USM Summer Youth Music and Theatre Camps

Registrations opened on February 1st. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Some sections fill quickly; early registration is advised. A waiting list is kept; you will be notified if a section is filled prior to accepting your deposit.

2013 Registration Form

Scroll down for more registration instructions.

• Southern Maine Theatre Academy
• Southern Maine Music Academy
• Southern Maine Junior Music Academy
• Southern Maine Youth Band Day Camp
• Southern Maine Jazz Camp

About the camps:
Click on the name for more information about each camp.

Southern Maine Theater Academy June 23-28
for incoming 8th graders to outgoing 12th graders
Directed by Wil Kilroy
$495 resident

This six-day resident camp gives students a basic understanding of performance concepts and introduces them to the skills needed to create a stage production: voice, improvisation, dance, scene study, character development, and other acting techniques. Students engage in performance exercises that will not only enhance acting talent, but also assist in developing imagination, confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills. In addition to gaining theatre skills, team work and collaboration are emphasized in a final public performance. All participants will be housed in a supervised residence hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus.

Southern Maine Youth Band Day Camp  June 24-28
for incoming 5th graders to outgoing 6th graders
Directed by George Shabo
$310 day camp (8:30 to 4:30 daily)

This five-day commuter camp offers serious young instrumentalists a chance to sharpen their musical reading ability, instrumental skills, and concert band performance. Camp will provide daily concert band experience, jazz, instrument sectionals, ensemble classes, guest presentations, non-musical recreational activities, and choral group experience. Applicants must have played their instruments for at least one school year and/or have written recommendations from their band director or private instructor.

Southern Maine Music Academy  July 6-14  
for incoming 9th graders to outgoing 12th graders
Directed by Benjamin Potvin
$685 resident; $585 commuter

This exciting, yet demanding, nine-day program gives high school musicians the opportunity for musical growth and development through intensive group and individualized instruction provided by qualified staff and professional musicians. All academy members will participate in concert band, instrument sectionals and small ensembles daily. Students may also audition for jazz band. Academy members will also enjoy free concerts performed by professional local musicians and nonmusical recreational activities. Resident and commuter options are available.

Southern Maine Junior Music Academy   July 14-20  
for incoming 7th graders to outgoing 8th graders 
Directed by George Shabo
$590 resident; $490 commuter

This seven-day program gives junior high-age instrumental musicians the opportunity for musical growth and development. All academy members will participate in concert band, chorus, instrument sectionals, and small ensembles daily. Students may also audition for jazz band. Academy members will also enjoy free concerts performed by local professional musicians and one fun-filled night at Funtown in Saco.

New this year!

Southern Maine Jazz Camp, August 11-17
for incoming 9th graders through
outgoing 12th graders.
Directed by Christopher Oberholtzer
$475 day camp (9 - 6 daily)

The USM Jazz Camp is an exciting summer offering for high school music students. This seven-day jazz camp offers serious young musicians a chance to sharpen their musical abilities.  We will focus on developing skills in the areas of improvisation, ensemble performance and jazz styles.  In addition to featuring a jazz artist in residence, the USM Jazz Camp will also provide masterclasses with jazz faculty in the following areas; vocal, saxophone, brass, piano, guitar, bass and drums.  Applicants for this program should be of high school age, primarily incoming 9th graders through outgoing 12th graders.

Testimonials from students and parents

2013 Registration Form

Instructions for registering:

1-a. Best way! Click "registration" link at the top or bottom of this page, and scroll down to complete the web form with basic registration information and submit. Once you submit the form, you will see a receipt for your submission with further instructions about payment that should be printed. No payment will be required at this time. Online registrations are time-stamped. Soon after you will receive a confirmation e-mail.

1-b. Phone registrations will also be accepted at the Music Box Office, (207) 780-5555. If there is no live phone attendant, please do leave the basic registration information as a message. Phone messages are time-stamped, but no immediate receipt can be given. Confirmation calls will be made as soon as possible.

2. Registrations that are mailed will also be accepted, but the date and time of receipt cannot be guaranteed. Confirmation calls will be made as soon as possible, but please feel free to call or write to check on your registration.

3. A deposit of $50 must be made within seven days to validate each summer camp registration. Deposits/payments may be checks or money order by mail, or credit card via telephone (Visa/MC/Discover), or in person by appointment. Please, never send payment information by e-mail.

Questions or concerns, please contact Lori Arsenault, (207) 780-5142, larsenault@usm.maine.edu.

Please register early once registration opens. Camps fill up quickly, especially the most popular instruments.

For assistance, please contact the USM Music Box Office at 207-780-5555, or e-mail larsenault@usm.maine.edu

2013 Registration Form