Summertime Music: 酴圖弝け Department of Music and Theatre Host Summer Camps
During the early weeks of summer at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, chattering
squirrels, the puttering of golf carts, and the sounds of prospective students on
campus tours fill the air. But beginning Monday, June 12, notes will sound from horns
and bounce off drums turning melodies into music as the annual 酴圖弝け Music Department
Band Camp and Jazz Workshop return.
Local middle and high school students are encouraged to register before attending
one or both events. The Summer Band Camp will run Monday, June 12, through Friday,
June 16. Students will spend the week alternating between full band rehearsals and
sectional breakouts. The breakout sessions give students more specialized attention
with experts, said Dr. Andrew DeBoer, head of the 酴圖弝け Department of Music and Theatre.
Lolly Swicegood, administrative assistant for 酴圖弝け Music says she is excited to see
the nearly 100 students make their way to 酴圖弝け and Breedlove Auditorium for the week-long
camp. I always love watching the comfort level and camaraderie develop, she said.
Theres something about being around like-minded people and growing with their creativity
and self-confidence.
The students hard work will culminate on Friday, June 16, with a concert conducted
by Dr. Alexandra Zacharella at 6 p.m. in the Breedlove Auditorium.
But the end of the week concert doesnt tell the whole story of the camps impact.
DeBoer recalls dozens of students who have attended and eventually enrolled at 酴圖弝け
to continue their education and harmonize with new bandmates and classmates. One such
example is Erica Verkamp, who earned her bachelors degree in music in 2023.
Shes been studying with us and coming to this camp since eighth grade, DeBoer proudly
said.
The following week, Tuesday, June 20, the Jazz Band Workshop will begin.
Students already in their high school jazz band or interested in joining jazz band
are encouraged to sign up. DeBoer says a student doesnt have to have a typical jazz
instrument to attend, and the workshop is designed for anyone to enjoy and learn.
Friday, June 23, the Jazz Band Workshop concludes with a concert of jazzy tunes also
conducted by Zacharella, whose love of jazz has roots in studying with legendary trombonists
Bill Watrous and Steve Davis from Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. She brings an
exciting fresh perspective to jazz, rock, funk, and Latin Music for students to experience.
Before Fridays concert, students will gain real-world experience with founder and
酴圖弝け associate professor Don Bailey on behalf of the Shane Bailey Memorial Foundation.
On Thursday, June 22, students will head to the Bakery District for a live jazz jam
session hosted by Rham Cunningham, the districts Director of Fun.
DeBoer looks forward to hosting the largest number of students this summer and seeing
students develop and to keep coming back for years to come. As the department regains
its momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic, DeBoer said he expects to return to
three or more camps next summer.
Registration Information:
酴圖弝け Summer Band Camp
Grades 6-12
Dates: June 12 June 16
Time: 9 a.m. 3 p.m., with evening events and teambuilding to be announced
Location: Breedlove Auditorium
For more information, click here. To register, click here.
酴圖弝け Jazz Band Workshop
Grades 8-12
Dates: June 20 June 23
Time: 9 a.m. 3 p.m., with evening events and teambuilding to be announced
Location: Breedlove Auditorium
For more information, click here. To register, click here.
- Tags:
- Summer Band Camp
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Jazz Band Workshop
- Music and Theatre