Summertime. That season of sun and relaxation is nearly upon us here in Columbus, but with its vacations and balmy tidings, summer may bring certain pressures for working parents.
Fear no more! I have a list of summer programs of all durations and skill levels that will assuage your stress and even keep your children happy while developing important musical, academic, and social skills throughout the warmer months.
Each music camp I attended throughout my youth brought new facets to my performances and new friends into my life, and I would not be the same person without those unique experiences. With that in mind, here is a list of suggestions for local summer music programs that are sure to enrich your child's life, as well. I have even included a few selections applicable for adult musicians!
1. Ohio State University Summer Youth Programs:
- Jazz Camp at the OSU School of Music is available for students in grades 10-12 with intermediate to advanced skills in the instrument, June 14th through 18th.
- Morning String Workshop runs June 15th through July 1st for students in grades 4-9 for half-day sessions.
- Student Leadership Academy allows students in grades 10-12 to experience what it is like to work with the Ohio State Marching Band and develop critical musical and leadership skills during a four-day, intensive workshop at the Ohio State Stadium, July 15th-18th.
- Clarinet Academy is a five-day, residential experience for high school clarinetists which includes lessons, master classes, and performance opportunities. The program is June 21st-25th.
- Double Reed Camp will be held June 28th- July 1st students entering grades 9-12 in the 2015-16 school year, as well as 2015 high school graduates.
- OSU's Flute Workshop is a five-day intensive workshop for high school flutists and flautists that will begin June 14th and end June 18th. Like the clarinet academy, the workshop features five days of lessons, master classes, and performance opportunities.
2. Columbus Jazz Arts Group Summer Youth and Adult Programs:
- Columbus Youth Jazz Summer Workshop requires a minimum of 2 years of lessons and training with a student's instrument since it involves honing skills in improvisation, technique, and jazz repertoire. The workshop runs June 8th-12th at the Lincoln Theatre Complex in the King Arts District.
- Camp Blues is, "a 5-day ensemble experience focusing on learning about and playing the blues," with the Sean Carney Band. The course will focus on guitar, piano, bass, drums, vocals and horns for students ages 11 through adult from June 15th through 19th."
- Columbus Community Jazz Band is a perfect summer jazz ensemble for adults, Thursdays July 9th through August 6th. The group will perform live as the opening act for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra for JazZoo! on Friday, August 7th with an after-performance invitation to hang out backstage with members of the CJO.
- DIY with Huntertones will take students ages 13 through adult through the experience of writing and recording original music with Dan White, Jon Lampley, and Chris Ott of Huntertones, July 13th-18th.
- "Jazz Cats" Half-Day Children's Camp, recommended for children grades 3-5, will offer students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of jazz appreciation and style from August 3rd-7th.
3.) Suzuki Programs in Columbus
- Suzuki Music Columbus's Summer Institute offers a summer lesson and performance experiences for all levels in a family-friendly learning environment. The Institute will host their annual program June 15th-20th this year as well as a Teacher Training Course for Suzuki teachers from June 13th-21st. As the wife of a Suzuki teacher who has attended both, I can say firmly that both programs are highly recommended for students and teachers alike.
4.) Capriccio Youth Choir Summer Institute
- The CYC Summer Institute is open to all singers entering grades 4 through 12, and will focus on important skills such as sight-reading and music theory with no audition required. The Institute will host the summer event July 21st and 22nd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm both days.
5.) Columbus Children's Choir
- Public Performance at Jerome United Methodist Church May 31st beginning at 2:00 pm. This concert is the perfect opportunity to introduce children to the types of performances given by this renowned youth choir, and ask about details for next year's programming.