adult band camps

[Alex C]

One professional band in the US is actually in the planning stages for an adult band camp. The idea would be to have a picturesque setting and bring in big name band conductors, soloists and composers. The members of the camp band would play alongside the professional musicians.

Whoa, there. Plans are in the early stages but nothing is solidified. Especially in this economy, there are no guarantees for the future of anything in the arts... but it is a cool idea. Here's hoping that it can become a reality.

Remember, I didn't even mention any group in particular. Guesses and assumptions are taken at your own risk.

[TubaRay]

It wasn't too music lesion oriented, but ...

I've had a few music lesions. In fact, some are still healing.

darn! My spill cicker want worque !

Thanks to you both for a really good laugh. I needed that.

[TubaRay]

Especially in this economy, there are no guarantees for the future of anything in the arts...

Or of anything else, for that matter.

[Dan Schultz]

I attended an adult band camp at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio for four years running until I discovered The Association of Concert Bands annual conventions two years ago. You can find information about Ashland by searching for NCOAMC (North Central Ohio Adult Music Camp). I think Blue Lake and Interlochen (both in Michigan) also run adult music camps.

Two years ago, the Association of Concert Bands convention was held in Houston, Texas and conducted by Robert Sheldon. This year, it was in Plano, Texas and conducted by Dick Floyd of the Austin Symphonic Band. Next year, the ACB will be in Muskegon, Michigan and will be conducted by James Curnow.

I highly recommend both Ashland and the ACB events.

[Kevin Hendrick]

I attended an adult band camp at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio for four years running until I discovered The Association of Concert Bands annual conventions two years ago. You can find information about Ashland by searching for NCOAMC (North Central Ohio Adult Music Camp). I think Blue Lake and Interlochen (both in Michigan) also run adult music camps.

Two years ago, the Association of Concert Bands convention was held in Houston, Texas and conducted by Robert Sheldon. This year, it was in Plano, Texas and conducted by Dick Floyd of the Austin Symphonic Band. Next year, the ACB will be in Muskegon, Michigan and will be conducted by James Curnow.

I highly recommend both Ashland and the ACB events.

I've been to the Blue Lake adult camp twice ('03 and '04), and have friends that have been going since the mid-90s. It's about 72 hours (Wednesday afternoon to Saturday afternoon), and a lot of rehearsal time, but much fun. Recommended.

Looking forward to next year's ACB convention in Muskegon -- it'll be my first ("Lord willin' an' the creek don't rise", as always ), and the Kalamazoo Concert Band has been selected to play in the opening night concert (we're all excited about that!). Hope to see some of you there!

[1895King]

Several years ago (7, I think), I attended an adult camp at the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden on the border between North Dakota and Manitoba.
It was five days of rehearsal with a concert at the end. I've never been able to afford to go back.

[CrappyEuph]

http://www.humboldt.edu/brass/" target="_blank

I taught at this adult camp this past summer and I was very impressed with Tony Clements and what he's been doing at Humboldt. The emphasis is on chamber music rather than personal performance, and the players (there were about 70) are assigned to a different type of group every day. They mostly read pieces all morning, choose a piece and rehearse it in the afternoon, and perform in an informal concert setting in the evening. I had a blast coaching there; I can only imagine that it's even more fun to actually participate. And it doesn't hurt that it's in far-northern California in July, and the high temperature every day was something like 70 degrees compared to 105 where I live.

- Jamie

[mcfolks]

I just finished my first adult band camp at Interlochen, Michigan- and it was a great experience! Long days but what a great and talented group of musicians! Fantastic setting in northern (lower) Michigan on two lakes. I would love to go back next year!

[tubapress]

Well done, Alex...absolutely undetectable...just like a cloaked Klingon warship! This sounds like a great thing this unnamed group is doing.

Keep us in the loop as it progresses.

Best,
Gary

One professional band in the US is actually in the planning stages for an adult band camp. The idea would be to have a picturesque setting and bring in big name band conductors, soloists and composers. The members of the camp band would play alongside the professional musicians.

Whoa, there. Plans are in the early stages but nothing is solidified. Especially in this economy, there are no guarantees for the future of anything in the arts... but it is a cool idea. Here's hoping that it can become a reality.

Remember, I didn't even mention any group in particular. Guesses and assumptions are taken at your own risk.

[tclements]

And Jamie was a GREAT coach!!

[MartyNeilan]

Here is another thought - instrumental music missions trips are becoming more popular. It is almost like a "band camp," except once you get together and get your rep together, you are overseas. One recent concert was in the Tchaikovsky concert hall in Russia, they have frequent jazz band trips to Cuba, and trombone ensembles going to Brazil! The music is a combination of Christian and appropriate traditional rep for the ensembles, and it is anything but elevator music. Camp Kirkland and Kenn Hughes are very involved with this organization - http://www.globalmissionsproject.com/
Here is a list of some of their upcoming projects:
Israel Orchestra, October 28 - November 6, 2010
Israel Big Band, November 11 - 20, 2010
Brazil Instrumental Team, January 18 - 25, 2011
Israel NGU Orchestra March 4 - 12, 2011
Caribbean Orchestra March 29 - April 8, 2011
Portugal Metro Big Band, June 2 - 11, 2011
Brazil Orchestra, July 5 - 14, 2011
Portugal Praise Orchestra, October 6 -15, 2011
South Africa Metro Big Band, October 20 - 29, 2011

[Alex C]

Well done, Alex...absolutely undetectable...just like a cloaked Klingon warship! This sounds like a great thing this unnamed group is doing.

Keep us in the loop as it progresses.

Best,
Gary

Gary,

I was afraid somebody would do that. Remember, I did warn about jumping to conclusions.