Young musicians playing their instruments

What is ISYM?

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Illinois Summer Youth Music

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ISYM is a comprehensive and intensive program of music instruction for student musicians. It is held on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For the past 59 years, Illinois Summer Youth Music has enrolled more than one thousand students annually. Many are now performing in major symphony orchestras and other professional ensembles. A significant number are successful teachers, engineers, scientists, lawyers, doctors, and business executives. ISYM has as its objectives to develop musical skills, and to improve the understanding and appreciation of music.

The 18 different camps are designed to challenge musicians of varying degrees in musical skills and development. Faculty members for ISYM are carefully selected and include those who understand both the developmental process and the needs of young student musicians.

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2008 Program Calendar

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ISYM Concerts Schedule

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2008 Program Calendar

First Session

June 15-21
Sunday thru Saturday (7 days)

Senior Bands
Senior Chorus
Senior Orchestra and Strings
Advanced Piano
Musical Theatre

Second Session

June 22-28
Sunday thru Saturday (7 days)

Junior Bands
Double Reed
Senior Flute
Junior Orchestra and Strings
Piano
Senior Trombone

Third Session

July 6-12
Sunday thru Saturday (7 days)

Junior Bands
Junior Chorus
Junior Jazz
Senior Jazz
Percussion
Junior Piano
Senior Saxophone
Junior Trombone

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Program Descriptions

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Session 1, June 15-21

SENIOR BANDS

(Grades 9-12; completed grade 8.)

Senior Bands is designed for senior high school wind and percussion players. The primary emphasis of the camp is on development of the finest musical organization possible through full rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, technique classes, sight-reading of new and standard band literature, and a review of basic fundamentals. A small number of brass, woodwind and percussion players will be selected to play exclusively in the Senior Orchestra.

Abel Ramirez,
California State University

Brian Logan,
Wheeling Township High School

SENIOR CHORUS

(Grades 9-12, SATB;completed grade 8)

Senior Chorus emphasizes advanced musical skills through choral performance. Classes are offered in voice, conducting, and musicianship. Performance skills are developed in full chorus, sectional rehearsals, small ensembles, and recitals. Soprano section applicants should apply as soon as possible after January 1 to receive maximum consideration.

Barrington Coleman,
University of Illinois

SENIOR ORCHESTRA

(Grades 9-12; completed grade 8.)

Senior Orchestra is designed for advanced high school string students, with emphasis on orchestral and chamber music performance. Students participate in orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, and technique classes emphasizing standard orchestral literature.

Eduardo Diazmuñoz,
University of Illinois

ADVANCED PIANO

(Grades 9-12) (late intermediate and advanced)

For junior high school and high school students at intermediate and advanced levels of performance. Daily repertoire lessons, musicianship classes, and elective classes are offered in the following: ensemble music, accompanying, and beginning jazz improvisation. Special recitals, demonstrations, and master classes complete the curriculum. Practice time is available on grand pianos in air-conditioned practice rooms.

Students must be prepared to play two contrasting, memorized pieces at the Placement Audition as part of the first day of camp and to sight-read early intermediate level material. This helps determine placement in lessons and musicianship classes.

Reid Alexander , Headmaster
University of Illinois

MUSICAL THEATRE

(Grades 9-12; completed grade 8.)

Musical Theatre is comprised of workshops designed to prepare interested singers/actors for musical theatre. Workshops in movement, physical conditioning, vocal technique, text study, vocal literature, coaching, stage craft, make-up, and diction. Submit with the application, a video recording that contains a performance of two songs that show your performing ability. Please limit the recording to 10 minutes. If you would like to audition live, please call to set up an audition. Recommendations by choral/musical directors are welcome. This camp is limited to 35 participants. To arrange a live audition please send an email to ISYM@music.uiuc.edu or call 217-244-3404.

Dawn Harris , Headmaster
University of Illinois

Session II, June 22-28

JUNIOR BANDS

(Grades 7-9; completed grade 6.)

Outstanding conductors have been chosen to direct these ensembles, and each band performs a concert at the end of each session. The daily schedule includes full rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, technique classes, and fundamental musicianship instruction. Several woodwind and percussion students from Session II will be selected to also participate in the Junior Orchestra.

Matthew Temple,
New Trier High School

Nicholas Konwerski

DOUBLE REED

(Grades 9-12; completed grade 8)

A camp focused on strengthening musicianship and fundamental technique for senior high school oboe and bassoon players. The schedule includes technique classes, master classes, individual supervised practice, large and small ensembles, and daily seminars.

Students will be exposed to a wide range of repertoire, gain perspective on all facets of double reed practice and performance; senior camp attendees will learn orchestral excerpts, and receive advice on preparing for college auditions.

