Music camp ‘keeps the mind working’ at Midhurst church – InnisfilToday.ca

The Midsummer Sound Festival is giving a unique opportunity to young musicians in a two-week camp that will have them take away a lot of new experiences. 

Organizers say the camp is a fun and immersive learning environment for students who can also receive top-level instruction in their chosen instrument.  

The faculty consists of Suzuki-certified, Dalcroze-certified and university-trained musicians, including Juilliard, Yale, Western, and University of Toronto alumni with extensive teaching and international performing experience.  

The program began in 2012 and offers free public concerts for the experience of performing.

Dr. Janice LaMarre, a Barrie native who is a director for the event, told BarrieToday the camp is a unique and educational experience.

“There really is nothing like this nearby,” said LaMarre, citing Kitchener and Montreal as other examples. “With parents looking for a way to keep kids busy, this is a fun way to do that, but also keeps the mind working.”

Teachers instruct, mentor and perform alongside a group of young musicians from five years old up to high school-aged students at Midhurst United Church.

Courses in violin, viola, cello, piano, voice, and guitar are being offered. However, music isn’t the only focus.

“We also have a voice teacher for the singers, but there really is a lot more,” said LaMarre. “There are some one on one music classes, but also lessons in French and Latin, some tennis lessons at the Midhurst Tennis Club, and even a choir with a great teacher.

“There are some deeper lessons on how music comes together,” she added. 

Daily classes in jazz improv, orchestra, art, chess, music history round out the day.  

The program runs twice, for five days each. Each week culminates in a solo recital and final concert.

Teens and university students perform concerts with their faculty coaches and can enrol as a pre-formed group.  

LaMarre, along with Dr. Su Jeon Higuera, Dr. Andrew Ascenzo, will perform alongside advanced students in the final concert on Friday, July 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Grace United Church, located in Barrie at 350 Grove St. E.

For more information on how to be part of the camps, head to the website by clicking here.