MADISON – Middle-school students and upcoming freshmen can experience a week focused on progress, with fun blended in, during Madison Music Camp on June 4-8.

Camp Director Keith Anderson has scheduled separate camps for beginner instrumentalists, advanced instrumentalists and vocalists to meet at James Clemens High School.

The beginner camp is open to any student who wants to learn how to play a wind or percussion instrument for the first time.

“Expect to have a great time, meet new friends, and learn how to play your instrument,” Anderson said about the beginner camp. “You’ll get a huge head start from other students. Playing your instrument takes hard work, but the rewards are great.”

From 8 to 8:30 a.m., beginners will practice breathing techniques and then meet for “Band Basics.” Campers then participate in a master class for each instrument. In the afternoons, the youth will listen to guest performers and have another basics session. Sectional rehearsals will practice until camp dismissal at 4 p.m.

Camp staff includes Stephanie Pesto, flute; Vikki Truesdail, oboe; Robin Cotton, clarinet; Jenney Merritt, double reeds; Jonathan Willis, saxophones; Marsha Asquith, French horn; Olivia Funkhouser, trumpeter; Jerry Potter, retired band director, trombone; Emily Parker, euphonium/tuba; and Kevin Smart, percussion.

For the advanced camp, students should have at least one year of experience in playing an instrument at school. A camper must provide his or her own instrument.

‘Advanced’ campers will have three hours of rehearsal, a choice of two elective classes and an instrument master class with guest clinicians. Elective classes will be marching band practice, chamber music, conducting, jazz band, secondary instruments, color guard, dance team and bucket drumming.

Staff for advanced camp also will include Steve Price and Jennifer Janzen.

A local restaurant will cater lunch daily, or campers can brown-bag. Students must stay on campus during lunch.

The camp’s finale will be a concert on June 8. James Clemens Band Parent Boosters are assisting with the camp.

Camp fee is $200 for the entire week. The camp fee includes a T-shirt, lunch, pizza party and instruction from some of the best musicians and teachers in the area. 

To register, visit jcjetsband.com