2024 Sessions
Sessions begin with check-in, followed by a brief orientation, the first class, and a social gathering. Regular classes begin first thing in the morning and continue through the afternoon, with appropriate breaks for meals, recreation, rest, and evening activities. Camp concludes with a final presentation. Participants may depart on the final day or may choose to stay for the camp’s Stewart Shell performance of the evening. A detailed schedule for each session will be provided after registration.
Oboe Workshop
June 27-28
Sarah Constable, Instructor
Recommended for intermediate to experienced oboe players, as well as band or orchestra directors wanting to know more about oboe and reed making. Refine fundamentals, learn advanced techniques, and discover reed-making. Expand your range, improve intonation, hone skills, and take your technique to the next level. Individual assistance will be provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Bring etudes, ensemble music, and reed-making supplies if you have them! Check-in 8-9am.
Horn Choir
July 17-20
Timothy Wright, Instructor
Recommended for intermediate to experienced horn players. Class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality horn ensemble literature. Participants are encouraged to bring their own literature for the group as well. If the number of participants warrant, faculty will form multiple ensembles. Check-in 9-10am.
String Orchestra
July 17-20
James Roach, Instructor
All ability levels of strings are welcome. Class sessions include rehearsals and technique classes taught by distinguished Blue Lake faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality string orchestra literature. Additional time will also be provided for smaller chamber ensemble interests. If the number of participants warrant, faculty will form both intermediate and advanced groups. Check-in 9-10am.
Concert Band
(Music Difficulty: Grades 3-4)
July 24-27
Greg Christensen and Gail Brechting, Conductors
Although all instruments and players are welcome, this session is designed for the player who would like to develop musical leadership skills. The repertoire for this session includes medium easy to medium (grade 3-4). This ensemble provides the perfect opportunity for the average player to gain experience and confidence while rehearsing and performing high quality band literature. Class sessions include rehearsals and technique classes taught by distinguished Blue Lake faculty. Participants are asked to be in good playing shape. Check-in 9-10am.
Saxophone Ensemble
July 28-31
Dr. Jeffrey Heisler and Dr. Adam Estes, Instructors
Recommended for intermediate to experienced saxophonists. Class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality saxophone ensemble literature, and are encouraged to bring all of their saxophones and any personal literature. If the number of participants warrant, faculty will form multiple ensembles. Check-in 9-10am.
Trumpet Ensemble
July 28-31
Dr. Pamela Smitter, Instructor
Recommended for intermediate to experienced trumpet players. Class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality trumpet ensemble literature as well as work on tone improvement, basic warm-up techniques, and embouchure building exercises. Participants may bring personal literature. The number of participants warrant, faculty will form multiple ensembles. Check-in 9-10am.
Choir
July 28-August 1
Dr. Steven Hankle, Conductor
All voice parts are welcome, this 4-day session is designed for the vocalist who would like to develop musical skills and also perform Andre Thomas’ Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy as a member of the Festival Chorus for the campers in a live radio broadcast on WBLV. The repertoire is challenging yet achievable with participation in pre-camp virtual rehearsals as well as several on-camp rehearsals during your stay. The Festival Chorus will be comprised of the Staff Choir, Alumni Choir, Lifelong Arts Choir, faculty, and participants from regional adult choirs. Also during your camp session, you will have the opportunity to learn more about vocal health, warm-up routines, building vocal skills, and refining your musical skills. There will be a music fee included in your registration. Check-in 3-4pm
Trombone Ensemble
July 31-August 3
Gail Brechting, Instructor
Recommended for intermediate to experienced trombone players. Class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality ensemble literature. Established quartets or other small ensembles are welcome to enroll as a group. If the number of participants warrant, faculty will form multiple ensembles. Check-in 9-10am.
Creative Writing
August 3
Dr. Caitlin Cowan, Instructor
Through a series of readings and discussions, participants will draft a poem and a flash prose piece (nonfiction or fiction) that transforms lived experience into affective writing that has the power to elevate mere memory into art to move readers, illuminate cultural truths, and bear witness. Crafted text will be assembled in a course pack for participants to keep. No previous writing experience is required—all abilities welcome. Check-in 8-9am.
Clarinet Choir
August 17-20
John Varineau, Instructor
Recommended for average to experienced clarinetists. B♭ Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, E♭ Contra-alto Clarinet, and B♭ Contra-bass Clarinets are welcome. Class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality ensemble literature. Check-in 3-4pm.
Flute Ensemble
August 17-20
Dr. Tess Miller, Instructor
Recommended for average to experienced flute players. Bring your piccolo, flute, alto, and bass flutes if you have them. Class sessions include rehearsals and individual assistance provided by distinguished Blue Lake Faculty. Participants will read, rehearse, and perform quality ensemble literature, and are also encouraged to bring personal repertoire. Check-in 3-4pm.
Big Band Camp
August 19-22
Tom Allport, Instuctor
Although all instruments and players are welcome, this session is designed for the player who would like to develop musical leadership skills. The repertoire for this session includes medium easy to medium (grade 3-4). This ensemble provides the perfect opportunity for the average player to gain experience and confidence while rehearsing and performing high quality big band literature. Learn to swing by playing ballads, standards, and new charts. No jazz experience necessary. Check-in 9-10am.