John Dee and Timothy McGovern, co-headmasters
University of Illinois

SENIOR FLUTE
(Grades 9-12; completed grade 8, have a minimum of 4 years of flute experience, and be enrolled in private lessons.)

A camp focused on strengthening musicianship and fundamental technique for senior high school flute players. The schedule includes technique classes, master classes, individual supervised practice, large and small ensembles, and daily seminars. Students will be exposed to a wide range of repertoire, orchestral excerpts, and receive advice on preparing for college auditions in addition to gaining perspective on all facets of flute practice and performance.

Jonathan Keeble, headmaster
University of Illinois

JUNIOR ORCHESTRA/JUNIOR STRINGS

(Grades 6-9; completed grade 5)

The Junior Orchestra members participate in full orchestra. Daily schedule consists of both full and string orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, and technique classes. Wind, brass, and percussion members of the orchestra will be selected from the Junior Symphonic Band II, and will participate in both orchestra and band.

In Junior Strings, students participate in a specialized course of instruction that will help them improve their performance skills.

Junior Strings is for the intermediate string performer. The schedule consists of string orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, and technique classes.

Louis Bergonzi , conductor
University of Illinois

John Fetter, conductor

PIANO

(Grades 8-10) (intermediate and early advanced)

Christos Tsitsaros, headmaster
University of Illinois

SENIOR TROMBONE

(Grades 9-12; completed grade 9 through completed grade 12. Younger students may be considered by recorded pre-screening)

Focused on increasing both technical skills and musical expression, this camp is designed for trombonists. Daily schedule includes masterclass, technique class, individual supervised practice, individual solo literature coaching, and trombone choirs.

Elliot Chasanov, headmaster
University of Illinois

Session III, July 6-12

JUNIOR BANDS

(Grades 7-9; completed grade 6.)

Outstanding conductors have been chosen to direct these ensembles, and each band performs a concert at the end of each session. The daily schedule includes full rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, technique classes, and fundamental musicianship instruction. Several students from Session II will be selected to also participate in the Junior Orchestra.

Randy Sundell,
Vernon Hills High School

Jeff Daeschler,
AA Stagg High School

JUNIOR CHORUS

(Grades 7-9; completed grade 6.)

In Junior Chorus , instructors stress the development of musical skills through choral performance. Classes are offered in voice, theory, aural skills, and music appreciation. Performance experiences take place in full chorus, sectional rehearsal, and small ensembles. Soprano Section applicants should apply as soon as possible after January 1 to receive maximum consideration.

Joe Grant, conductor
University of Illinois

JUNIOR JAZZ

(Grades 7-9; completed grade 6)

Junior Jazz includes big band rehearsal, sectional training, jazz improvisation, combo instruction, jazz master classes, jazz listening seminar, and study of individual instrument technique. Only students with 3 years of playing experience will be accepted. Spaces are limited. Apply early!

Chip McNeill, conductor-headmaster
University of Illinois

SENIOR JAZZ

(Grades 9-12; completed grade 8)

Senior Jazz includes combo-based learning opportunitiesl, sectional training, jazz improvisation, jazz master classes, jazz listening seminar, and study of individual instrument technique. Only students with 3 years of playing experience will be accepted into Senior Jazz. Spaces are limited. Apply early!

Chip McNeill, conductor-headmaster
University of Illinois

JUNIOR PIANO
(Grades 7-9; completed grade 6)

For intermediate or early advanced levels of performance at the junior/middle school years. Daily repertoire lessons, musicianship classes and elective classes in the following: ensemble music, accompanying, and beginning jazz improvisation. Special recitals, demonstrations, and master classes complete the curriculum. Supervised practice time is available on grand pianos in air-conditioned practice rooms. Students should be prepared to play two contrasting, memorized pieces at the Placement Audition as part of first day of camp and to sight-read simple examples. This helps determine placement in lessons and musicianship classes. Younger students (Grades 7-8) are encouraged to apply to the Junior Piano Camp and not the Advanced Piano Camp.

Reid Alexander, headmaster
University of Illinois

SENIOR SAXOPHONE
(Grade 10-12; completed grade 9. Students must be in private study. Previous experience playing soprano, tenor or baritone saxophone in addition to alto is a plus.)

This camp offers a challenging environment for aspiring high school saxophonists interested in classical performance techniques. Through professional guidance the camp will bring together an array of different performance and learning experiences including, private lessons, master classes, topic seminars, saxophone quartet and saxophone choir. Students will have the opportunity to play multiple saxophones (soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones will be provided) and to be coached playing selected standard repertoire with piano accompaniment. The final concert will be open to the public and will include performances by saxophone soloists with piano, saxophone quartets, and saxophone choir conducted by Professor Debra Richtmeyer. Students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 are invited to apply. All qualified applicants will be accepted as long as space is available.

