I am often asked about summer music camps. There are a ton of options out there. Many are quite expensive, frankly, and often far away. But luckily, we have two excellent (and less expensive) options right here in our “backyard”. Both are overnight camps. Both are available to middle and high schoolers. One is located on the UMO campus and the other on the Colby College campus. Both start on July 12 and run for 6-7 days. And both have open enrollment.

The Maine Summer Youth Music Camp at the University of Maine, Orono, runs from July 12 to 17. Pick this camp if you want a big, classic summer camp feel with the excitement of a large university campus, and want a balanced mix of traditional social fun alongside various rehearsals. They have Jazz Ensemble, String Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Musical Theatre, and Chorus. Tuition = $795.

The Maine Jazz Camp at Colby College, runs from July 12 to 18. Pick this camp if you want an immersive jazz experience in small ensembles directed by jazz artists from NYC. This camp is designed primarily for students on a jazz track who want to study with renowned professional jazz artists. Tuition = $1050. Enroll by June 1 to avoid a late fee.