May 31, 2007

SIUC music camps combine fun, learning

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Young musicians can start their summer soundtracks at Southern Illinois University Carbondale music camps.

The camps bring together young musicians to make music, memories and friendships that last a lifetime. An added bonus – those enrolled in the two-week senior high band camp and the high school choir camp have opportunities for public performance during the Southern Illinois Music Festival, hosted by SIUC.

Jennifer Presar, camps coordinator and SIUC instructor of horn and music theory, said those who come to the camps are looking to continue their musical studies in a fun environment. Because many of the campers return each year they are eligible, the SIUC music camps are also a place to form a network of musically inclined friends from throughout the area.

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Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and camera crews interested in covering the camps or interviewing individual musicians can contact Jennifer Presar at 618/453-5809 or jpresar@siu.edu. Soloists are chosen early during the first week of senior high band camp.

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A typical day at camp includes classes and rehearsals mixed in with fun activities and attendance at evening concerts. "This is process-based, foundational work we do here, and we study the theory behind musical expression," Presar said, noting that the busy performance schedule of many high schools often leaves students little time to study musical theory.

Band camp participants perform at 1:30 p.m. on June 23 and choir camp participants perform at 1:30 p.m. on June 30 at Shryock Auditorium during the music festival. The winners of the solo competitions, held during the first week of band camp, also perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, in the "Stars of Tomorrow" concert. Other band camp participants may play at that same venue in the side-by-side wind ensemble, which has them accompanying professional musicians during the performance.

Those who attend the music theater section of the camp stage a musical revue at the end of camp, Presar said. The jazz improvisation camp also holds a performance highlighting what the students learned during the week.

Music camp opportunities for younger campers include two band camps and the Southern Illinois Children's Choir Camp.

Media who wish to cover the camps or interview individual musicians can contact Jennifer Presar at 618/453-5809 or jpresar@siu.edu. Soloists are chosen early during the first week of senior high band camp.

Registration for the music camps is still open. Deadline for resident campers is the week before camp begins. Deadline for commuter campers is the first day of camp. Applications are available online at http://www.siu.edu/~music/summer/index.html. The music camp schedule follows:

Music Theater

June 17-23

This program is for youth ages 13-18. Instructors give campers individual and group attention for improvement in singing, acting and dancing skills. Daily rehearsals with the experienced camp leaders include creative exercises concentrating on each student's performance strengths and working to better their shortcomings. They are encouraged to grow as a team while allowing each other their own time in the spotlight. The final performance includes a presentation of scenes and musical numbers learned. (One week: Residents – $375; Commuters – $200; two weeks with choir camp: Residents – $675; Commuters – $325).

Senior High Band

One Week: June 17-23

Two-week option: June 17-30

Concert band, jazz band, theory and technique classes. Lots of great music, concerts and friendships. (One week: Residents – $375; Commuters – $200. Two weeks: Residents – $675; Commuters – $325).

Jazz Improvisation Camp

June 17-23

2 week option: June 17-30

Open to all high school instrumentalists (rhythm section players and wind players) who wish to improve their jazz improvisation skills. Emphasis of the camp is on improvisation and small group playing, with one hour of the day devoted to big band performance. The schedule includes combo rehearsals, jazz theory and improvisation, jazz history, individual instrument classes, big band, and faculty performances and demonstrations. (One week: Residents – $375; Commuters – $200; two weeks with choir camp: Residents – $675; Commuters – $325).

High School Choir Camp

June 24-30

High school singers will have the opportunity for individual voice training, choral ensemble singing, and classes in music fundamentals. In addition, musical events will be planned each night, along with other activities on the University campus. (Residents – $375; Commuters – $200).

The schedule for camps for younger musicians follows:

Junior High Band Camp

July 8-13

Band, master classes, theory and technique classes. Lots of great music, concerts and friendships. (Residents – $300; Commuters – $175).

Southern Illinois Children's Choir Camp

Aug. 6-10, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Level I: students who will enter second and third grades in the fall will meet in room 110 of Altgeld Hall. Level II: singers entering grades four-10 will meet in Quigley Hall Auditorium and perform for the St. Louis Cardinals' ballgame on Wednesday evening, Aug. 8. Transportation to and from the game will be provided for the choir. Activities during the week include choral ensemble singing, movement, hand bells, singing games and a snack. The camp ends with a concert at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10. A light supper for the campers and their families follows the concert

All singers entering grades two through 10 are welcome. Membership in SICC is not required to participate. (Registration - $55; SICC T-shirt - $10).

Youth Band

July 16-21 and July 23-28

Two exciting weeks of music instruction for students who have been playing for six months to two years (grades four-six). Band, technique classes, sectionals, listening experiences. (Day camp only, no housing – 1 week – $50; 2 weeks – $85).