2026 Sessions
Session 1:
June 24 – July 5
Grades 9 – 12 (Central Camp)
Grades 7 – 8 (Camp Bernstein)
Session 2:
July 8 – July 19
Grades 9 – 12 (Central Camp)
Grades 7 – 8 (Camp Bernstein)
Session 3:
July 22 – August 2
Grades 7 – 9 (Central Camp)
Grades 5 – 7 (Camp Bernstein)
Session 4:
August 5 – August 16
Grades 7 – 9 (Central Camp)
Grades 5 – 7 (Camp Bernstein)
Advanced Percussion Ensemble
The Advanced Scholarship Program includes significant scholarship assistance for advanced percussion students who qualify for the Blue Lake Advanced Percussion Ensemble Program in sessions 1 and 2 (entering grades 9 – 12). Visit our Band page for more information. Student percussionists are selected via video audition, with preferred placement auditions due by February 28th, and second round auditions due by March 28th.
Prepare to Apply
Students who wish to audition for the Advanced Percussion Ensemble must first apply to camp by completing the online application. Candidates will be initially enrolled in the Band Program until audition results have been finalized. Students not accepted into the Advanced Percussion Ensemble will be given the option to remain enrolled or withdraw without penalty. However, auditions will not be considered without a completed camp application.
Audition Criteria
Students who wish to audition for the Advanced Percussion Ensemble must perform all of the following:
- Marimba
- All 12 major scales and a chromatic scale the length of the instrument
- Solo: J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite or Concerto in A minor, or any solo at a comparable level
- Timpani
- One solo or etude from the Goodman Method Book that uses all four drums
- Snare
- Solo excerpt from Cirone Portraits in Rhythm or Mitchell Peters Intermediate Snare Drum Studies
Instrumentalists: include a current solo or etude (accompanied or unaccompanied), or an excerpt from your current orchestra, band, or jazz band music (your teacher can help you select an appropriate section). Include three major or minor scales demonstrating the best of your range and abilities.
Percussionists: your solo, etude, or excerpt should be performed on snare or a mallet keyboard instrument. Scales should be demonstrated on a mallet instrument.
Note: Guitar and soprano sax are not eligible for Merit Scholarships.
A short series of vocal warm-ups demonstrating vocal range, and a prepared solo (accompanied or unaccompanied).
Brief monologue of your choice 1-2 minutes in length; and a musical excerpt if auditioning for Musical Theater.
A brief classical or contemporary combination 1-2 minutes in length, along with demonstrations of 1st arabesque en l’air, la seconde position tendue a terre and en l’air, and the following combinations: adage, pirouette, and petite allegro. Make sure the dancer’s body stays in the video frame at all times.
Portfolio review includes photos of three to five original works. Include a variety of media if possible.
Portfolio review includes samples of three to five original works. Include a variety of genres if possible.
Prepare your file for upload
- Accepted file formats: mp4, mov, avi, mkv, wmv
- Maximum file size: 550MB
- Submit only necessary criteria: You may split your audition into 3 different video files
- Name your files: ArtsDiscipline-Description ex: Trumpet-Solo, Flute-Scales, Trombone-Excerpts
Instrumental auditions: At the beginning of each video, state your first and last name, along with your age and arts discipline. For example: “My name is Renee Fleming, I am 14 years old, and I am a vocalist.” Do not use any form of editing or acoustic altering effects in your audition. Make sure your submission contains all required criteria for your audition.
Begin Application
Coming soon for 2024!
