Upper Midwest String Camp 2022

Upper Midwest String Camp for Grades 7-12
The College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN - map
July 24–29, 2022 for students
July 23–29, 2022 for interns, counselors and faculty

After being cancelled two years in a row due to Covid, we are thrilled that our camp took place in person this summer.

General Information

The Upper Midwest String Camp began at the Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1979. In 2007 it moved to the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. This is the ideal summer program for 7th through 12th grade students eager to develop their string playing through chamber music, string orchestra and technique classes. On the first day of camp, teachers hear students play to assess their experience in order to divide students according to age and ability for daily orchestra and chamber group rehearsals. The faculty of distinguished artist-teachers is aided by a corps of outstanding college student teaching interns, making possible considerable individual attention.

Student Details

There is no entrance audition; students are accepted in the order in which they apply. There has been a small pool of scholarship money available to assist students who otherwise not be able to attend; contact camp director Dr. J. David Arnott jdavidarnott@gmail.com for scholarship information.

Intern Opportunities & Dorm Counselor Opportunities

The Upper Midwest String Camp needs college interns to assist faculty in sectional rehearsals and technique classes. One intern is also needed to serve as an administrative assistant to help organize the chamber music program. Interns and faculty share coaching of student chamber groups — the students have the faculty coach for half the session and the intern coach for the other half of each daily session. Interns and faculty participate in daily pedagogy discussion and mentoring. Interns also have opportunities to observe student orchestral rehearsals and to participate in the faculty/intern solo and chamber music recital. The final chamber recital by the students is often a highlight for interns as they hear the success they have helped to foster.

Dorm counselors are also needed. Counselors assist the recreation director during meals and students’ free time, live in dorms with students and monitor nightly curfew. Counselors have opportunities to observe student classes and orchestra rehearsals. March 31, 2022 will be the application deadline for Teaching Intern & Counselor positions.

Contact camp director Dr. J. David Arnott jdavidarnott@gmail.com or 32.0-493-1862 if you have questions.