FULL-DAY PROGRAMS

Summermusic is all about making music with other kids while having fun. We all sing (some better than others!) and we all play instruments (some as beginners, some as experienced musicians). Summermusic is an ensemble-based camp, with the emphasis on playing and singing in group environments rather than one-on-one instruction. We explore how music is created and we create our own music, too. By the end of the two-week camp, everyone has learned new songs, developed new skills, and made new friends!

Full-day camp hours are 9:15 am to 2:45 pm.

JUNIOR

Age 9 (entering Grade 4) and up. No previous musical instruction is required. 

Junior music-campers learn the basics of playing an instrument, and they have fun doing plenty of other music activities, too! They sing together in a small choir, listen to different kinds of music and explore how it is composed, develop their own music-creating skills, and they join the other full-day campers in a large choir. Of course, they have fun playing games outdoors, too. These children are to select one instrument from this list for their group beginner classes: recorder, flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, violin, or cello. We provide the instruments. We highly encourage Juniors aged 9 to choose recorder, trumpet, violin or cello. These instruments are much easier to start for younger or smaller campers. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions about what instrument will suit your child best.

Please note: if your child has learned the same beginner instrument for two years at Summermusic, please help them to choose a different instrument this year.  We will gladly assist in this decision – contact us!

JUNIOR FEES:   $450 before May 26            $500 after May 26

INTERMEDIATE

Age 9 (entering Grade 4) and up, with a minimum of one-year music instruction up to Grade 4 RCM level on any orchestra or band instrument. Experienced recorder players are also welcome.  Basic music-reading knowledge is expected.  Campers in this program are required to provide their own instrument.

Intermediate music campers aren’t beginners anymore, they already know the basics on their instrument! They are keen to experience the fun of ensemble playing while developing their musical skills. At camp, Intermediate musicians have daily orchestra rehearsals and a group session with their instrument family. They play lots of different types of exciting and interesting music in these two ensembles! In addition to playing their instruments, Intermediates sing in Massed Choir, explore great music in Musical Arts and have fun outdoors in Recreation. 

SENIOR

Age 11 to 18, playing at or above Grade 4 RCM level on any orchestra or band instrument. Campers in this program are required to provide their own instrument.

This program is for you if you have been studying your instrument for a few years and you love the joys and challenges of music-making! This is your chance to play in an orchestra with others of your level, where you can enrich your knowledge and make new friends through music. These music-campers have two senior ensemble rehearsals every day as well as a daily session with their instrument family, and they will explore a variety of repertoire during the two week camp. Senior music-campers join with other full-day campers for Massed Choir, Musical Arts, and Recreation. If you are an experienced teen musician, this is the program for you!

INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR FEES:      $405 before May 26        $460 after May 26

 

MUSIC FOR THE YOUNG: daily mini-courses

Summermusic understands that you know your child best! The ages for our programs are intended as guidelines. We encourage parents to choose the mini-course that is most appropriate for their child, particularly if they are 5 or 6. If you have questions about which program to choose, please reach out to us at summermusic.deepriver@gmail.com.

AGES 3 TO 5 (PARENT AND KINDER) 

This daily 40-minute mini-course is a great introduction to music for your child, while helping equip parents/caregivers to encourage music-making at home. Instructor Laura will lead the children and their caregivers in engaging music & movement activities.

INSTRUCTOR: Laura Vokey        

CLASS TIME AND FEES:

Class Time:  9:00 to 9:40              

Fees:  $175 before May 26           $190 after May 26

AGES 5 & 6 

A daily 50-minute mini-course. These children experience the joy of music through a variety of engaging activities including singing, percussion instruments and creative movement. This is an unparented mini-course, but parents and caregivers are welcome to observe.

INSTRUCTOR: Laura Vokey and faculty assistant       

CLASS TIME AND FEES:

Class Time:  9:50 to 10:40              

Fees:  $215 before May 26           $235 after May 26

AGES 6 TO 8

The children who attend this mini-course experience the joy of music through a variety of engaging activities including singing, percussion instruments and creative movement. The 70-minute session includes instrumental instruction on recorder, violin or cello. Course fee includes recorder purchase or rental cost for violin or cello. Please select your choice of instrument on the registration form.   

INSTRUCTORS: Laura Vokey, with faculty assistants and instrument instructors

CLASS TIME AND FEES:

Class Time:      10:50 to 12:00   

Fees:  $245 before May 26               $270 after May 26

**Enrolment is limited for all Music for the Young programs, so register your child soon**

What do we do all day at Summermusic camp? 

Junior Choir – for Junior Musicians

Children sing, develop music-reading skills, and expand their general musical knowledge in a fun and friendly environment.  You don’t need to know anything about music before you come, but those who do have previous musical experience will learn lots more!

Beginner Instruments – for Junior Musicians

Our Junior Musicians receive beginner instruction on an instrument they select when they register, and we provide the instruments! Juniors have two daily beginner sessions, so they get lots of opportunity to become familiar with their new instruments. They will also develop their music-reading and rhythm skills as they learn to play their chosen instrument.

Winds and Brass Ensemble and Technique – for Intermediate and Senior woodwind and brass players

These musicians will work with our wind faculty to expand their understanding of technical issues such as breathing, use of air and tongue, facility, intonation, and blend. They will apply these skills in challenging and inspiring music for wind ensemble.

String Ensemble and Technique – for Intermediate and Senior string players

These musicians will work with our string faculty to build on their knowledge of technical issues such as use of the bow, shifting, tone, and tuning. They will apply these skills by playing challenging and inspiring music for string ensemble.

Orchestra – for Intermediate and Senior Musicians

Orchestra is where strings, woodwinds, and brass instruments play together. For many students, this may be their only opportunity all year to play in an ensemble with other instrument families, and it is great fun! Summermusic’s orchestras learn several different pieces of music which are carefully selected to suit the abilities and instruments of each ensemble. 

Musical Arts – for everyone!

Why do some pieces of music make us feel happy and others make us feel sad?  What is a symphony or a fugue or an opera?  How can music conjure up pictures in your mind? In Musical Arts sessions we listen to all kinds of music and share the thoughts and feelings they create within us. 

Massed Choir – for everyone!

All full-day campers sing together in massed choir every day. It is a wonderful and powerful experience to be one voice within a large choir, singing music with parts for different voices.

Recreation – for everyone!

Every afternoon, our full-day campers have an outdoor period to play organized games at a variety of intensities. Each activity is coordinated by a staff member.