Senior Music

Campers will be challenged to stretch their musical skills in band or string orchestra rehearsals and small ensemble rehearsals. Daily music electives, workshops and masterclasses will provide additional focus with all sessions taught by professional musicians from BJU’s Department of Instrumental Studies.

Band requirements: Campers must be capable of performing grade III and IV band literature and have a minimum of at least two years’ experience on their instrument.

String requirements: Campers must be working on literature comparable to the end of Suzuki Vol. 4 and play competently in third and fourth positions.

All string campers must submit two video auditions recorded on a phone or other device (maximum of 1.5 minutes each) prior to coming to camp.

Your first recording must include a short solo selection of your choice demonstrating your highest level of playing. The second recording will be of a short excerpt or two from the week’s orchestra literature. Specific audition and upload instructions along with the orchestra excerpts will be sent within four weeks prior to the beginning of camp after your application has been received.

The string faculty will evaluate your audition and assign your chair placement in the orchestra and your placement in a chamber group appropriate to your level of playing.

Activities

• Audition upon arrival for chair placement (except strings).
• Rehearse daily and perform in the Symphonic Band or Symphony Strings.
• Begin and end each day with a large group rehearsal.
• Receive daily individualized coaching in small ensembles, sectionals and workshops.
• Study one-on-one with inspiring faculty who are active performers in their field.
• Sing with other music campers in the combined camp choir.
• Upon arrival, choose from a dozen elective music classes to explore areas outside your main performance medium.
• Broaden your musical understanding through daily music appreciation classes.
• Enjoy exciting recreation options each evening, including our famous team competitions at week’s end.

Campers may take an extended private lesson for an extra charge of $15. Please indicate on the reservation form if you wish to take an extended private lesson.

Campers will enjoy exploring and expanding their singing experience through both group and solo opportunities. The daily schedule will include:
Choir Musical theatre Opera Private voice lesson *Small ensembles

Students will prepare performances for the final Friday concerts. Vocal Camp is led by professional musicians from BJU’s Departments of Choral and Vocal Studies.

Activities

• Upon arrival, choose from a dozen elective music classes to explore areas outside your main performance medium.
• Broaden your musical understanding through daily music appreciation classes.
• Enjoy exciting recreation options each evening, including our famous team competitions at week’s end.

Campers interested in composition will choose the composition/piano track under the Keyboard division. They will enjoy daily coaching in composing and arranging music in the areas of keyboard, choral and/or instrumental. Campers are encouraged to bring compositions or arrangements they are currently working on. Combo track campers will also receive piano instruction in a private lesson and group piano instruction in masterclasses and workshops. A computer lab with Finale music software will be available for all campers.

Activities

• Receive one-on-one and group coaching with inspiring faculty who are active composers in their field.
• Enjoy built-in personal composing time.
• Have access to computer lab with the latest notation software.
• Sing with other music campers in the combined camp choir.
• Upon arrival, choose from a dozen elective music classes to explore areas outside your main performance medium.
• Broaden your musical understanding through daily music appreciation classes.
• Receive piano instruction in a private lesson and group instruction in masterclasses and workshops.
• Enjoy exciting recreation options each evening, including our famous team competitions at week’s end.

Campers interested in handbells will choose either the handbell only track or the handbell/piano combo track under the Keyboard division during the week of July 21-26. Campers will explore different positions in both a full choir and small ensembles using more than six octaves of handbells and five and a half octaves of chimes. They will also study a variety of musical styles and techniques, such as four-in-hand, weaving, mallets, ringing multiple bass bells, bell trees and solo ringing.

Individual ringers, partial groups and full choirs are welcome. Handbell experience and equipment aren't required, but campers but must be able to read standard music notation.

Activities

• Receive daily individual attention in private and small group classes.
• Sing with other music campers in the combined camp choir.
• Upon arrival, choose from a dozen elective music classes to explore areas outside your main performance medium.
• Broaden your musical understanding through daily music appreciation classes.
• Receive piano instruction in a private lesson and group instruction in masterclasses and workshops.
• Enjoy exciting recreation options each evening, including our famous team competitions at week’s end.

Campers will experience the excitement of rehearsing and performing in small and large harp ensembles in addition to receiving individual attention in private lessons taught by BJU’s harp faculty.

Requirements: Campers must be able to perform pieces comparable to Harp Olympics Stage 2 or Sylvia Woods publications Level B or above, have working knowledge of pedals and levers, and be familiar with three-octave scales with both hands.

Activities

• Participate in a full schedule of private lessons, ensembles and masterclasses.
• Sing with other music campers in the combined camp choir.
• Upon arrival, choose from a dozen elective music classes to explore areas outside your main performance medium.
• Broaden your musical understanding through daily music appreciation classes.
• Enjoy exciting recreation options each evening, including our famous team competitions at week’s end.

A limited number of pedal harps may be rented for $75, lever harps for $50. Please email ahead for availability.

Campers will experience the excitement of rehearsing and performing in guitar ensembles in addition to receiving individual attention in private lessons taught by BJU’s guitar faculty. 

Requirements: Campers must be able to play pieces in first position. Notation reading skills will be very helpful but are not required.

Activities

• Participate in a full schedule of private lessons, ensembles and masterclasses. 
• Sing with other music campers in the combined camp choir.
• Upon arrival, choose from a dozen elective music classes to explore areas outside your main performance medium.
• Broaden your musical understanding through daily music appreciation classes.
• Enjoy exciting recreation options each evening, including our famous team competitions at week’s end.

