Rappahannock Summer Music Camp

Camp Programs

Ages: RSMC enrolls students between the ages of 8 and 18. Some students, based on their age, may qualify for more than one division. Read the descriptions below to determine the program that best fits the interest of the student.

 

Junior Program

The Junior Division of RSMC is for students aged 8 to 11 with very little or no band or orchestral musical experience.

This division is an exploratory program. Students will spend the day learning about the elements of music, including plenty of hands-on time with all of the instruments of the band and orchestra. This program is highly recommended for students who will be entering their school's band or orchestra program in the coming year.

Classes will be taught by both RSMC staff and counselors. In addition to attending their own classes, Junior students will have the opportunity to attend some selected classes with the Intermediate or Advanced division students. Recreation time is included in the daily schedule.

All Junior students will participate in the final camp concert on Saturday.

Classes may include:

  • Music Theory and Ear Training
  • Brass Instruments Class
  • Woodwind Instruments Class
  • String Instruments Class
  • Percussion Instruments Class
  • Chorus
  • Piano Skills
  • Instrument Workshops
  • Recreation Time

 

Intermediate and Advanced Programs

The Intermediate and Advanced Divisions of RSMC are the regular performing arts divisions of camp for students between the ages of 9 and 18. Students must have a minimum of one year of instruction on their instrument to attend the Intermediate or Advanced Program. This instruction can either be in the form of private instruction, or participation in a band or orchestra.

Students will audition for one of these two levels of classes and ensembles. All auditions will take place on registration day. In order for a student to be admitted to the Advanced division, a student must successfully complete an advanced audition. Attempting an advanced audition does not guarantee that the student will be admitted to the Advanced division.

All Intermediate and Advanced Division students will perform in the final concert at the end of the week. A student recital is an optional performance opportunity for interested students during the week.

Students have practice time built into their schedules and are encouraged to sign up for private lessons from any member of the camp staff. Classes include:

  • Band
  • Orchestra
  • Jazz Band
  • Camp Chorus
  • Chamber Music
  • Music Theory
  • Instrumental Workshops/Masterclasses
Other choice classes may include (actual choices vary each year):
  • Ear Training
  • Music History
  • Jazz Improvisation
  • Beginning Piano Skills
  • School of Rock
  • Voice Tech
  • Dance Class
  • String Styles
  • Conducting
  • Composition/Orchestration

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Testimonials

I LOVE this camp. I can't wait to come back next year!

I learned a lot and it was fun.

This is my fourth year and I still love the camp.

I loved my teachers!

I got to refine my technique and work on concert music.

I love RSMC!

It was a very fun experience and I hope to do it again.

I really liked it. It helped me learn more about the history of my instrument.

Camp was really fun. I will continue to come here again!

It was amazing - it helped me better understand my instrument.