Share Tweet Share Email

Community School of the Arts plans summer camps

May 1, 2015

String Quartet Chamber CampYoung musicians can improve their musicianship and ensemble skills and have fun at two chamber camps at NIU this summer.

The camps are scheduled for from Monday, July 6, through Thursday, July 9, and meet in the NIU Music Building.

Duet Camp meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and String Quartet Camp meets from 1 to 5 p.m.

Both camps begin with a sight-reading party Thursday, June 25. Placement auditions begin at 4 p.m. Monday, May 18 and are required for both camps.

The audition sign-up deadline is Monday, May 11; submit a CSA summer registration form with the $15 non-refundable registration fee. Students and parents should check schedules before registering: campers are expected to attend all rehearsals and the recital.

Duet Camp is for string and woodwind players ages 8 to 15.

Young musicians rehearse duets and rounds in small groups. Campers refine reading skills, learn more about playing music with others and gain listening and leadership skills.

Participants are expected to have at least one year of playing experience on their instrument and to be able to read music. The camp is limited to 12 players. Duet Campers perform on the last day of camp at 11 a.m. in the music building’s Recital Hall.

String Quartet Camp is for more advanced string players ages 12 to 19.

Camp activities include rehearsals, coaching, seminars on music theory, history, and rehearsal techniques. Each player is assigned to two different ensembles and each ensemble participates in a master class with Jasmine Lin, Chicago chamber musician and member of the prize-winning Formosa Quartet.

The camp is limited to 16 players. Each string quartet performs in the final day recital at 5:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall.

Violin teacher and chamber musician Laurie Rodriguez is the director of both camps. She has been a private teacher with the community school for many years and has directed multiple chamber music camps in Illinois, Utah and Minnesota.

Prelude Class gives children ages 1 to 3 an introduction to musical concepts with a wide variety of songs, dances, rhythm and music games and nature sounds.

Prelude Class gives children ages 1 to 3 an introduction to musical concepts with a wide variety of songs, dances, rhythm and music games and nature sounds.

Of course, that’s not all in store this summer at the NIU Community School of the Arts.

Music classes, ensembles, private lessons and day camps begin mid-June and run through early August.

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
Private lessons are available on many musical instruments, including violin, piano and guitar, as well as banjo, mandolin, flute, saxophone, euphonium and more. Students and teachers meet weekly from June 15 to July 31 at times convenient to both.

MUSIC CLASSES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Prelude Class (ages 1 to 3) is a group class with lots of fun for kids and parents! Class activities include music listening, creative movement, songs, and lap games. Development Class (ages 3 to 5) builds on the material learned in Prelude Class, adding musical patterns and skills through games, songs, creative movement, playing percussion instruments, basic music theory, and learning about some of the instruments of the orchestra. A parent must accompany the child to each class. Both classes meet on six Saturdays beginning June 27 (no class on July 4). Prelude begins at 10 a.m. and Development begins at 10:35 a.m.

Piano Starter for Children is a beginning piano class for ages 5 to 7. Children meet in a small-group setting, learn basic notes and position of keys and play simple tunes. This class provides a great way for parents to know whether their child is ready for private piano lessons. Piano Starter meets six times in three weeks, from 4 to 4:40 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning June 16.

MUSIC CLASSES FOR OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Guitar Basics is a beginning class where students learn to read music, play songs and construct and play scales and chords. Students learn about music theory and experience various styles of guitar techniques. The class meets for six Wednesdays beginning June 17 (no class meeting July 8). Section 1 is for ages 9 to 12 and meets from 6 to 6:55 p.m.; Section 2 is for ages 13 to adult and meets from 7 to 7:55 p.m.

Square One Piano: Group Basics Class is a beginning group piano class for ages 13 to adult. Students learn simple tunes and basic skills, such as reading music and playing chords. Piano Forte: Building Piano Skills is an intermediate group piano class for ages 13 to adult. Students are encouraged to choose music to learn that they enjoy listening to, from ragtime to folk to show music. Both classes begin June 9 and meet for six Tuesdays, Square One from 6:15 to 7:10 p.m. and Piano Forte from 7:15 to 8:10 p.m.

Photo of an acoustic guitarENSEMBLES
NIUkulele Ensemble is a fun group designed for beginning and intermediate ukulele players ages 9 to adult. Students learn to play melodies, chords and songs in many styles and to perform solo, in unison and in harmony. Beginners receive instruction on the ukulele and players with more experience are assigned more-challenging parts. Group rehearsals begin June 15 for six Mondays from 7 to 7:55 p.m. (no rehearsal July 6). A recital is scheduled for Tuesday July 28 at 7 p.m.

CSA Guitar Ensemble provides an opportunity for guitarists to play together in an ensemble setting while gaining confidence and skill on the instrument. The ensemble is designed for beginning and intermediate players ages 14 to adult. The group meets for six Wednesdays beginning June 17 from 8 to 8:55 p.m. (no rehearsal on July 8). A recital is scheduled at 8 p.m. on the final night.

For more information, call (815) 753-1450.