Summer Music Festival for band, voice and string students

Registration Deadline has been extended until Friday, June 1

The 28th annual Fredonia Summer Music Festival in the School of Music continues its tradition of excellence with four summer music camps.

The Honors Solo Vocal Camp (grades 9 – 12) is for students interested in further developing their skills as a solo classical vocalist. The String Camp (grades 8 – 12) is designed by Fredonia’s expert faculty exclusively for violin, viola, cello and double bass players. The High School Band Camp (grades 9 – 12) and the Middle School Band Camp (grades 6 – 8), new this year, are open to instrumental music students (winds, brass, and percussion) with performance opportunities in large ensembles, chamber music, jazz and more.

The Band and Honors Solo Vocal programs are offered on Sunday, June 24 through Saturday, June 30, with the Strings program slated for Sunday, July 22 through Saturday, July 28.

The students in the Honors Solo Vocal Program will work with Fredonia School of Music voice faculty in sessions about repertoire, how to approach text, acting, how to practice, auditioning techniques and movement. Each singer will also receive private voice instruction and have the opportunity to perform for each other throughout the week. In addition, voice students will attend daily musicianship classes with Band students, participate in master classes, attend special evening performances, and have time for individual practice and recreation. The week will culminate in a program of scenes and song, giving students the chance to show-off what they have learned.

Open to instrumental music students currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12, the Fredonia Band program offers a friendly and relaxed setting for musical growth through performance of large ensemble and chamber music. Many of the Festival Band program faculty are also professors at the university. Outstanding performers and teachers provide unique opportunities for learning, improving technical skills and expanding musicality. In addition to band rehearsals, chamber ensembles and jazz groups, students will attend daily musicianship classes, participate in master classes, attend special evening performances, and have time for individual practice and recreation.

The Summer Music Festival String program is a unique summer program designed by Fredonia's expert faculty exclusively for violin, viola, cello, and double bass players in grades 8 through 12. Daily activities include orchestra rehearsals, chamber music, technique classes and faculty recitals. All musical experiences are led by Fredonia string faculty and special guest artists. The week-long festival culminates with a final concert.

Set on Fredonia's the beautiful campus and housed in School of Music, the Fredonia Summer Music Festival takes advantage of the campus’ first-rate facilities and world-class teachers. Outstanding performers and teachers provide unique opportunities for learning, improving technical skills and expanding musicality.

Registration for the Fredonia Summer Band Camp includes housing, meals, and a camp t-shirt. There are commuter options available with or without meals. The registration deadline has been extended to is Friday, June 1.

A limited number of scholarships are offered based on the instrumentation needs of the festival. Families in financial need are strongly urged to request funding in writing from local schools, religious organizations, or other charitable organizations (Rotary, Lions, etc.).

The Fredonia Summer Music Festival is an exceptional value, with the university intentionally keeping tuition and fees as low as possible to make it an outstanding musical experience available to everyone. Tuition and fees include all meals and housing, festival t-shirt, and a group photo.

For more information or to register, visit online. Questions may also be directed to Festival Director Marc Levy at 716-673-4628 or via e-mail.

The Fredonia Summer Music Festival is part of the Musical Journeys Program, a community outreach project offered in the Fredonia School of Music. For more information on events and programs and other summer programs at Fredonia School of Music, visit the school online.