School of Music’s summer camp helps young musicians improve their craft

Riverside, Calif. (July 24, 2018) – Young aspiring musicians reached for the sky in unison as Dr. Guy Holliday had them stretch and practice breathing exercises.

“It’s super important you learn how to breathe well so you can play well,” said Holliday, assistant professor of music and director of bands at California Baptist University.

More than 120 students signed up for the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music’s Summer Music Camp at CBU that runs through July 27.

The camp is under the umbrella of CBU’s Young Musicians Program, a collaboration with Inland Empire Musical Arts, a nonprofit that offers music classes to youths in the community. Participants choose from one of three options: choir camp, for fourth through 12th-graders, string orchestra or concert band, both open to sixth through 12th-graders.

“Music camps give the participants an opportunity to maintain and improve their singing or playing through the summer,” Holliday said.

The camps also provides students with an opportunity to be a part of an ensemble with participants from many different schools, and to learn more from college professors and other music professionals about their instrument or voice, Holliday added.

Campers’ activities included ensemble rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, theory classes, master classes, private lessons and an ensemble performance at the end of their camp experience.

The camps also provide an opportunity for community engagement, Holliday said. Additionally, they provide real-world experience for the CBU music students who are helping with the camp, Holliday added.   

“Any time we can have students on our campus to experience the facilities, food and interact with staff and faculty, it is a win for CBU,” Holliday said. “Hopefully, they can sense the caring, Christian atmosphere here and make a positive connection for the future.”