Music

2011 - 2012 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

Simpson College High School Choral Festival - Tuesday, October 1, 2011
The 7th 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 Dr. Timothy A. McMillin. 
The public is invited to the free evening concert, Tuesday, October 11 at 7 pm in Smith Chapel.
For repertoire and schedule information, click here
For more information or to register your choir members, email Dr. McMillin

Simpson College Jazz Honor Band Festival - Tuesday, November 15, 2011
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, featuring John Kizilarmut, Stephen Page, and John Benoit.  The evening concert will feature the Simpson College Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Oatts, followed by the Honor Band. 
The concert is free and open to the public.  Tuesday, November 15 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.
Video highlights of the 2010 Simpson Jazz Honor Band

Orpheus Junior Band Festival - Tuesday, January 17, 2012
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 at 7 pm, January 17 and is free and open to the public.

High School Honor Wind Ensemble Day - Thursday, January 19, 2012 The 6th 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 Dr. Michael Eckerty.  The concert will be held in Pote Theatre at 7 pm and is free and open to the public.
For more information and registration forms, click here

Simpson College Jazz Festival - January 26 & 27, 2012
The 7th Annual Simpson College Jazz Festival provides many fantastic opportunities for hgh school and junior high age jazz ensembles.  Call  or email Dr. Dave Camwell, 515-961-1575, for details and registration information.
For more Simpson College Jazz Festival information, click here.

 

 

Summer Camps

Simpson College Jazz Combo Camp  - June 10 - 15, 2012
 Directed by Dr. Dave Camwell, the Simpson College Jazz Combo camp will provide an intensive experience for those high school students, ages 12 - 19, looking to gain skills and appreciation in jazz and improvisation.  Faculty will include Dave Camwell, Jim Oatts, James Bunte, Jason Danielson, John Kizilarmut, Dave Kobberdahl, Seth Hedquist, Dave Altemeier, John Benoit and other talented professional jazz musicians.  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 dave.camwell@simpson.edu for application information. Visit the Jazz Combo Camp website.


 

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Orpheus Music Festival  - July 15 - 22, 2012
 An exciting music festival experience for high school musicians including classes in music theory and history and daily individual lessons. The festival will also include ensembles and workshop training for operetta and musical theatre. Featuring Simpson College faculty. Scholarships are available. Call: (515) 961-1637 for application and scholarship information beginning March 1st.

 

orpheuschoir

 

 

Last Updated: 11/18/11