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Elective Classes

ELECTIVE CLASSES

Elective Classes are an integral part of our summer camps. These classes, which are offered as part of the daily schedule at many of our camps, enable students to try something new or to explore their primary instrument further. The camps which offer elective classes are:

Honors Piano Camp (HPC)
Choral Ensemble Camp (CEC)
Senior High Band Camp (SHBC)
Middle School Band Camp (MSBC)
Guitar Workshop (GW)

After a student has registered for camp, they will be sent an Elective Selection Form. Elective class assignments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Every effort will be made to fill a campers first request, however, some popular electives fill up quickly.

Below please find descriptions of our elective class offerings. Please note that not all electives are offered at all camps, so be sure to look for your camp name next to the description to be sure it is available for your camp.

Elective Class Descriptions (subject to change)

Beginning Guitar	This class will allow students with no experience playing the guitar to learn some basic guitar skills. You must bring your own guitar with you in order to sign up for this elective. If you want to play electric guitar, you must bring your guitar and amplifier. Available at: SHBC, MSBC, CEC
Beginning Piano/Keyboards	This course is an introduction to piano for those with limited or no piano experience. You must bring a pair of headphones, preferably ones with a 1/4" stereo jack on the end. Some adapters will be available for students who can not bring stereo headphones. Available at: SHBC, MSBC, CEC
Beginning Pentatonic Scales & String Bending	This course is for beginning and intermediate guitar players looking to unlock the world of lead guitar. Study will include the shapes and scales used in most rock, pop, blues, and country guitar styles, as well as string-bending exercises to develop accuracy and strength. Searching for the tools and tricks used by BB King, Jimmy Page or Angus Young? Take this class - you'll never play the same! Available at: GW
Brass Choir	This ensemble offers a brass choir designed to expose students to some of the finest brass literature from the Renaissance period to the present. Students who sign up for this elective should already know how to play a brass instrument. Available at: SHBC, MSBC
Choral Theory	An advanced music theory class where the music of the Mixed Choir will be analyzed in detail. Available at: CEC
Clarinet Choir	This ensemble provides students with the opportunity to perform literature arranged or composed for the large clarinet ensemble. Students who sign up for this elective should already know how to play a brass instrument. Available at: SHBC, MSBC
Classic Rock Riffs of the 60's & 70's	From The Beatles to the Stones, Lynyrd Skynrd to Pink Floyd, this elective is just right for those about to rock! Beginning guitarists who want to jam with their favorite Classic Rock tunes will learn standard rock-n-roll power chords, single note riffs, and right hand pick techniques used by the legends. Sign up to play along with these classic vinyl rockers! Available at: GW
Composition & Arranging	Create your own music! Students will work on original compositions based on works of a variety of styles and composers. Available at: SHBC, HPC
Conducting	Students learn basic conducting techniques and applications. Available at: CEC, SHBC, MSBC
Diction	Introduction to the international phonetic alphabet. Available at: CEC
Double Reed Ensemble	This elective offers double reed students a performing ensemble experience where instrument specific needs and demands are addressed as they pertain to double reed repertoire. Students who sign up for this elective should already know how to play the oboe or bassoon. Available at: SHBC, MSBC
Flute Choir	This ensemble explores and performs literature composed for multiple flutes. Students who sign up for this elective should already know how to play the flute. Available at: SHBC, MSBC
Horn Choir	This ensemble provides students the opportunity to perform literature composed for or arranged for the large horn ensemble, and to play as part of a conch choir. Students who sign up for this elective should already know how to play the horn. Available at: SHBC.
Intermediate Guitar	This class will allow students with some experience playing the guitar to work on guitar skills and ensemble playing. You must bring your own guitar with you in order to sign up for this elective. If you want to play electric guitar, you must bring your guitar and amplifier. Available at: SHBC, MSBC
Jazz Improvisation/Jazz Ensemble	This course is an introduction to the art of jazz improvisation and provides students with hands-on experience. Available at: SHBC, MSBC
Jazz Improvisation and Solo Techniques	Guitarists familiar with Jazz playing, as well as guitarists looking for a new style to explore, will study the shapes and changes used by early Jazz master players Freddie Green and Charlie Christian. Players will be encouraged to develop their own style of soloing through improvisation study, fretboard mastery techniques, and tips for playing with a combo or Big Band. Looking to make your playing swing? This course is for you. Available at: GW
Jazz Appreciation	This course is an introduction to the styles, composers and music of the jazz genre. Available at: SHBC
Musicianship	This course will help develop aural skills and ear training. Available at: CEC
Percussion Ensemble	Students explore and perform literature written for multiple percussionists. Students who sign up for this elective should already have some percussion experience. Available at: SHBC, MSBC
Saxophone Choir	Students study and perform literature written and arranged for the large saxophone ensemble. Students who sign up for this elective should already know how to play the saxophone. Available at: SHBC, MSBC
Songwriting	Whether you are an experienced songwriter or looking to write down an idea for the first time, this course is for you. Players will learn to play tons of great songs to study basic chord progressions, introduce music theory for songwriting, song structure, various approaches to lyric writing - you can even showcase your own material in the Songwriters Forum! If you want to write like Lennon/McCartney, Bob Dylan or even contemporaries like John Mayer and Taylor Swift, sign up to learn how! Available at: GW
Steel Drum Ensemble	This course will introduce students to the styles of Caribbean and Latin American steel drum music. Available at: SHBC, MSBC, CEC, HPC
Strumming Today's Hits	Learn the strumming patterns used to accompany songs by Adele, Bruno Mars, Mumford & Sons, and other hot bands of today! Focus will be on learning to read rhythmic patters, and how to detect common patterns by ear through learning basic conducting skills and applying it to guitar. This course will also introduce strumming styles without the pick for performing musical styles from around the world. This class is tailored for beginners, but all levels are welcome. Available at: GW
Tuba & Euphonium Ensemble	Students study and perform literature written and/or arranged for the large tuba & euphonium ensemble. Available at: SHBC
World Music	This elective will introduce students to a variety of traditional music from different culture of the world. Available at: SHBC, MSBC

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