Electives

ELECTIVE SIGN UP PROCESS

Campers will be signing up for electives AT CAMP. After the audition results are posted, students will choose from the classes that fit into their final schedule, rather than being assigned by the camp staff. 

Electives that require an audition, such as Orchestra Winds/Percussion and Chamber Music for Strings, will take place during the regular audition. Students will indicate to their judges that they would like to be considered and results for those electives will be posted with the regular ensemble results. 

Jazz Band is the only elective that will require a separate audition at camp. 

About Elective Classes

In addition to their regular schedule of rehearsals and sectionals, students take either 1 or 2 elective classes, listed below, that they attend every day. This allows campers to explore different areas of interest or play in new types of ensembles. 

We offer classes for all levels of playing ability; however, some electives are limited to advanced players or have other requirements as listed in the description.
*Classes that require an audition or placement test 

• *CHAMBER MUSIC FOR STRINGS - Small ensembles of strings. For Advanced Students Only. Placement in this class will be determined during your regular audition. 
• CONDUCTING - Learn the basic beat patterns of directing.
• DRUM MAJOR - To learn either the fundamentals or advanced concepts of conducting, teaching, & leadership.
• IMPROVISATION (Jazz) - Open to all student levels and instruments.  
• INSTRUMENT CHOIRS
  • BRASS CHOIR - Small ensemble of trumpets, horns, trombones, baritones & tubas - May also audition for orchestra
  • CLARINET CHOIR - Small ensemble of Bb­, alto, bass and contra alto/bass clarinets
  • FLUTE CHOIR - Small ensemble of flutes
  • HORN CHOIR - Small ensemble of horns
  • PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE - Small ensemble of percussion instruments. You may also audition for orchestra or jazz band. For Advanced Students Only
  • SAX CHOIR - Small ensemble of alto, tenor & bari saxes
  • STRING BASS ENSEMBLE - Chamber ensemble for string bass students
  • TROMBONE CHOIR - Small ensemble of trombones
  • TRUMPET CHOIR - Small ensemble of trumpets
  • TUBA/EUPHONIUM ENSEMBLE - Small ensemble of tubas & euphoniums
• *JAZZ BAND - Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, rhythm & percussion students. Placement in the Middle School or High School jazz band will be by audition only. The jazz audition is separate from the ensemble audition and will accrue on the Sunday during Check-In.  
• LEADERSHIP - Class to learn the skills necessary for positions such as officer & section leader. 
• MUSIC IN FILM - For anyone who loves the music of movies! Students will dive into the world of film music and discover what role it plays in making the action on-screen come alive using films like The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Incredibles, Star Wars, and more.
• *ORCHESTRA/WINDS & PERCUSSION - For ADVANCED wind & percussion students interested in performing with a full orchestra. BY AUDITION ONLY.  Students that make this ensemble can also take jazz band or any of the other nonplaying electives. 
• PIANO, (Introduction to) - An introduction to piano basics. This class will cover beginning concepts such as identifying keys on a keyboard and correct hand placement. 
• REED MAKING FOR BASSOON AND OBOE - Class limited to bassoonists and oboists who wish to learn to make & adjust reeds. Suggested for 9th grade & above. Warning: Sharp utensils will be used in this class. It is advisable for students to provide their own tools if possible. **Please note, this class requires an additional $15 fee for materials**
• MUSIC OF THE BEATLES- Students will learn and explore the rich history of the music of the Beatles and how they have impacted the popular music of today.   
• *THEORY - To learn either the fundamentals of theory including scales, key signatures, intervals, chord structure, & simple melodic dictation, or the more advanced aspects of complicated chord structures, key schemes, intervals, & melodic dictation. All Theory students will be required to take a placement exam on registration day.
• UKULELE CLASS – More info coming soon!