GCS Summer Camp 2023

The Gulf Coast Symphony is thrilled to host another exciting summer of Camps at the Music & Arts Community Center! This summer, MusicWorks!, String Orchestra, Jazz/Band are offered for  2 week sessions. Musical Theater meets for 3 week sessions. We are also partnering with the IMAG History & Science Center for two 1 week Science Camps. Please see below for participant requirements for each camp.

LOCATION:

Music & Arts Community Center (MACC)

13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912 (see map below) Located off of Daniels Parkway, near I-75

CAMP HOURS:

Camp Director, Jonathan Lawrence
jlawrence@gulfcoastsymphony.org

Students must sign and follow our code of conduct while participating in the Gulf Coast Symphony Summer Music Camp. There will be no refunds for our camp. 

Camp Sessions and Requirements

Session 1

Music Works! (Beginners), GRADES 2-6 June 12-23

This camp is for students in grades 2-6 with 0-1 years experience on the violin. No experience is necessary. During Music Works!, students will get a mixture of violin lessons and general foundational music classes in the morning. We will also have chorus and drumming classes in the afternoon. Classes will be led by Jonathan Lawrence.

String Orchestra,  GRADES 6-9 June 12-23

This camp is for violin, viola, cello, and bass students with at least one year of experience on their instrument. Students must know how to read music. Students will brush up on their technique, music reading, and rehearse and perform as a string ensemble in the mornings. A full orchestra class will be available in the afternoon. Classes will be led by Kirsten Trembley.

Band/Jazz Ensemble, GRADES 6-9 June 12-23

This camp is for students who have 1-4 years of experience on their instrument. Students must know how to read music. In the mornings, students will rehearse as a concert band. In the afternoons students can join our Jazz Ensemble or full orchestra. This class will be led by Antonio Castillo.

MUSIC THEATER (Schoolhouse Rock, Jr), GRADES 4-8 June 12-30

This camp is for students in grades 4-8. Students will develop and increase in all areas of music theater including singing techniques, choreography, rehearsal terminology, and acting. Students may also sign up and be a part of our musical theater tech team (no experience is required for the tech team). Classes will be led by Julie Carver.
Show: Schoolhouse Rock Live, JR
– Tiffany Campbell, director
– Julie Carver, music director

Week 1: (June 26-30) Fantastic Florida Fauna! GRADES 3-5 June 26-30

Learn all about the amazing animals that call Florida home! Through hands-on activities, campers will learn the difference between native and invasive species, what makes each animal adaptation special, learn how to care for animals, and even get to meet some Animal Ambassadors from the IMAG History & Science Center!

Session 2

Music Works! (Intermediate), GRADES 2-6 July 10-21

This camp is for students in grades 2-6 with 5 months-2 years experience on the violin. During Music Works! students will get a mixture of violin lessons, general foundational music classes, drumming, music theory, and chorus. Classes will be led by Jonathan Lawrence.

Band/Jazz Ensemble, GRADES 6-9 July 10-21

This camp is for students who have 1-4 years of experience on their instrument. Students must know how to read music. In the mornings, students will rehearse as a concert band. In the afternoons students can join our Jazz Ensemble or full orchestra. This class will be led by Kevin Devitt.

Jazz Band (Advanced), GRADES 9-12 July 10-21

This camp is for students in grades 9-12 with at least 2 years of experience on their instrument. Students must know all major scales and be proficient in reading music. Students will develop in jazz performance through the study of jazz theory,  improve in jazz improvisation, ensemble performing, and masterclasses. Classes will be led by Brandon Robertson and Antonio Castillo.

String Orchestra, GRADES 6-12 July 10-21

This camp is for violin, viola, cello, and bass students with at least two years of experience on their instrument. Students must know how to read music. Students will brush up on their technique, music reading, and rehearse and perform as a string ensemble in the mornings. A full orchestra class will be available in the afternoon.

MUSIC THEATER (Mean Girls Jr./Theater Tech), GRADES 6-12 (LASTS 3 WEEKS) July 10-28

This camp is for students in grades 6-12. Students will develop and increase in all areas of music theater This camp is for students in grades 6-12. Students will develop and increase in all areas of music theater including singing techniques, choreography, rehearsal terminology, and acting. Students may also sign up and be a part of our musical theater tech team (no experience is required for the tech team).
– Director, TBA
– Julie Carver, music director
– Karl Smith, tech instructor

Week 2: (July 24-28) Nature S.T.E.A.M. Camp! Grades 3-5 July 24-28

It’s amazing what you can find when you take a step outside! Campers will participate in lots of hands-on activities all about our planet – and more specifically, our environment here in Southwest Florida! Get up-close and personal with our geology, weather, flora and fauna, and more with STEAM activities!

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The camp provides high quality positive experiences for students who are interested in studying instruments or developing the craft of musical theater. It gives students of all levels a chance to grow artistically,  explore new ideas and to share in fun activities with others. Students will learn in a safe environment and be taught by experienced professionals and educators. We create a community of positivity and respect. At the end of each week, students will present a performance to show what they have been learning to each other and parents.

FOOD:

Students will be provided with breakfast and lunch, but they are welcome to bring their own food or snacks if they would like. Campers will have additional breaks throughout the day. Campers must bring a sealed water bottle labeled with their name with each day of camp.

UNIFORM:

All Campers are required to wear a camp t- shirt each day. One shirt is included in the enrollment fee, additional shirts can be purchased. Campers must wear closed toed shoes at all times.

ENROLLMENT:

To enroll, please go to gulfcoastsymphony.org. Our camps are subject to change due to enrollment numbers.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Scholarships may be available. Please click bellow to apply.