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.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008- 4th Annual Orpheus Choral Festival
The 4th annual Orpheus 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 Orpheus Festival Chorus and the Simpson College Choir. The Choral Festival concert will be held in Smith Chapel at 7 pm. Under the direction of Timothy A. McMillin.
For repertoire and schedule information, click here
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 - 3rd Annual Simpson College Jazz Honor Band Festival
The Jazz Honor Band will consist of high school students nominated by their band director. The students will rehearse on the Simpson College campus with a guest director. Masterclasses on instruments and in improvisation will also be offered. The evening concert will feature the Simpson College Jazz Band, directed by Dave Camwell, followed by the Honor Band. Contact Dave Camwell, 515-961-1575, or register online.
For Jazz Honor Band Festival information, click here.
Thursday, January 15, 2009 - High School Honor Wind Ensemble Day
The 4th 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 Great Hall, at 7 pm.
For more information and registration forms, click here
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - Orpheus Middle School/Junior High Band Festival
This will be the 20th 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.
Thursday & Friday, January 22-23, 2009- Simpson College Jazz Festival
The 4th Annual Simpson College Jazz Festival provides many fantastic opportunities for hgh school and junior high age jazz ensembles. Guest clinicians will be announced soon.
For more Simpson College Jazz Festival information, click here.
June 14 - 19, 2009- Simpson College Summer Jazz Camp
An entire week of jazz studies for middle and high school students. Camp participants will have daily master classes, jazz improvisation and theory classes, jazz rehearsals and reading band sessions. Contact Dave Camwell at 515-961-1575 for application information or use the online registration form.
Online registration form
July 12 - 19, 2009 - Orpheus Music Festival
A wonderful music festival experience for high school musicians including classes in music theory and history, daily individual lessons available in voice, piano brass, wind, guitar and percussion instruments. Choral and instrumental ensembles and workshop training for operetta and musical theatre offer a wide variety of participation choices. Scholarships are available. Call 515-961-1637 after March 1, 2009 for application/scholarship information or download the registration form.
Online registration form