Hi everyone!

We’ve collaborated with the pros at Hoff-Barthelson Music School to bring you info about their fabulous summer arts program that’s especially for music and art lovers in grades 1 to 10, at any level of experience.

We recently attended their winter open house to learn how the program works, and saw the results in action. Summer alums played instruments and showcased their acting and improv talents to a group of wowed prospective parents.

Students’ favorite aspect of the program is that they are able to customize their schedule and focus on a variety of subjects including music technology, vocal instruction, chamber orchestra, instrument lessons, musical theater, and fine arts. Every parent meets with the camp director to create a personalized course of instruction that melds structured learning with time to experiment and have fun.

The program runs from July 1 to August 2nd and is available as a morning-only, afternoon-only, or extended day. It’s completely customizable to your child’s interests. The program is divided into three age groups:

Elementary Curriculum

Elementary students are kids entering grades 1 to 3. Their options include:

• Singing and Eurhythmics
• Class lessons on all orchestral instruments, guitar, ukulele, and piano
• Arts and Crafts
• Drama Workshop
• Weekly Concert

With the extended day feature, they can also take two of the following:

• Simple Symphony
• Composers Corner
• Piano for Non-Pianists
• Creative Keyboard
• World Drumming

Junior Curriculum

Juniors are students entering 4th to 6th grades. They can choose 4 of the following classes:

• Class lessons on all orchestral instruments, guitar, and piano
• Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Chorus
• Percussion
• Jazz Band
• Visual Art
• Weekly Concert
• Drama Workshop
• Music Technology/Composition
• Musicianship

With the extended day feature, they can also take two of the following:

• Simple Symphony
• Composers Corner
• Piano for Non-Pianists
• Creative Keyboard
• World Drumming
• Time for Chimes
• Chamber Music Workshop
• Advanced Jazz Workshop

Senior Curriculum

Seniors are students entering 7th to 10th grades. They can choose 4 of the following classes:

• Class lessons on all orchestral instruments, guitar, and piano
• Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, or Chorus
• Percussion
• Jazz Band
• Visual Art
• Weekly Concert
• Drama Workshop
• Music Technology/Composition
• Musicianship

With the extended day feature, they can also take two of the following:

• Piano for Non-Pianists
• Creative Keyboard
• World Drumming
• Time for Chimes
• Chamber Music Workshop
• Advanced Jazz Workshop

Extended Day Plus programs

Most classes end at 2pm, but there are two special programs that your kids will want to stay late for: Rock On! and the Musical Theater Workshop.

Rock On! is for kids entering 4th to 10th grade. This class features performance-based instruction open to all vocalists and instrumentalists. Hone your rock skills and develop stylistic technique while performing with a band! Enhance your understanding of rock. Write songs using Finale or Garage Band notation software and then record a demo – no experience necessary!

Musical Theater Workshop is for kids ages 9 to 15. Musical theater is a fun-filled way to learn multiple disciplines and skills! Improvisation, theater games, classical mime, “selling the song” in vocal performance, and basic theater dance are explored culminating in a final production. Past productions have included You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, School House Rock Live, Barnum, Seussical the Musical, The Wizard of Oz and Oklahoma!

With so much to do, it’s no wonder that this summer program draws kids year after year. They love expanding their musical understanding by taking a new instrument or learning about the technological side of the craft.

We caught up with kids and parents to discuss why they love the summer arts program at HBMS. Here’s a testimonial from 4-year alumnus and seventh grader Carli W: