USM Summer Youth Music and Theatre Camps

About the Artist

Southern Maine Theater Academy - SMTA
Sunday, June 25 to Friday, June 30, 2023
for incoming 8th graders to outgoing 12th graders
Camp Director, Wil Kilroy
Overnight camp

This six-day resident camp gives students a basic understanding of performance concepts and introduces them to the skills needed to create a stage production: voice, improvisation, dance, scene study, character development, and other acting techniques. Students engage in performance exercises that will not only enhance acting talent, but also assist in developing imagination, confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills. In addition to gaining theatre skills, team work and collaboration are emphasized in a final public performance. All participants will be housed in a supervised residence hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus.



Southern Maine Youth Band Day Camp - SMYBDC
Monday, June 26 to Friday, June 30, 2023
for outgoing 5th graders to outgoing 6th graders
Camp Director, Melissa Shabo; Concert Band, John Morneau
Day Camp, 8:30 to 4:30 daily

This five-day commuter camp offers serious young instrumentalists a chance to sharpen their musical reading ability, instrumental skills, and concert band performance. Camp will provide daily concert band experience, jazz, instrument sectionals, ensemble classes, guest presentations, non-musical recreational activities, and choral group experience. Applicants must have played their instruments for at least one school year.



Southern Maine Music Academy - SoMMA
Saturday, July 8 to Saturday, July 15, 2023
for incoming 9th graders to outgoing 12th graders
Camp Director, Melissa Shabo; Concert Band, Will Kinne; Jazz Band, TBD
Overnight camp

This exciting, yet demanding, eight-day program gives high school musicians the opportunity for musical development through group and individualized instruction provided by qualified staff and professional musicians. All academy members will participate in concert band, instrument sectionals, and small ensembles. Students may also audition for jazz band. Academy members will enjoy free concerts performed by local musicians and daily recreational activities.



Southern Maine Choral Music Academy - SMCMA
Sunday, July 16 to Saturday, July 22, 2023
for incoming 8th graders to outgoing 12th graders
Camp Director, Melissa Shabo; Full Chorus Director, Rebecca DeWan
Overnight camp

This exciting, yet demanding, seven-day residential program gives choral musicians from grades 8-12 the opportunity for musical development through intensive group and individualized instruction provided by qualified staff and professional musicians. The Southern Maine Choral Music Academy is designed for singers seeking an intensive learning and performing experience in choral singing. All Academy members will participate in concert choir, voice class, sectionals, and small ensembles daily.



Southern Maine Junior Music Academy - SMJMA
Sunday, July 23 to Saturday, July 29, 2023
for incoming 7th graders to outgoing 8th graders
Camp Director, Melissa Shabo; Concert Band, John Morneau
Overnight camp

This seven-day program gives middle school-age instrumental musicians the opportunity for musical growth and development. All academy members will participate in concert band, chorus, instrument sectionals, and small ensembles daily. Students may also audition for jazz band. Academy members will also enjoy free concerts performed by local professional musicians and daily recreational activities.