A USD performance on stage.

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 9-14, 2023

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 - $495

Commuter Campers - $375

Registration

Resident Campers - $525

Commuter Campers - $400

Registration Form 

 

To Apply:

  1. Complete both sides of the Registration Application.
  2. Parents, please sign the approval section above and write a check to USD for a minimum of $100 (non-refundable registration deposit).
  3. Send via U.S. mail to the address below.

 

Payment of Fees (choose between two options)

  1. Enclose a check for the full amount with this application. 
  2. Enclose a check for $100 (non-refundable deposit) with this application and pay the balance at camp registration.

Contact lgbrown@usd.edu to set up credit card payment.

Refund Policy

Refunds for cancellations less $100 deposit, may be arranged up to 48 hours prior to the start of camp. Refunds for students arriving late or leaving early may not be considered. The initial $100 registration deposit is not refundable for any reason.

Dr. David Holdhusen
USD Summer Music Camp
USD Department of Music
414 East Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069-2390

 

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 12-3 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 14, 2023 at 3 p.m. in the Muenster University Center Ballroom. Concert Bands, Concert Choirs and String Orchestra will perform Friday, July 14, 2023 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. No phone service is provided in residence hall rooms. 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 in their fifth year of attendance or greater will receive a $50 scholarship.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

 

 

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