University has music camps for children
The University of St. Thomas is hosting a variety of summer music camp programs that allow students to participate in daily classes, individual and ensemble performance and concerts.
The camps are designed for students who will be in grades 3-12 this fall.
Faculty members are professional musicians and experienced in teaching summer music programs, workshops and in private settings, according to a news release. Student participants will be placed into groups by age and musical skill level. Each student receives group and individual instruction and hands-on experience during the camps.
Registration is available online at www.stthom.edu/summercamps. The university is encouraging the parents of hopeful campers to apply early as there are limited spaces available in each program. The deadline to register is May 30.
The Houston Piano Camp is the university’s longest running summer camp. Students explore a variety of music through group activities, discover theory and practice technique and study through an instructional series on composers. Houston Piano Camp runs June 20-24. On the last day of camp, students will perform a recital in Cullen Hall on a Steinway concert grand piano.
During Summer Guitar Camp, students explore a variety of music on acoustic, electric and bass guitars.
The camp includes group activities and introduces participants to practice technique. Students also learn to perform with other musicians. Summer Guitar Camp runs July 11-15. On the last day of camp, students will perform a recital in a concert hall accompanied by professional musicians.
During the university’s Houston Classical Guitar Workshop, students attend masterclasses by visiting artists. Afternoon concerts held at 4 p.m. showcase young talent. Evening concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Houston Classical Guitar Workshop runs July 15-17.
The Summer String Orchestra Institute offers more intense training for young students to continue development of their musical talents. During the camp, students perform works from different eras including Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. The String Orchestra Institute runs July 18-22. Violin students are expected to play at Suzuki Book 4+ or the equivalent. The university recommends that all musicians have prior solo and orchestral experience, however, it is not a requirement. After reading sessions, students will perform a concert based on selected works.
UST’s Math and Music Academy offers students the chance to enhance their understanding of the connection between mathematics and music. Campers will learn the mathematics of beats, visualize tones and discover the mathematical differences in musical intervals. The Math and Music Academy runs July 25-29. The academy is open to students of any instrument, as well as voice. Groups will be determined by mathematical level.