Summer Music Camp

July 12 - 17, 2026
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.

Apply Online

Printable Application Form

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 Nan Lambertz-Schager at [email protected] 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 once the scholarship payment is received.
3. Should alternative payment arrangements be necessary, please contact Nan Lambertz-Schager at [email protected] 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 and Show Choirs will perform Friday, July 17, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. in the Muenster University Center Ballroom. Concert Bands, Concert Choirs and String Orchestra will perform Friday, July 17, 2026 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

• 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 [email protected].