Buffalo State Hosts Three Arts Summer Camps for Area Teens

Middle and high school musicians and thespians have the chance to study with faculty members and local performing artists during Buffalo State’s 2019 Summer Performing Arts Institute. 

Previously called the Summer Music Institute, this performing arts series includes three weeklong camps for area children entering seventh through 12th grades. 

The Classical Camp, held July 22–26, gives participants the opportunity to play in large ensembles and chamber groups, work on music theory, and learn piano, guitar, and African drumming.

The Jazz Camp, held July 29–August 2, allows students to play in a big band and small combos. The students also will study jazz theory, do improvisations, and participate in a composition exercise. Both music camps are designed for musicians who are proficient on their primary instrument.

The Musical Theater Camp, held July 29–August 2, immerses participants in vocal, dance, and acting exercises and instruction. This camp provides a fun and supportive environment for students who have a love of theater.

Now in its seventh year, the institute provides a rich source of instruction for public and private school students who want to hone their artistic talents over the summer.

“With these intensive camps, we can see students’ confidence and abilities jump dramatically in just one week’s time,” said Rick Fleming, associate professor of music who founded and directs the institute. “The music camps were so successful, we decided last summer to add the musical theater component, which also attracted thespians from the region. Every year, students return, wanting to replicate the experience they received at Buffalo State in previous summers.”

Each camp runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday in Rockwell Hall and costs $200. Scholarships are available based upon financial need.

All three camps culminate with a public performance on the Friday evening at the end of each camp in the Performing Arts Center and the Ciminelli Recital Hall at Rockwell Hall.

For more information, contact Fleming at (716) 878-6504 or fleminrl@buffalostate.edu. To register, go to the Summer Performing Arts Institute webpage.