Debra Richtmeyer and Michael Holmes, co-headmasters
University of Illinois

JUNIOR TROMBONE

(Grades 6-9)

Focused on increasing both technical skills and musical expression, this camp is designed for trombonists in grade 6-9. Daily schedule includes masterclass, technique class, individual supervised practice, individual supervised practice, quartets and trombone choirs.

Elliot Chasanov, headmaster
University of Illinois

PERCUSSION

(Grades 10-12, completed grade 9. Student must also be enrolled in private lessons and have experience on timpani and mallet percussion.)

Instruction focuses on strengthening musicianship and fundamental technique for senior high school percussionists. The schedule includes technique classes, master classes, large and small ensembles, and daily seminars. Students will be exposed to a wide range of repertoire and gain perspective on all facets of percussion practice and performance, including drum set, world percussion, and steel drum. Camp attendees will also learn orchestral excerpts and receive advice on preparing for college auditions.

Ricardo Flores ,headmaster
University of Illinois

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Camp Information

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ISYM Concerts Schedule

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FACULTY

The ISYM instructional faculty includes nationally-recognized conductors and music educators from the University of Illinois School of Music and other acclaimed music institutions. Each year, prominent junior and senior high school specialists are selected to make up the dedicated and effective teaching staff.

COUNSELING STAFF

The counseling staff is comprised of dedicated men and women, many of whom are active public school teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and counseling skills. Counselors are responsible for the supervision of all student activities outside the class day and are on 24-hour call throughout the duration of the camp.

HOUSING AND FOOD

Students are scheduled to be housed in the Illinois Street Residence Halls on the University of Illinois campus. These are air conditioned residence halls situated somewhat apart from the mainstream of campus activities yet near ISYM instructional facilities.

Most campers share a room with a fellow camper. Roommates are assigned on the basis of age and camp in which they participate. A choice of roommate may be arranged prior to the beginning of camp by indicating preferences on the initial Application & Musical background Form. Mutual roommates must request each other. At least one counselor lives on each floor with a student to counselor ratio of 16:1. All campers must be in their rooms by 10:00 p.m. Resident campers receive three meals per day. Most meals are selected by university dieticians and are prepared and served in a residence hall cafeteria. Please contact our office regarding dietary restrictions.

THE CAMP DAY

Activities at Illinois Summer Youth Music begin at 8:00 a.m. and end with lights out at 10:30 p.m. Campers participate in a variety of experiences and instruction in University of Illinois air-conditioned practice and rehearsal facilities. These activities may include full or small ensemble rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, technique and repertoire classes, elective classes and supervised practice.

RECREATION

University and community recreational facilities are available to campers and include swimming, tennis, softball, volleyball, touch football, ping-pong, dancing, and a variety of indoor games. Time is set aside each day plus one evening each week, for campers to take advantage of these activities, which also include trips to attend movies. Each camper should provide his or her own equipment, such as tennis rackets, baseball gloves, and swim suits.

EVENING ACTIVITES

Music fills the evenings of ISYM students. There are student and faculty recitals and special concerts which complement the ISYM instructional programs. These have ranged in past summers from formal symphonic and choral concerts to outdoor band concerts to jazz and world music presentations. Concerts are held in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Music Building, Smith Memorial Hall, or residence halls. All performance facilities are air-conditioned, and these programs are supervised by the faculty and counselors.

CAMP PERFORMANCES

Most camps perform a program on the last day of the session. Organizations give final performances in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts or UI School of Music facilities. These are exciting events for everyone, and most campers consider these programs to be an exhilarating finale to their camp experience. Parents are cordially invited to attend these events. Admission is free.

MEDICAL AND INSURANCE ISSUES

Any medical costs incurred during the time of camp will be billed to the primary parent or guardian of the camper. In the case of serious illness or medical emergency the advice of the attending physician will be followed. In such an instance, a representative from ISYM will contact the primary parent or guardian as soon as possible.

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Applications & Fees

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WHO SHOULD APPLY?

ISYM camps are open to junior and senior high school students; most students should have completed the sixth grade prior to camp attendance. It is of the utmost importance to maintain musical balance in ISYM ensembles. Because of this, enrollment is limited. Please note: Junior and Senior Chorus sopranos, as well as all Senior and Junior Band campers are urged to apply as soon as possible after January 1 to receive maximum consideration.

