Lake Tahoe Music Camp to host its 57th gathering July 21-27

The University of Nevada, Reno is set to hold the 57th Lake Tahoe Music Camp July 21-27 at the Nevada State 4-H Camp. Each year, nearly 200 students in grades 8 through 12 participate in a week of music activities, rehearsals, team building exercises and recreation time, all on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe.

The camp is filled with jazz and classical music workshops, clinics, performances, mentoring and instruction with award-winning University faculty, guest conductors, professional Chamber singers and jazz musicians and more.

This year, the guest star of the camp is female conductor Paula Crider, past president of the National Band Association and a member of the prestigious American Bandmaster’s Association in which she was only the third woman to have been honored as a member, will conduct the Lake Tahoe Music Camp Symphonic Band. She will also provide musical insight and direction to all students, serving as a role model for young musicians by teaching them the importance of being active citizens in their community and active participants in music groups at their schools.

A new addition to the camp is a team-building dance activity. Students will learn fun and simple moves to include in the mid-week lip-sync and end-of-the-week dance event.

Although the Lake Tahoe Music Camp is a place for students to play their instruments all week long, it is also a place for everyone, teachers and campers alike, to discover common interests and learn something new at the same time.

“Camps like these are important for students because it gives them an opportunity to become fully immersed in music and glean new ideas about musicality and technique from faculty they wouldn't be in contact with most of the year,” said Lori Roy, horn instructor in the University’s Department of Music in the College of Liberal Arts and first time senior staff member at the Lake Tahoe Music Camp. “It also allows them to make connections with people who feel just as strongly about music as they do, which can be very inspiring. Camps allow kids to find their niche.”

Returning for his third year as camp director is Andrew Heglund, associate professor at the University. He teaches percussion, directs the University Percussion Ensemble and coaches jazz small groups. He is looking forward students working with their peers and professionals in the music world.

“The students who attend the camp get to spend a week with like-minded young musicians and work with outstanding music educators from this community as well as a nationally known guest conductor,” Heglund said. “This is a rare opportunity for students to spend a week immersed in music while surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe.”

For students looking to continue music as a major or minor at the university level, Lake Tahoe Music Camp provides leadership skills and is staffed with outstanding musicians and music majors who teach lessons, music classes and provide mentorship throughout the week.

Read more about this year’s senior camp staff.

— Writer Natalie Savidge is a Senior Media Relations Specialist for the University of Nevada, Reno.