To contact SEMYO please e-mail chenke@semyo.org or call 507-282-1718.
Musical Improvisation for String Players (with The OK Factor)
Gr. 7 and up
Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
Students who play violin, viola, cello, and bass are invited to participate in a camp that will explore the foundations of musical improvisation! Participants will learn how to improvise on their instrument while performing a variety of musical styles in a string ensemble. This includes the art of soloing and comping while playing and learning as an ensemble. These skills will open up a world of endless possibility for musical collaboration and creation!
The camp will be taught by members of The OK Factor – Olivia Diercks (cello) and Karla Colahan (violin) – who are a new-classical crossover duo based in the Twin Cities and have been MPR Class Notes Artists for several years, as well as finalists for the McKnight Fellowships for Musicians in 2018. Learn more at https://www.theokfactor.com/
Playing level: For students with at least two years playing experience or Suzuki book level 3. Students in grades 4-6 may participate with special permission (contact Corey Henke at chenke@semyo.org).
Middle School Jazz Band Camp (Gr. 7-9)
Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
Learn jazz style, technique, and improvisation while rehearsing and performing in a jazz band. The camp is open to students starting grades 7-9 in the fall with at least one year playing experience on any band instrument. Students with experience on piano, bass, or guitar are also invited to register. Levi Kimmet, band director at Lakeview Area Public Schools, will return as the instructor.
High School Jazz Band Camp (Gr. 10 & Up)
Time: 1 p.m. to to 4 p.m.
Learn jazz style, technique, and improvisation while rehearsing and performing in a jazz band. The camp is open to students going into grades 10-12 or who have four or more years experience on any band instrument. Students with experience on piano, bass, or guitar also invited to register. Levi Kimmet, band director at Lakeview Area Public Schools, will return as the instructor.
Prelude Strings Orchestra Camp (Gr. 5-9)
Students who play violin, viola, cello, and bass are invited to participate in a string orchestra camp. Students will learn basic ensemble playing skills while rehearsing and performing in a string orchestra. Violinist and conductor James Buchan will teach the camp. Mr. Buchan has 30 years of conducting and teaching experience and was formerly a member of the New World Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic. Sheet music will be sent via e-mail before the camp starts.
Playing level: For students with at least one-year middle school playing experience or Suzuki book level 3.
Summer Band Camp (For Middle & High School Students)
Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
We are seeking enthusiastic band students for a fun and challenging ensemble experience. Students will have the opportunity to improve on their instruments, learn ensemble-playing skills, and prepare a variety of band music for a final concert. Experienced band teacher Ryan Anderson is the instructor for band camp. Mr. Anderson is the director of bands at Dover-Eyota public schools, where his program has been honored several times by the Grammy Foundation for Excellence in Music Education.
Playing level: For middle and high school students with at least two years playing experience.
Symphonic Strings Camp (Gr. 8-12)
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Experienced student musicians who play violin, viola, cello, and bass are invited to participate in string orchestra camp. Students will learn advanced instrument and ensemble technique while preparing original masterworks for string orchestra. Violinist and conductor James Buchan will teach the camp. Mr. Buchan has thirty years of conducting and teaching experience and was formerly a member of the New World Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic. There will be a public performance at a local senior center on the last day of camp.
1001 14th St. NW, Suite 450
Rochester, MN 55901
Office Hours
Tuesday, 9:30AM – 3:30PM
Wednesday, 9:30AM – 3:30PM