OCP file photo
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
BLUE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Muskegon Co. — Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is offering a new camp this summer, intended for students with little or no musical experience who want to enter into band. The Mini Camp is a four-day camp for children who are in grades five through seven and will take place on Aug. 7-11. Campers will stay on the campus of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp located in northern Muskegon County.
Through small groups and large ensembles, students will learn a range of foundational elements as they work toward a small demonstration for families on the final day. Campers will:
- Learn fundamentals of reading and listening to music: notes, rhythms, dynamics, and musical vocabulary
- Engage in a range of traditional camp activities, including recreation, singing, games, campfire time, and crafts
- Learn how to assemble and properly hold the instrument with emphasis on proper posture and embouchure
- Begin the process of learning beginning notes and basic scale(s) associated with their instrument
- Receive one-on-one coaching in small group classes taught by expert faculty and staff
- Participate in daily Listening Lab, highlighting quintessential examples of a professional ensemble sound, classic and contemporary wind band literature, and prime examples of tone production
- Receive positive guidance and mentorship from college staff
- Receive a unique take-home guide for their instrument, including fingering charts, scales, note-reading basics, and other helpful resources
Students do not necessarily need their own instrument, but are welcome to bring one. A limited number of instruments will be available for students to try. The camp is open only to flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion students who have no experience but plan to join band in the fall. Enrolling students are encouraged to consult with their school band director and secure their instrument of choice prior to enrolling.
The $450 tuition includes instruction with Blue Lake’s faculty, supervision by its college staff, materials and supplies for activities, and one uniform shirt. Additional uniform shirts are available for a charge of $15 each.
Blue Lake is offering a $100 credit using the code “miniband2024.”
Tuition assistance is available for students with a personal recommendation from an established music educator. Contact the Scholarship Office atscholarships@bluelake.orgor 800-221-3796 ext. 202. A deposit of $90 is due at the time of enrollment, and the balance is due 14 days prior to the first day.
More information is available at www.bluelake.org.
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