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)
The Fritz Stansell Scholarship
Fritz Stansell, late founder of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, was a fierce advocate of creating access to quality arts education for young artists. Whether encouraging students through performance or providing generous camp scholarships, Mr. Stansell aimed to offer as many outlets as possible for students to grow and thrive. Through intense rehearsals, high expectations, and relentless dedication, he inspired many to excel far beyond their own perceived limitations to reach a musical level they may not have realized was possible. His legacy continues through the Fritz Stansell Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides opportunities for young musicians by assisting families with camp tuition.
This competitive scholarship is open to all band, orchestra, jazz, choir, piano, and harp students wishing to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Two full tuition scholarships* per session will be awarded to attend camp. Applications are due March 28th. * This scholarship covers basic tuition, excluding the deposit and additional expenses.
Prepare to Apply
Students who wish to audition for the Camerata must first apply to camp by completing the online application. Candidates will be initially enrolled in the Orchestra Program until audition results have been finalized. Students not accepted into the Camerata will be given the option to remain enrolled or withdraw without penalty. However, auditions will not be considered without a completed camp application.
Requirements
All Applicants:
- Include your audition video.
- Include a personal recommendation from an important musical mentor.
- Include a 500 word essay using this prompt: Discuss a musical accomplishment, event, obstacle, challenge, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself and others.
Instrumentalists:
- Perform 3 multi-octave scales: Use a variety of articulations/bowings, and include 1 major scale, 1 minor scale, and the chromatic scale.
- Perform a solo, accompanied or unaccompanied, from current repertoire that demonstrates two contrasting styles, such as a slower lyrical passage and a faster technical passage. You may include more than one selection or movement to accomplish your contrasting styles.
Jazz Instrumentalists:
- Perform the audition criteria represented for instrumentalists, above.
- Include a sampling of your improvisational skills by improvising over a tune and chord progression of your choice. This serves as your solo. An audible backing track or rhythm section is required.
Percussionists:
- Include 3 major scales the full range of any mallet instrument.
- Demonstrate your proficiency on snare drum, timpani, and any mallet instrument through solo literature, orchestral excerpts, or etudes.
Vocalists:
- Include a short series of vocal warm-ups demonstrating your vocal tone and range.
- Perform a polished solo (accompanied or unaccompanied) from current repertoire.
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: Violin-Solo, Cello-Scales, Viola-Excerpts
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!