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RESIDENT OR COMMUTER TUITION COSTS

RESIDENT: Anyone attending the camp and living in the dormitory; price includes all meals, housing, and instruction. Resident Tuition: $595.00* ($645 if attending a specialty camp)

COMMUTER: Anyone attending the camp and who does not live in the dormitory; price includes instructional costs but does not include meals or housing. Meal tickets may be purchased directly from the housing division if a commuting student chooses to eat in the dorm. Commuter Tuition: $375.00* ($425 if attending a specialty camp)

*Payment in full must be received by June 1, 2008. If this payment is not received, you will be assessed a $50 late fee.

TUITION DEPOSIT :

An tuition deposit of 100.00 is required with this form. This will be deducted from your final tuition payment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1. Application/Musical Background forms may be submitted to Illinois Summer Youth Music after January 1. Acceptance to ISYM will be based in part on evaluation of the musical background form provided and the date by which the application is received. It may not be possible to accept all qualified applicants due to space limitations within a given camp. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

2. Students will need the assistance (and signature) of school or private teachers in completing the student musical background portion of the form. Incomplete forms will be returned to the applicant.

3. Notification of enrollment status for ISYM will be sent by letter within 3-4 weeks after receipt of application. If accepted, the camper will receive an ISYM Acceptance Packet that will include preliminary instructions, map, registration information, health form, and audition information.

4. A completed ISYM Health Form must be returned with final payment to ISYM by mail. Students may not be enrolled without submitting a completed health form.

5. All campers will be asked to perform a placement audition as part of the ISYM registration process. This audition is used, in part, to determine appropriate placement within the camp enrolled.

REFUND POLICY

6. A tuition deposit of $100 (check payable to the University of Illinois) is required to be submitted with the Application & Musical Background form. When applying for more than one camp, separate Application/Musical Background forms must be used; if applying for more than one camp, you must submit two $100 payments. Applicants are still responsible for full tuition in the case of multiple camp applications. The $100 payment is non-refundable however this payment will be applied towards camp tuition. Refunds will be given in the following instances:

1. The full tuition deposit ($100) refund will be sent to applicants of a closed camp or camp section.

2. A partial tuition deposit ($70 + any early payment) refund will be sent to applicants who cancel prior to 3 weeks before the first day of camp or do not meet minimum camp requirements.

3. No refund of the tuition deposit ($100) or tuition will be given to applicants under the following circumstances: those who cancel during the 3 weeks prior to the first day of camp, those who depart from camp early, or arrive to camp late. Due to costs being set based on enrollment we are unable to offer any other refund options.

DISCLAIMER

1. Illinois Summer Youth Music reserves the right to assign each applicant according to his/her placement audition that takes place on the first day of camp. ISYM also reserves the right to reassign the seating of a student at any time, as determined by the conductor and/or faculty.

2. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within three weeks prior to the start of camp, absence, or early departure. Campers arriving early or departing late must contact the ISYM office (Phone: 217.244.3404) at least two weeks in advance in order to make appropriate arrangements and extra payments for additional housing costs; meals are only provided when camp is in session.

4. Campers accepted for participation in ISYM are expected to attend all instructional classes and required performances including final concerts except for illness or other pre-approved circumstances

5. Any medical costs incurred during the time of camp will be billed to the primary parent or guardian of the camper. In the case of serious illness or medical emergency, the advice of the attending physician will be followed. In such an instance, a representative from ISYM will contact the primary parent or guardian as soon as possible

6. Campers may not bring or operate any mechanical transport vehicles

7. Campers are responsible for keeping their dormitory room door locked. ISYM is not responsible for loss of or damage to one's property, induced accident or injury, costs of improper use of fire alarms, and any other expense incurred by the student while attending ISYM.

8. ISYM reserves the right to withhold privileges and/or dismiss any camper at any time for any of the following reasons: possession or use of alcohol or illicit drugs, unacceptable dress, vulgar or discriminatory language, or improper conduct.

PLACEMENT AUDITION

All campers will be asked to audition for ensemble placement. This short audition will take place on the first day of camp.

SUMMARY

Each camp has its own faculty of specialists. Each course of study has its own curriculum designed to meet the needs of those students enrolled. Illinois Summer youth Music is sponsored by the Office of Outreach and Public Engagement of the School of Music at the University of Illinois for additional information, please contact:

Illinois Summer Youth Music
University of Illinois
1114 W. Nevada Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 244-3404

Fax: (217) 244-7767
www.music.uiuc.edu

ISYM@music.uiuc.edu

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Contact Us

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For additional information, please contact:

Illinois Summer Youth Music
University of Illinois
1114 W. Nevada Street
Urbana, IL 61801

Phone: 217 / 244-3404

Please e-mail us with questions.

Download an ISYM application

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