Sharing the joy of music will be a central theme of StFX’s 1st Annual Summer Music Camp this July, where youth aged 12-17 will have unparalleled opportunity to learn from nationally recognized professional musicians, make new friends, perform in a closing concert, and meet internationally renowned artists, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who will join the camp as special guests.
StFX Department of Music professors and camp directors Adrean Farrugia and Dr. Paul Rushka have designed an exciting week from July 2-7 where young musicians can either stay on campus at Marguerite Hall or participate as day campers. They’ll be taught by StFX music faculty, professional musicians who are among the best in Canada, and guests and will have a full agenda of fun activities including movie and games nights.
Special guests and Juno award winners Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will join campers on July 5 for a discussion and mini concert.
“We wanted to bring music and awareness into the community, and to help young musicians bolster their skill set,” says Prof. Farrugia on why the duo decided to create and offer the music camp.
“It’s really about outreach and connecting with people who share an interest and joy in music,” Dr. Rushka says.
Prof. Farrugia says they are excited about the camp as they were able to design an environment that they wanted for the kids that is inclusive and focuses on experiential learning.
“It’s really meaningful working with that age group,” he says. They’re curious and open to learning while also starting to think about narrowing the path they want to take in future.
“Just to be with them and to make a positive impact, to help solidify some of their goals and dreams, feels very meaningful. And it’s summer. It’s fun.”
“Sharing the joy of music with this group of people who hopefully feel the same is really meaningful for all of us,” Dr. Rushka says.
Campers will benefit from instruction from five StFX music faculty members as well as senior StFX students. Lessons will feature a mix of instrument-specific instruction, group activity, band sessions, and general music masterclasses.
“The faculty are some of the best and highly recognized musicians in the country. They are bringing diverse sets of experiences to the camp,” says Prof. Farrugia.
Also setting the camp apart is its style of music, a contemporary music style.
Highlights will include a final concert performed by camp participants in the Schwartz Auditorium as well as the day with the visiting artists. The organizers say it could be a lifechanging experience for the youth to hear from and be so close to international music superstars, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.
For more information on the StFX Summer Music Camp, please visit https://www.stfx.ca/department/music/stfx-music-camp
