Summer Music Camp

Recognizing the unique opportunities for personal growth that are inherent in a resident camp experience, the Chorus School holds its camp for seven to ten days each summer. Choristers are involved in a vigorous musical and recreational program. The combination of a structured music program, recreational activities and a peaceful rural setting enables each singer to dedicate her attention to musical and social development. She will make rapid daily progress in mastering repertoire, music theory, and drama/dance techniques. An intensive period of music study gives a stronger sense of musical self-confidence. Through the camp experience, choristers get to know each other better and grow to appreciate their common bond of music. The camp experience is one of the most treasured memories of SFGC Alumnae.

At camp, each chorister participates in the shaping of the newly formed Levels following June graduation, promotion, and auditions. Each Level is unique in its character, strengths, tone quality, and growth. Camp provides the opportunity to formulate the new ideals and tone quality that characterize each Level throughout the year. It is also essential for preparation of fall, Christmas, and spring repertoire as well as choreography.

Camp also provides the opportunity for Chorissima and Level IV choristers who may be participating in the fall San Francisco Opera and Symphony season to prepare the necessary repertoire.

Attendance at Camp
Attendance at Music Camp is required for Level III, Level IV, and Chorissima, and is generally recommended for Level II choristers. Level II choristers who attend Camp experience more rapid growth and ease of fellowship throughout the year in the Chorus School.

Choristers are expected to be present and to participate fully in all Camp rehearsals and group activities. Special privileges of choristers arriving late, leaving and returning, or leaving early from Camp are disruptive to the individual level's curriculum, other choristers, Camp staff and Chorus faculty. If a chorister must be sent or return home for any reason, she may not be able to continue her participation in the Girls Chorus program.

Should any chorister from Level III or IV not attend Summer Camp, she must return in January, not the September following Camp. In this way, choristers who attend Camp are not held back while others learn the Camp repertoire for fall performances. The Camp curriculum is structured and designed for choristers beginning or returning in the fall to full participation within the Chorus School program.

All levels should check Camp dates in the fall Chorus Calendar and plan to be available to participate fully. Chorissima and Level IV have Day Camp during the week before the resident Camp.

Plan ahead
Level III choristers who hope to be promoted should make plans to attend Level IV Day Camp, as well as the Residence Camp. Level II choristers who hope to be promoted should plan to attend Residence Camp. Level I choristers should plan to attend Residence Camp if they are promoted into Level II and would like to participate in the camp experience.

General Information and Policies
Phone calls and visits: Choristers do not call home. Parents are not allowed to visit camp. All camp contact goes through the San Francisco Chorus Office. Parents are asked to call the office with messages or concerns, and the staff will forward them to the camp staff. Campers stay busy throughout each day and evening with rehearsals, music theory study, dance, group musical events, and recreational activities.

It is necessary to maintain consistent standards regarding choristers' communications with family members while at camp. This is for the benefit of the Chorus as a whole - if one chorister is given special privileges, everyone must be afforded the same opportunity. We encourage parents and friends to send mail frequently, and choristers are encouraged to write letters home.

Items to bring and not to bring to Camp: A list of items to bring to camp is enclosed in the camp packet distributed in early spring. All clothes, luggage, sleeping bags, pillows, and other personal items should be clearly labeled.

Choristers should not bring any electronic equipment: laptops, gameboys, sound equipment, cell phones, pagers, CD players, personal digital assistance (PDA’s), virtual pets, hair dryers, curling irons, clothes irons, clock-radios. Expensive cameras and jewelry should be left at home, as well. Choristers are encouraged to get to know each other, to work on music repertoire, and study vocal technique. Distractions from these areas are discouraged.

Practice overnight stays: For younger choristers who have not stayed away from home, practice staying overnight at friends' and relatives' homes is essential. Do not let Chorus Camp be a chorister's first experience staying away from home and family.

Camp forms: Camp forms are distributed in the early spring.

Financial Aid: The Chorus has a need-based financial aid program to assist families with the cost of Camp, if necessary. Application forms are available from the Chorus office. The application deadline is stated on the Camp forms. Financial aid is allocated according to the level of need by a Board of Directors' Committee, which meets to consider applications. Please call the Chorus office for further questions or clarification.

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