Students must bring their own guitar and footstool. Nylon-string guitars are preferred, but steel-string acoustic are acceptable. 

Campers will choose one specialized keyboard track.

Piano-only track

Designed for campers with a minimum three years’ experience up through advanced. Campers will receive daily private instruction and ensemble playing and group piano instruction in masterclasses and workshops.

Combined organ/piano track

Campers without previous organ training should be able to play Bach Two-part Inventions as well as sonatas by Haydn, Mozart, Schubert or Beethoven on the piano. Combo track campers will also receive piano instruction in a private lesson and group piano instruction in masterclasses and workshops.

This track includes daily private organ lessons and sessions on service-playing and registration in addition to related topics and activities for organists.

Combined composition/piano track

Campers are encouraged to bring a computer with notation software and a thumb drive to save their work post-camp. A computer lab with Finale music software will be available for all campers. Combo track campers will also receive piano instruction in a private lesson and group piano instruction in masterclasses and workshops.

Combined handbell/piano track

Campers do not need specific handbell experience but must be able to read standard music notation. Combo track campers will also receive piano instruction in a private lesson and group piano instruction in masterclasses and workshops.

Activities

• Receive coaching in solo and ensemble performances and hymn playing.
• Enjoy private lessons with BJU’s piano and organ faculty and a variety of keyboard-related workshops and masterclasses.
• Attend keyboard-specific recitals, seminars, and perform in recitals.
• Sing with all the other music campers in the combined camp choir.
• Upon arrival, choose from a dozen elective music classes to explore areas outside your main performance medium.
• Broaden your musical understanding through daily music appreciation classes.
• Enjoy exciting recreation options each evening including our famous team competitions at week’s end.

Auditions will be held on Sunday afternoon immediately following check-in to allow instructors to know where campers are in musical development. Auditions are also campers' opportunity for chair placement in the string orchestra and band.

With the exception of the handbell-only track, all campers should bring a prepared solo or etude and will also be asked to sight-read. String orchestra and keyboard campers will audition prior to camp via a prepared video, the details of which are noted in the ‘Band or String Orchestra’ track description.

A limited number of band or string instruments are available for rental for $10 for the week (no fee for use of percussion instruments). A limited number of pedal harps may be rented for $75, lever harps for $50. Please email ahead for availability.

Private lessons are included in the curriculum in the keyboard and harp tracks. Campers in the band, strings or choral tracks will receive one short private lesson, but campers in these tracks may take an extended private lesson for an extra charge of $15. Campers are encouraged to bring music they are currently studying. Please indicate on the reservation form if you wish to take an extended private lesson as part of the band, strings or choral track.

Please bring your instrument. If needed, you can rent an instrument. If you need to rent an instrument, make sure to indicate on the registration form. If you realize you need to rent an instrument after you register, please contact Daniel Leedy, the camp director.

Camp will conclude with a series of recitals and concerts on Friday. Attire for the Friday concerts will be long slacks/jeans along with the camp shirt provided at check-in. These final performances are free and open to the public.

• Individuals and small groups from the piano, string, harp, voice and handbell divisions will perform on Friday at 9:30 or 10:30 a.m.
• Large groups from all music camp divisions will perform a final concert in Stratton Hall on Friday from 2–3:30 p.m.

All campers should bring music they are currently working on. Composition campers should bring compositions and arrangements they are currently working on and either a computer with notational software or staff paper and pencils.

When to Arrive

Camp check-in for all campers is on Sunday between 2-4 p.m. at the Welcome Center.

Day camp drop-off each day will be from 8-8:30 a.m. at the Welcome Center.

What to do When You Arrive

When you arrive on campus, follow the signs to the Welcome Center to check in. Our camp counselors will give you your camp schedule and camp T-shirt. If you have a camp balance, you can take care of it at this time.

When to Depart

Senior Music Camp ends after the final performance on Friday. Individuals and small groups from the piano, string, harp, voice and handbell divisions will perform on Friday at 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Large groups from all music camp divisions will perform a final concert in Stratton Hall on Friday from 2–3:30 p.m.

Day Campers

Day campers must live in or stay with family in the immediate Greenville area.

Campers may be required to be on campus from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on camp days. Check your camp schedule for specific details.

Day campers can also enjoy a fun highlight of our camp experience, the Bruins Bash, on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Lunch and dinner are included in the camp cost.

What to Bring

Phones may be used at certain time during the week of camp depending upon activities.

A modest amount of spending money is suggested for The Den, vending machines and Bruins Shop.

Girls: One-piece swimsuit or two-piece swimsuit covering the midriff are appropriate for optional swim times at the campus pool.

Guys: Swim trunks are appropriate for optional swim times at the campus pool.

Please note: BJU cannot be responsible for money, valuables or personal articles.

Overnight Campers:

• Twin bedding or a sleeping bag and pillow
• Toiletries
• Towels and shower shoes
• Bible

What to Wear

Girls: For general camp activities, knee-length shorts or loose pants (yoga-type pants would not be appropriate) are normal camp attire. Tank tops, low cut tops, or crop top styles will not be permitted. For those wishing to take part in any water activities, please bring dark, loose clothing.

Guys: For general camp activities, shorts or pants with a T-shirt are normal camp attire. For those wishing to take part in any water activities, please bring dark, loose clothing.

Lunch will be served in our dining common in an all-you-can-eat buffet style. Any food concerns (allergies, diet restrictions, etc.) can be noted in the online registration form.