Three young students playing drums on buckets during the summer music camp.

Summer Music Camp

Summer Music Camp is a six-day experience of learning and music-making open to students who have completed grades 5–12. Activities include vocal and instrumental ensembles as well as a variety of other musical activities. Opportunities for private lessons in a specific instrument or voice are also available.

July 13 - 18, 2025
Summer Music Camp is a six-day experience of learning and music-making open to students who have completed grades 5–12. Activities include vocal and instrumental ensembles as well as a variety of other musical activities. Opportunities for private lessons in a specific instrument or voice are also available.

Costs - Early Bird Registration

Resident Campers - $500

Commuter Campers - $375

 

Registration

Resident Campers - $525

Commuter Campers - $400


To Apply:

  1. Click on the link above to complete the online registration.
  2. Should you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please contact Laurie Brown at lgbrown@usd.edu or 605-658-3466.

 

Payment of Fees

  1. Credit Card or ACH payment will be collected at the end of the Online Registration process. Payment in full is expected.
  2. Scholarships will be refunded to the payment source one the award verified (USD) or payment is received (outside source)
  3. Should alternative payment arrangements be necessary, please contact Laurie Brown at lgbrown@usd.edu or 605-658-3466. 

 

Refund Policy

  1. Refunds for cancellations may be arranged up to 48 hours prior to the start of camp.
  2. Refunds or price adjustments for students arriving late or leaving early will not be considered.
  3. At least $100 will be retained by USD to cover registration expenses.
  4. All refunds will be made to the credit card or account used for payment.

     

Daily Schedule

The schedule for the average camper begins at 8 a.m. Throughout each day, students will participate in age-appropriate activities including rehearsals, sectionals and classes, with meal breaks at approximately 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Campers are also required to attend nightly events including concerts and special activities. Following these events, campers will return to the dorms for their 10 p.m. curfew and 11 p.m. lights out.

The first day of camp will have a special schedule beginning with registration, dorm check-ins, and auditions from 1-3:30 p.m. A detailed schedule for the first day and a complete student schedule will be sent two weeks prior to the start of camp.

 

Final Performances

Two performances are part of the regular camp activities. Jazz Bands, Show Choirs and Percussion Ensembles will perform Friday, July 18, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. in the Muenster University Center Ballroom. Concert Bands, Concert Choirs and String Orchestra will perform Friday, July 19, 2025 at 7 p.m. in Aalfs Auditorium in Slagle Hall.

 

Housing & Meals

Students will be housed in air-conditioned residence halls located on USD’s campus near the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts. Students may check into their rooms after completing camp registration and will be allowed to stay in the residence halls through Friday afternoon. Cell phones are permitted but may not be used in class. Meals are provided beginning with dinner on Sunday evening and continuing through dinner on Friday. Students living in or near Vermillion have the option of attending camp as commuters.

Students staying on campus should bring:

  • Sheets (extra-long twin)
  • Blankets
  • Pillow
  • Towels
  • Alarm clock
  • Toiletries
  • Jacket
  • Instruments
  • Music for lessons and recitals

Scholarships

The following scholarships are available for those who qualify.

  • Students who receive either Division I ratings on contest solos, or who are selected for any All-State ensemble qualify for a $50 scholarship. Students may not receive more than one $50 performance scholarship. Applicable to ratings received during the most recent school year only. A copy of the contest rating form, All-State program or a signed letter from the student’s current music teacher is required to verify eligibility. Scholarship awards will be refunded once the eligibility is verified. Refunds will be credited to the card used for payment.
  • Schools or music organizations offer scholarships to their students. Contact those groups for more information. These privately offered scholarships may be used in conjunction with other camp scholarships. Scholarship awards will be refunded once the payment is received from the outside organization. Refunds will be credited to the card used for payment.

For questions or more information, contact Chair of Music David Holdhusen at (605) 658-3467 or at David.Holdhusen@usd.edu.

 

 

Students in the Summer music camp playing saxophone.
Students in the Summer music camp playing guitar.
Students in the Summer music camp playing drums.
Students in the Summer music camp singing sheet music.
Students in the Summer music camp playing brass instruments in a band.
Students in the Summer music camp playing xylophone.
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