ORONO — The University of Maine School of Performing Arts will offer two sessions in July of its Maine Summer Youth Music Camp for campers from around the state, county and world. Organizers said the music camp focuses on high quality music instruction and performance, and attracts some of the state’s most talented young musicians and performers.
Camp director is Chris White, who directs the University of Maine Symphonic Band, Pride of Maine Black Bear Marching Band and the Screamin’ Black Bear Pep Band. This is his sixth year as camp director.
Campers will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including jazz ensemble, string ensemble, symphonic band, concert band and musical theater. Activities also will include master classes and performances by professionals.
Students will have the opportunity to audition for which ensembles they want participate in. Evenings will offer social activities as well as a series of evening performances that are open to the public.
Classes and ensembles will led by some of the country’s most experienced and renowned musicians and educators, camp organizers said.
Junior Camp will run July 12-17 and is open to students in grades five through eight.
The Senior Camp session will run July 18-26 is those grades eight through 12, and will boast a faculty brass quintet featuring nationally recognized tuba performer Andrew Hitz, trumpet clinician and performer Trent Austin, a horn player in the National Symphony Justin Drew, and University of Maine faculty Dr. Jack Burt on trumpet and Dr. Dan Barrett on trombone.
Registration is now open and can be completed online at UMaine.edu/spa/msym. Scholarships are available on a limited basis and applications may be accessed online.
For information, call 581-4703 or email music@maine.edu.