Virginia
Children/Youth Camp
Children/Youth Camp is a great opportunity for children and youth ages 8-17 to get to sing. They have a choir experience where they get to sing with other children under a capable director who will make it both educational and fun. They will also get to take a class which will help them read and understand music like they learned to read and understand words when they were younger.
Learning
In choir students see the music, notes, rests, and rhythms. In class they learn what those things mean and how they work together to form a song. The teachers work hard to customize material for each age level so it’s accessible and exciting.
Sharing
Camp is also a social experience. Lunches are provided, and everyone gets to eat together. Lunch time also includes recreation and games – a welcome break from the mental work of classes and choir.
Singing
All the learning and singing during the week is pushing toward an end goal – performing at ChoralFest, getting to share what they’ve been learning with family and other audience members. This is a highly satisfying chance to show what they did throughout the week.
We’re sorry! Camp has been cancelled due to Covid-19.
Meet the 3 C’s of your learning experience:
Choir. Class. ChoralFest.
Choir
Treble and Youth Choirs are both for Family Package students and for local students.
Treble Choir, Ages 8-12
This choir is for treble voices only. (Male singers in this age range with changed voices may be promoted to the Youth Choir.) Treble Choir rehearses twice daily. Students enrolled in choir also participate in Dress Rehearsal and Choral Fest.
Conductor: Regina Brubaker
Youth Choir, Ages 13-17
This SATB choir rehearses twice daily. Students enrolled in choir also participate in Dress Rehearsal and Choral Fest.
Conductor: Jeff Swanson
Class
When we first start school, we learn about letters, how letters form words, and how words form sentences. In musical skills class, we do the same thing – only with music. Students will learn about notes, rhythms, rest, pitches, and how they all fit together to form a song. Learning how music works will strengthen their choir experience as they get skills to help them read unfamiliar music.
Class placement is by age, and is designed to be within reach of all, and yet challenging to those who are more advanced.
Musical Skills I (ages 8-10)
Musical Skills II (ages 11-12)
Musical Skills III (ages 13-17)
Instructors: Regina Brubaker, Deana Swanson, Jeff Swanson
Textbooks: none
Adult Class Option. At no extra cost, students from ages 14-17 may choose to take an online test and be placed into an Adult Sight Singing class (view class description here). This class will require purchasing or renting the Sight-Singing textbook.
ChoralFest
All students enrolled in choir sing in the ChoralFest, including the dress rehearsal on Saturday evening.
On Saturday, children should be at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren at 5:00 p.m. for practice and dress rehearsal. Children should have supper prior to coming to practice.
On Sunday, the formal ChoralFest begins at 3:00 p.m. Children should be at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren by 2:00, dressed in their formal choir attire.
Children should bring games and books to occupy themselves quietly during and between programs. Following the afternoon program, supper will be served. After dismissal of the evening program, children are once again the responsibility of their parents.
Schedules
Monday - Friday
At Calvary Mennonite Fellowship | |
9:50 | Registration (Monday only) |
10:00 | Arrival |
10:15 | Choir Rehearsal 1 |
12:00 | Lunch & Recreation |
1:00 | Musical Skills I-III (optional Adult Sight Singing for ages 14-17) |
2:10 | Choir Rehearsal 2 |
3:20 | Dismissal |
Saturday
At Bridgewater Church of the Brethren | |
4:45 | Arrival |
5:00 | Choir Rehearsal |
7:00 | Dress Rehearsal |
Sunday
At Bridgewater Church of the Brethren | |
1:45 | Arrival |
2:00 | Choir Rehearsal |
3:00 | ChoralFest Concert I |
5:30 | Supper |
6:30 | ChoralFest Concert II |
FAQ
What ages are allowed in Children's/Youth Camp?
What if my son has a changed voice?
Do my children need to wear concert uniform at dress rehearsal?
Can I come without my parent?
Yes, you are welcome to attend camp even if your parent is not a student.
Dress Code
- Follow camp dress guidelines as much as possible.
- Wear shoes or sandals. Do not go barefoot or wear flip flops.
- Do not wear T-shirts (boys).
Program Attire
- Solid-colored black pants and white shirts for boys
- Black dresses for girls. If black is unavailable, a dark solid is acceptable.
Fees
Fees
The total cost for Children/Youth Camp is $110.
- $20 Application Fee (non-refundable)
- $90 Tuition (includes music, lunches, and Sunday supper at ChoralFest)
Make Checks Payable To
SCMC Virginia: 57 S. Main Street, Suite 309, Harrisonburg, VA 22801