The Division of Music at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will host three band camps, a jazz camp and an auxiliary camp on UAM’s campus this summer for sixth to twelfth grade students. Students can choose to stay on campus or off campus during their camp.
Beginner band camp will be held June 11-15 for students who have played an instrument for at least one year. Campers will practice band and music basics and learn two months’ worth of music during the camp.
Junior high band camp will be held June 11-15 for incoming seventh and eighth graders. Campers will practice improving their performance skills while interacting with students from different school districts.
High school band camp will be held June 11-15 for incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Campers will participate in rehearsals, sectionals, master classes, performances, choice classes and a culminating public concert.
Jazz camp will be held July 16-20 for incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. Campers will take classes in jazz theory, jazz techniques and jazz history and work on their improvisation skills as they perform in small combos, big bands and jam sessions.
Auxiliary camp will be held July 16-19 for incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors and offer two track options: drum major and color guard/majorette. In the drum major track, students will acquire skills in conducting techniques, showmanship, fundamentals of marching, leadership, score study, teaching and cleaning drill and problem solving within different areas of the band. In the color guard/majorette track, students will take classes in movement, flag, rifle, saber and performance and will acquire techniques to prepare them for marching season.
Kristen Zelenak, director of bands at UAM, says, “We love welcoming students to our beautiful UAM campus each summer for band camps. This is a great opportunity for young musicians to hone their skills, get individualized instruction, learn more repertoire, make new friends and have fun! Our teaching faculty consists of UAM faculty, alumni, area band directors, professional musicians and more. We hope that campers enjoy their experience at UAM and envision themselves as potential students here in the future. We aim to serve the students of southeast Arkansas and beyond by making music together, learning from each other and creating a memorable summer band camp experience!”
June 6 is the deadline to apply for the June camps, and July 11 is the deadline to apply for the July camps.
To complete a camp application or view additional information including placement audition procedures and camp schedules, visit here.
For more information about the camps or UAM’s music programs, contact the UAM Division of Music at bandcamp@uamont.edu or 870-460-1060.
