St. Olaf Summer Music Camp
June 15-June 21, 2008

If you love music and want to spend time with others who love music just as much as you do, make the St. Olaf Music Camp the highlight of your summer. Join high school students from around the nation in an intense and exciting week of music making under the direction of the internationally acclaimed St. Olaf music faculty.

Camp days are filled with classes, lessons, rehearsals and time to practice. In the evenings you are treated to faculty, counselor and camper performances. Nights are reserved for social and recreational activities directed by counselors who are St. Olaf music students. Each day you can treat yourself to three delicious meals with a variety of healthy selections in Stav Hall. You can also enjoy browsing the music library, practicing or relaxing outdoors on our beautiful campus, or e-mailing a note home from our public computer terminals. You will return home with new musical skills, a motivation to continue your progress, a heightened commitment to music -- and many new friends!

Music camp is open to high school students who have completed grade 9, 10, 11 or 12.

The Program
Music Camp challenges and encourages you to stretch your musical abilities. Everyone participates in at least one large ensemble (band, choir or orchestra). Many campers participate in two major ensembles that meet twice a day. The rest of your day includes classes you select, private lessons with St. Olaf faculty members and practice time. You may elect an optional package of two more private lessons for an additional fee.

Major Ensembles

  • Band: Conducted by Paul Niemisto, director of the Norseman Band

  • Choir: Conducted by Christopher Aspaas, director of the St. Olaf Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir

  • Orchestra: Conducted by Steven Amundson, director of the St. Olaf Orchestra and St. Olaf Philharmonia

Performances and Recitals
Campers not only make beautiful music, they are also treated to inspiring performances by St. Olaf faculty and the student staff. As the week progresses, campers are encouraged to sign up for evening recitals. Most of the classes conclude with a final performance, and the camp ends with a concert featuring the three major ensembles: band, choir and orchestra. Performances are open to the public.

Classes
Class offerings vary slightly from year to year. Classes include Basics in Ear Training, Chamber Music (Brass, Wind and String), Beginning Theory, Conducting Basics, Handbells, Jazz Improvisation, Musical Theater and Rhythm Workshop.

St. Olaf College is located in historic Northfield, Minn. The self-contained campus is set atop beautiful Manitou Heights, offering striking views of neighboring farmland and the city of Northfield. This serene setting provides an ideal atmosphere for youth camps and other summer groups. Campers enjoy a beautiful, safe environment that fosters creativity in a nurturing environment. During the academic year, St. Olaf is home to about 3,000 students, nearly one-third of whom participate in some type of music organization.

Room and Board
Students are housed in comfortable, secure residence halls. Stav Hall, the college cafeteria, offers healthy choices including salad bar, hot entrees, grilled meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, and desserts that vary daily.

Transportation Information
St. Olaf College is located in historic Northfield, Minnesota, just 40 miles south of the Twin Cities metro area.

Directions

Campus Map

Northfield Information

Airport Shuttle Service
Since many campers come from out of state, we provide a shuttle service to and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport. More information about this service is on the registration page. Download a shuttle request form.

Friends and Family Information

All camp recitals and performances are free and open to the public.

On-campus housing is available for friends or family who arrive early to hear final class performances. You may reserve housing on the registration form or by calling the conference office at 507-786-3042 or toll-free 800-726-6523.

Lunch on the final day of camp is a welcome option for many families. Order tickets with registration or call 507-786-3042 or toll-free 800-726-6523.

Camp Fees

Comprehensive Fee: $535 before May 15, $585 after May 15
Fee includes housing in a college residence hall, all meals from the first dinner through the final lunch, class materials, two private lessons and a camp T-shirt.

Commuter Fee: $435 before May 15, $485 after May 15
Fee includes lunches and dinners for the first dinner through the final lunch (no breakfasts are included), class materials, two private lessons, and a camp T-shirt.

Camp Registration

It is easy to register for camp!

Please call the camp office at 507-786-3042 or 800-726-6523 or e-mail us at summer@stolaf.edu if you have questions.