Registration Open for Music in the Somerset Hills’ Summer Music Camps

For the fourth consecutive year, Music in the Somerset Hills is proud to offer outstanding educational opportunities for students during the summer months. These music camps are designed to meet the unique musical and educational needs of children entering grades 2-12. Registration is now open for the following programs to be held at Bernards High School, located at 25 Olcott Avenue in Bernardsville: 

Drumming Around the World – July 14-17, 2014 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

In this percussion camp lead by Joseph Espineira, students entering grades 6-10 will become acquainted with drums and other percussion instruments from around the world, and learn to perform groove and beat styles from several different cultures. Basic percussion skills are recommended, but not required. Percussion instruments will be provided for instruction, but students are welcome to bring their own.

Tuition: $195. 

Musical Theater Magic! – July 21-24, 2014 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

This new program is designed to help students entering grades 2-6 hone new acting, singing and dancing skills for the musical theater stage. Under the leadership of Jennifer Foose, students will learn age-appropriate song repertoire, character development, and modern musical theater choreography through individual and group work. The week will culminate with a student showcase.

Tuition: $195. 

Musical Theater Intensive with Russell Fischer – July 28-31, 2014 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

This is a comprehensive, immersive four-day class for advanced students entering grades 7-12, led by Broadway’s Russell Fischer (from Jersey Boys). Musical Theater Intensive will consist of master classes focused on one area of musical theater each day, including movement and dance, vocal coaching, and acting training. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring jazz shoes and sneakers to class each day.

Tuition: $215.

Guitar Camp – July 28-31, 2014 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Led by Laura Shabazz (Founder of the Swan Music School), students entering grades 6-9 of any experience level will become acquainted with basic guitar anatomy, fundamental techniques, chord chart-reading, and 2-finger chords, learning at least one song to perform at the end of the week. Students must provide their own guitar, either acoustic (preferred) or electric with its own amp. Guitar tuners are also recommended. Students wishing to rent a guitar may contact Ron at K & S Music by calling (908) 790-0400, ext. 18 to obtain a special weekly rate of $20, paid directly to K & S Music.

Tuition: $195 (instrument rental not included).

Music Technology Camp – August 4-7, 2014 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

This introductory course, led by Stephen Sands, is a must for the modern music enthusiast entering grades 6-9. Students will learn the basics of digital recording and given hands-on experience with the software and hardware that professionals use to create, edit and distribute digital music. Throughout the week, students will create and edit digital music and video, creating projects that will be published on www.MusicSH.org. No previous musical or computer experience is necessary.

Tuition: $195. 

Summer Voices – August 11-14, 2014 from 8:30 AM-1:00 PM (M-W) or 2:00 PM (Th)

The overwhelmingly popular Summer Voices provides a vocal music camp experience unlike any other. Participants entering grades 3-12 are divided into three developmentally-appropriate age groups and experience individual voice training, ensemble-based music-making, music theory instruction and ear training, and special interest sessions culminating in a group performance. Faculty includes Stephen Sands (Artistic Director of Music in the Somerset Hills), Matthew LaPine (Director of Music Education), Dan Foster (Founder and Director of Aoede Consort), and Gabrielle San Roman.  Students are asked to bring a lunch each day.

Tuition: $230.

All programs will be held in the Choir Room (F-202) of Bernards High School, with the exception of Music Technology classes, which will be held in the Computer Lab (F-201).

Interested parties may register online at www.MusicSH.org/summer/, or by calling (973) 339-7719. 

Overseen by Artistic Director Stephen Sands, Music in the Somerset Hills was established to provide residents of the Somerset Hills and the surrounding region with an unparalleled variety of opportunities to hear, perform and learn about the world's great classical music. The organization is committed to expanding the scope and variety of performance opportunities for professional and amateur musicians who live and work in the region, and creating opportunities for all people to pursue excellent musical education and find fellowship.  This program is made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the State/County Partnership Local Arts Program. Support for Music in the Somerset Hills is also provided by Peapack-Gladstone Bank, and by a generous grant from the Isabel and Algernon M. Ellien Foundation. More information may be found at the organization's website: www.MusicSH.org, as well as on its Facebook page.