Students from grades five through eight, eager to take on the prospective and exciting challenges awaiting them, are being welcomed to Southeastern for the Middle School Band Camp. Taking place for the fourth time, the camp will be located in the Ralph R. Pottle music building during the week of July 7-11.

Campers will have an opportunity to improve their skill as they participate in a concert band, chamber groups, master classes, jazz ensembles, jazz combos, improvisation and theory instruction.

“The camp provides many opportunities for the middle school students, including jazz, improvisation and chamber groups that they do not receive in a typical middle school environment,” said Paul Frechou, associate director of bands. “This camp keeps the students playing in the summer, and we also play some challenging music that most do not receive in their own bands.”

Each student receives two private lessons, which Frechou views as one of the most helpful tools offered during the camp.

All students will take part in concert band and then will be divided into chamber groups to work on small ensemble music. Students can choose jazz band in place of small ensemble if they wish.

“The unique aspect of this camp is for the students to work alongside the college students in a concert and jazz band setting,” said Frechou. “This type of training has produced excellent results in years past.”

The activities will be taught by Southeastern music majors and take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The camp will end that Friday with a performance at 7 p.m.  

The Middle School Band Camp is part of the 2014 Southeastern Music Celebration put on by the Community Music School at Southeastern. Other workshops the music school will be hosted this summer include the piano duet workshop, chamber music workshop and guitar workshop.

Some students receive need-based tuition to attend CMS classes through sponsorship from First Guaranty Bank. This sponsorship allows all students to have the opportunity to increase their music appreciation, education and skill.

CMS has two satellite locations outside of Southeastern campus in Mandeville and in Walker. 

Musical instruction on voice and various instruments are offered to children and adults of any age during the fall, spring and summer.

For more information about the Middle School Band Camp, contact Paul Frechou at [email protected], and to learn more about CMS, contact the office at [email protected].