Fine Arts Summer Camps - July 11-22, 2011

Band Camp photos

Band Camp Concert photos

Music Camps photos

For two weeks in July, students from across Arizona and other states came to International Baptist College (IBC) to participate in the 2011 Fine Arts Summer Camps. The students had a great opportunity to advance musically while fellowshipping with fellow Christians. At the end of each week, they showed their progress in a concert for family and friends.

Band Camp

Band Camp was held the first week for students in 5th through 12th grades. The students were split into three bands based on their skill level. Beginners participated in Cadet Band, intermediate students in Concert Band, and advanced students played in Symphonic Band. The guest conductor was Dr. Bruce Cox, the department head of instrumental studies at Bob Jones University. Other staff members included Susie Yuen, Karen Kuehman, and Rebecca Conrad.

To give the kids a break from practice, there were scheduled free times as well as organized games. During game time, students relived important battles throughout history such as England's War of the Roses or the life-sized game of the popular conflict between angry avians and thieving swine.

The most important part of the day was the chapel services. Mr. Chris Ball and IBC Dean of Students Nathan Mestler were the speakers this year, with Mr. Chris speaking at the morning chapel and Nathan in the evening. The students were shown clear biblical truths and how to apply those truths in everyday life. Many decisions were made during camp ranging from respecting parents to sharing faith. Three girls accepted Christ as their Savior during the two weeks of camp.

Music Camp

Music Camp, held the second week, differed from band camp in several ways. The instruments were limited to strings, piano, and voice. The camp was smaller and students spent more time in personal and small group practices. Junior high and high school students chose from three separate tracks on which to concentrate. The strings program was headed up by Eunice and Christie Elie. Katie Kelting worked with the piano students, and John Giger helped students who came for vocal advancement.

When they weren't practicing, the campers this week had free time, games, and chapel. Tri-City Baptist Church's Assistant Youth Pastor Jason McDonnell and Mr. Nathan Mestler spoke at the chapels this week. One of the most exciting activities during Music Camp was the watermelon drop after lunch on Wednesday. The campers were divided into five teams and each team was given fifteen minutes to protect a watermelon as best as they could to survive a thirty-foot drop. (None of the watermelons survived.)

Discover Music! Camp for Kids

Discover Music! Camp for Kids was also held during the second week. This program for students in 1st through 6th grades introduced students to many fundamental elements of music, such as rhythm and theory. Discover Music! was led by music teachers Dr. Karen Kuehman and Beth Christensen. Students focused on the continents of Africa and Australia, learning music and creating crafts from those areas of the world. On Friday, the campers held an “informance” in the morning to show their parents what they had learned and also participated in the Friday evening concert with Music Camp.

These two weeks of camp are a wonderful opportunity for students to improve their music skills and meet other young Christian musicians. For some campers, it is a rare opportunity to spend time with other Christians their own age. The students learned about God during both weeks and made many decisions that will change their lives.

Upcoming Events

IBC now looks forward to the 2011 Youth Conference Explore Today which will be held November 3-4 with keynote speaker Mr. Nathan Mestler. More information and conference registration will soon be available. Mark your calendars now for the 2012 Fine Arts Summer Camps: Band Camp, July 9-13; Music Camp, July 16-20; Discover Music! Camp for Kids, July 16-20.