Courses

Strings

Violinists, violists, cellists and bassists play in small group ensembles (trios, quartets, string ensembles with piano, cello choir, etc.) as well as orchestra. The chamber ensembles are coached by our experienced teachers. Campers play in one of two orchestras; the advanced orchestra is conducted by Jacqueline Dillon, Wichita State University professor. Fiddling is also available for string players.

Campers who do not currently play a string instrument may choose to take a beginning class.

Masterclasses are occasionally held as well as a faculty recital to expose campers to additional musical experiences.

Placement auditions are held to evaluate the musician’s playing level in order to be assigned to the appropriate ensemble and orchestra.

Laura Hammes Black is the String Coordinator; many of our teachers play in the Wichita Symphony and teach in schools as well as in their private studios.

Band

Campers who play band instruments will play in a small group ensemble with other wind and brass instrumentalists. They will also play in band and may choose to play in jazz band as well (at least two years of playing experience is required for jazz band). The band is conducted by Jeff Luttrell.

Campers who do not play a band instrument or who would like to try another band instrument may choose to take a beginning class.

Masterclasses are occasionally held as well as a faculty recital to expose campers to additional musical experiences.

Placement auditions are held to evaluate the musician’s playing level in order to be assigned to the appropriate ensemble.

Jeff Luttrell is the Band Coordinator; as with all our teachers, brass and wind teachers play professionally as well as teach in the schools and/or in their own studios.

Keyboard

Campers may elect to play piano as well as organ at Camp Allegro Wichita. Pianists are placed in piano ensembles (usually three or more players) and may play in a chamber music ensemble with other instrumentalists based on playing ability. Jazz band offers another performing opportunity for intermediate to advanced pianists.

Campers who would like to study organ do not need prior organ experience. Campers who do not currently play a keyboard instrument may choose to take a beginning piano class.

Pianists who do not play a band or string instrument will perform in one of two choirs (all of our campers perform in a large ensemble). Pianists will also participate in a special class which features a masterclass, a recital by a performing artist and special topics such as piano literature or improvisation.

Placement auditions are held to evaluate the musician’s playing level in order to be assigned to the appropriate ensemble.

Becky Schmidt is the Keyboard Coordinator; like many of our keyboard teachers, she teaches music in school as well as in her private studio.

Choir

Campers may sing in one of two choirs. If campers are not already participating in a large ensemble, choir will be included in their schedule; however, string and band musicians may sing as well.

Kinderlab

Kinderlab is our “camp within a camp ” for children ages three to six. Kinderlab campers have the opportunity to try various instruments (violin, piano or recorder) and take part in large musical group activities. In addition, professional musicians demonstrate their instruments and play for the campers. Art, recreation and snacks round out the Kinderlab morning. The camp day is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday; a concert is held at the close of the Kinderlab camp day on Thursday.

Camp Musica

New this year, Camp Musica offers advanced players of all instruments more emphasis on chamber music. Campers play in additional chamber music ensembles and in band or orchestra (pianists may sing in choir). Music theory and history classes are also offered. Private lessons may also be available for a small additional fee. Admission to Camp Musica is based on ability; campers of any age may apply. Placement will be determined by audition (at the regular audition time for Camp Allegro Wichita).

Music Theory

Camp Allegro Wichita follows the Music Theory progressions of the Kansas Music Teachers Association. Campers complete a music theory worksheet at auditions to be placed in the appropriate class. Theory classes cover basic musicianship (rhythms, pitches, intervals, major and minor scales, harmony, etc.) and music history.

Instrumental Electives

Campers may elect to also play other instruments (string, band, keyboard and guitar) in addition to their primary instrument; campers who have no previous playing experience may take a beginning class. Fiddling and jazz improv (for all instruments) are additional classes campers may choose. Depending on availability, instruction may also include dulcimer, harp, and percussion instruments.

Art and Photography

We offer art and photography classes to expose our campers to other areas of artistic creativity and increase appreciation of all aspects of the arts.

Campers who enroll in art have the opportunity to work with a variety of media; our art instructor is an experienced artist and teacher whose classes include many creative activities for art students.

Our photography classes utilize digital cameras and campers are able to view and print their pictures as they learn about camera technique and the art of photography. A digital camera is not required but it is helpful if a camper is able to bring one; the camp has a limited number of cameras available.