St. Olaf Summer Music Camp
June 21 - June 27, 2009

If you love music and want to spend time with others who love music just as much as you do -- and learn from some of the best faculty in the nation -- make the St. Olaf Music Camp the highlight of your summer. Join high school students from around the nation in an intense and exciting week of music making under the direction of the internationally acclaimed St. Olaf music faculty.

Days are filled with classes, lessons, rehearsals and time to practice, but that's not all. After a great meal and time to vist with new friends, you will enjoy faculty recitals, student recitals performances. Nights are reserved for social and recreational activities directed by camp counselors who are St. Olaf music students. Each day you can treat yourself to three delicious meals with a variety of healthy selections in Stav Hall. You can also enjoy browsing the music library, practicing or relaxing outdoors on our beautiful campus, or e-mailing a note home from our public computer terminals. You will return home with new skills, new energy, new friends and a heightened commitment to music.

Music camp is open to high school students who have completed grade 9, 10, 11 or 12.

The Program
This performanced-based experience will challenge and encourage you to stretch your musical abilities. Everyone participates in at least one large ensemble (band, choir or orchestra). Many campers participate in two major ensembles that meet twice a day. You will complete your day with elective classes you select, private lessons with St. Olaf faculty members and practice time. You may elect an optional package of two more private lessons for an additional fee. Evening performances include recitals by faculty, counselors and campers. Camp concludes with a series of recitals on Friday and a concert on Saturday featuring the camp band, choir and orchestra.

Major Ensembles

  • Band: Conducted by Timothy Mahr, conductor of the St. Olaf Band.

  • Choir: Conducted by Christopher Aspaas, conductor of the St. Olaf Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir

  • Orchestra: Conducted by Steven Amundson, conductor of the St. Olaf Orchestra and St. Olaf Philharmonia

Performances and Recitals
Campers not only make beautiful music, they are also treated to inspiring performances by St. Olaf faculty and the student staff. As the week progresses, campers are encouraged to sign up for evening recitals. Most of the classes conclude with a final performance, and the camp ends with a concert featuring the three major ensembles: band, choir and orchestra. Performances are open to the public.

Classes
Class offerings vary slightly from year to year. Classes include Ear Training, Chamber Music (Brass, Wind and String), Music Theory, Conducting Basics, Handbells, Jazz Improvisation, Musical Theater, Gospel Choir and Rhythm Workshop. New this summer is Songwriting.

Room and Board
Campers are housed two to a room in comfortable, secure student residence halls. Bedding and bath towel are provided. Counselors live in the residence hall and provide 24-hour supervision of campers. The college also provides a security staff that operates 24/7 year-round. Stav Hall, the college cafeteria, offers healthy choices including salad bar, hot entrees, grilled meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, and desserts that vary daily. Princeton Review ranks St. Olaf food service No. 4 in the nation for best campus food.

The Campus
St. Olaf College is located in historic Northfield, Minn. The self-contained campus is set atop beautiful Manitou Heights, offering striking views of neighboring farmland and the city of Northfield. This serene setting provides an ideal atmosphere for youth camps and other summer groups. Campers enjoy a beautiful, safe environment that fosters creativity in a nurturing environment. During the academic year, St. Olaf is home to about 3,000 students, nearly one-third of whom participate in some type of music organization.

Transportation Information
Since many campers come from out of state, we provide a shuttle service to and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport on Saturday abd Sunday prior to and at the conclusion of camp. Shuttle times, fees and printable reservation from. Shuttle reservations must be made two weeks prior to the start of camp.

Directions and campus map

Friends and Family Information
All camp recitals and performances are free and open to the public.

On-campus housing is available Friday evening for families of campers who arrive early to hear final class performances. Contact the conference office at 507-786-3042 or toll-free 800-726-6523 to inquier about availability and fees.

Saturday Lunch is available for families. The final day of camp begins with dress rehearsals and recital performances followed by a lunch and final concert. Lunch tickets for family and fiends may be purchased at the cafeteria door for $8.50.

Camp Fees
Comprehensive Fee: $550 before May 15, $600 after May 15
Fee includes housing in a college residence hall, all meals from the first dinner through the final lunch, class materials, two private lessons and a camp T-shirt.

Commuter Fee: $500 before May 15, $550 after May 15
Fee includes lunches and dinners for the first dinner through the final lunch (no breakfasts are included), class materials, two private lessons, and a camp T-shirt.

Camp Registration
It is easy to register for camp!

  • Register online on our secure site.

  • Download the registration form and mail or fax it to the St. Olaf Camp Office.

  • E-mail us at summer@stolaf.edu and we will put you on the mailing list.

Please call the camp office at 507-786-3042 or 800-726-6523 or e-mail us at summer@stolaf.edu if you have questions.