Austin College Summer Music Camp Hits a High Note
Summer break can be a time for vacation fun—and for 92 high school and middle school students, an opportunity to learn more about music. From June 12-16, young musicians in strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and choral music spent five days immersed in learning at Austin College Summer Music Camp 2023.
Now in its second year, the camp was presented by the Sherman Symphony Orchestra and Austin College. This summer’s faculty of 14 included Austin College professors as well as music teachers from Sherman and McKinney, Texas.
“The camp doubled in size from our first year’s enrollment,” said camp director Leslie Whelan, who also serves as Education Director and cellist with the Sherman Symphony. “We added percussion and vocals to the schedule this year, and attracted students from six school districts in North Texas.”
Part of each camp day was devoted to practicing with small ensembles of students grouped by instrument and experience. All students took two electives each day, choosing from Music Theory, Music History, Conducting, and Jazz Improvisation. They also experienced masterclasses, individual instruction, and fun activities.
Camp faculty and guest artists provided daily performances and topical presentations for the students.
The camp recital on June 16 filled the campus’s Wynne Chapel to standing room only, as parents and family gathered to hear 20 student chamber groups and seven large ensembles share new music they learned in just five days.
“We had a successful week, and I’m really pleased this new idea of Music Camp has come so far in such a short time,” said Whelan. “We have already decided to expand the program to two weeks instead of one next year; this seems to be growing rapidly, and we want to make room for everyone.”
For more information about Austin College Summer Music Camp, go to their webpage or follow them on Instagram or Facebook at @acsummermusic.