SFA to host band camps

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will once again host a series of band camps for middle and senior high school instrumentalists and drum majors during the month of June.

"For two weeks, students from across the state will rehearse and perform as members of various concert groups and receive instruction from a world-class teaching staff composed of SFA faculty and some of the best public school teachers in Texas," said Gary Wurtz, assistant director of the SFA School of Music.

Students entering 7th or 8th grade in the fall will arrive on campus Sunday, June 6, and stay through Friday, June 11, for the Middle School Band Camp. Each band will present a closing concert on Friday.

During that same week, 9th through 12th graders may attend one of two drum major camps. One will focus on corps style marching and the other on military style. Both will feature leadership seminars hosted by former Texas A&M drum major Nick Luggerio, the current director of bands at Huntsville High School.

The Senior High Band Camp will begin Sunday, June 13, and continue through Friday, June 18. Each of the bands formed during the camp will perform on the camp's last day, with Fred J. Allen, SFA director of bands, conducting the Honors Band and Dr. David W. Campo, SFA associate director of bands, conducting the Symphonic Band.

"SFA has been conducting a summer band camp program for over 50 years," Wurtz said. "It has proven to be one of our most effective recruitment tools and a positive experience for all involved."

For more information on any of the camps, please visit www.music.sfasu.edu/bandcamps or call the SFA band office at (936) 468-4702.