Music

2009 - 2010 Music Festivals and Camps

The Simpson College department of music offers four festivals during the school year and two summer music camps for school age students.  Each festival and camp offers a different experience to the young musician.

Festivals

5th Annual Fall Choral Festival - Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The 5th annual Fall Choral Festival for high school choirs from around the state will feature events for directors, rehearsals of choral repertoire of the highest quality and will culminate with a concert featuring the Festival Chorus and Simpson College's  choral ensembles.  The Festival is under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin. 
The public is invited to the free evening concert, Tuesday, October 13 at 7 pm in Smith Chapel.
,For repertoire and schedule information, click here

4th Annual Simpson College Jazz Honor Band Festival - Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Jazz Honor Band will consist of high school students nominated by their band director.  Masterclasses on instruments and in improvisation will also be offered.  The evening concert will feature the Simpson College Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dave Camwell, followed by the Honor Band with special guest conductor Chad Eby. 
The concert is free and open to the public.  Tuesday, November 17 at 7 pm in Lekberg Hall, Amy Robertson Music Center.
Contact Dave Camwell, 515-961-1575, or register online.
For Jazz Honor Band Festival information, click here.

 

High School Honor Wind Ensemble Day - Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The 5th annual event for high school bands from around the state.  The day's events will culminate with an evening concert featuring the High School Honor Band under the direction of a guest conductor and the Simpson College Symphonic Band under the direction of Michael Eckerty.  The concert will be held in Pote Theater, Blank Performing Arts Center,  at 7 pm and is free and open to the public.
For more information and registration forms, click here

Orpheus Junior Band Festival - Thursday, January 21, 2010
This will be the 21st annual festival for junior high and middle school bands from around the state.  The day's events will culminate with a concert featuring the Orpheus Festival Band under a guest conductor's baton and the Simpson College Symphonic Band under the direction of Michael Eckerty.  The concert will be held in Pote Theatre, Blank Performing Arts Center, at 7 pm, January 21 and is free and open to the public.
Simpson College Jazz Festival - January 28 & 29, 2010
The 5th Annual Simpson College Jazz Festival provides many fantastic opportunities for hgh school and junior high age jazz ensembles.  Guest clinicians will be Dr. Eric Richards, trombonist/composer/arranger, Stockton Helbing, drummer/composer/producer, and Jeff Hiley, saxophone.  Call Dr. Dave Camwell, 515-961-1575, for details and registration information.
For more Simpson College Jazz Festival information, click here.

orpheuschoir

 

Simpson College Jazz Combo Camp - June 13 - 18, 2010
Directed by Dr. Dave Camwell, the Simpson College Jazz Combo camp will provide an intensive experience for those high school students, ages 14 - 18, looking to gain skills and appreciation in jazz and improvisation.  Faculty will include Dave Camwell, Jim Oatts, Jason Danielson, Jon Kizilarmut, Dave Kobberdahl, Dave Altemeir, John Benoit and Eric Kreiger.  Students will have many opportunities to work on their craft, and be able to hear the faculty perform nightly.  Contact: Dave Camwell at 515-961-1575 or camwell@simpson.edu for application information beginning January 15, 2010.


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Orpheus Vocal and Instrumental Festival - July 18 - 25, 2010
A wonderful music festival experience for high school musicians including classes in music theory and history, daily individual lessons available in voice, piano, guitar,wind and percussion instruments,  choral ensembles and workshop training for operetta and musical theatre as well as large and small instrumental ensembles and chamber music.  Scholarships are available.  Directed by Dr. Robert L. Larsen and Dr. Michael Eckerty and featuring Simpson College voice, piano,choral and instrumental faculty.  Call 515-961-1637 after March 1, 2010 for application/scholarship information.

Last Updated: 11/20/09