at least two years of experience on a jazz instrument (see below) are eligible to sign up for this course (prior jazz experience is not required). The following instrument are eligible for this course: All Saxophones, Trumpet, Clarinet, Trombone, Euphonium, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Piano.
Jazz Ensembles are performance-based, 60 minute ensemble rehearsal. Placement into these groups is based upon the experience listed on this application, as well as assessment of the student’s jazz playing level. This will be determined within the first few days of summer music school. All Saxophones, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Piano.
Improvisation I and II highly recommended for our jazz players. In this 30-minute class students will learn how to create improvised solos, utilizing various chords and rhythms as well as major, minor and blues scales. These techniques can be applied to solo playing in the jazz bands. Students who have completed Improvisation I will be eligible to take Improvisation II. All Saxophones, Trumpet, Clarinet, Trombone, Euphonium, Mallet Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Piano.
Drum Set Class open to percussionists with at least two years of experience, this class will provide students with the basics of performing different stylist patterns on the drum set, as well as improvisation skills.
Guitar Program
Beginner Guitar /Bass – No experience necessary. Program provides a 1/2-hour group guitar lesson and 1-hour ensemble
Intermediate Guitar /Bass – Open to students with 1 to 3 years experience. Program provides a 1/2-hour group guitar lesson and a 1-hour ensemble
Advanced Guitar /Bass – Open to students with 4 or more years experience. Program provides a 1/2-hour group guitar lesson and a 1-hour ensemble
Bands and Lessons for Winds and Percussion
Beginner Band – Beginners of all ages will learn the basics of playing their instrument and reading music notation during their one hour band rehearsal and ½ hour lesson. Students will learn how to play together to form an ensemble while learning the appropriate technique of their chosen instrument.
Concert Band – Concert band is an elementary level band for students with one-two years of experience on their instrument. In concert band students will play more advanced band arrangements featuring more complicated rhythms and harmonies. Students who are playing in the concert band will also have a ½ lesson based on their instrument. Lessons will focus on becoming more proficient on their instrument while also practicing music for their band.
Symphonic Band is a middle school level band where students will learn to further their ability to play together as an ensemble. Students with 3-4 years of experience on their instrument will learn more advanced dynamics and articulation, as well as more challenging band literature. Students who are in symphonic band will have a ½ hour group lesson based on their instrument. In this lesson students will have an individualized program of instruction based on their level of proficiency on their instrument.
Wind Ensemble is a high school level band where students will gain experience playing many different genres of music. Student with 5 or more years experience will work together to improve their musicianship and create a well-balanced sound. Students in the wind ensemble will receive a ½ lesson that focuses on instrument technique. This half hour lesson helps students to improve proficiency on their instrument using solo pieces that can also be used for honors band auditions.
Chamber Ensemble – Students in wind ensemble will also be part of a chamber ensemble which meets for ½ hour. Students will be exposed to ensemble music that is written specifically for their instrument. These ensembles are performance ensembles and will appear in the band concerts.
Students will be placed on a level according to their grade. Any questions about your child’s placement may be brought to the attention of the director. The decision of the staff will be final.
Music Theory Classes
Music Theory I – Students in concert band will be introduced to the basics of music theory during this half hour course. Students that play any instruments are welcome to participate in music theory.
Music Theory II – Students in symphonic band that have completed concert band theory will learn more advanced music theory concepts in this half hour course.
Music Theory III – Students in the wind ensemble who have completed both concert band and symphonic band theory will learn the in-depth music theory concepts necessary to compose an original piece of music.
Composition Class – After completing all levels of theory, students will be invited to take a composition course that allows them to create an original composition. Students can choose the parameters for their composition and create a new piece each year.
Daily Schedule
All classes will meet daily between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 pm. All students must be picked up no later than 12:15 pm or face possible removal from program.Monitors are provided during student “downtime” between classes to ensure the safety of all participants.
While the instructional day runs from 8:00am-12:00pm daily, it is important to note that the typical student will only be scheduled for 90-120 minutes of that time. Additional classes (Jazz, doublers) will add on more instructional time to the day. A typical schedule would be:
8:30-9:00am Flute Lesson
10:00-11:00 am Symphonic Band
In this case the student wouldn’t need to be dropped off until 8:15am and could be picked up after 11:00am. During the “downtime” in between classes we provide monitors for supervision. Children may bring books, games, or handheld electronic devices to keep them occupied during this time.
