NMSU branding

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University

News Center


Search News Center Articles





Annual Aggie Band Camp for high school students commences this week

Date: 06/24/2010
Writer: Donyelle Kesler, 575-646-6233, dkesler@nmsu.edu

New Mexico State University's third annual Summer Youth Wind Ensemble camp is giving high school students from around the state and El Paso the opportunity to experience the highest level of wind ensemble literature.



New Mexico State University Associate Director of Bands Monty Hill conducts 72 high school participants at the third annual NMSU Summer Youth Wind Ensemble camp which will conclude with a free concert on Saturday, June 26, at NMSU's Atkinson Recital Hall. (NMSU photo by Harrison Brooks)

The day camp, that began Wednesday, includes wind ensemble rehearsals, all-state master classes and optional sessions for student leadership each evening. Seventy-two participants from all over the state and El Paso have the chance to meet other high school musicians and prepare for a concert that will wrap up the camp at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at NMSU's Atkinson Recital Hall.

"It is very important that high school musicians practice during the summer," said Associate Director of Bands Monty Hill. "This camp offers students an incentive to practice during the summer and keeps them active in the arts while school is out."

Participants meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday rehearsing a variety of music and working closely with NMSU faculty members. Friday, NMSU faculty members Hill, Ken Van Winkle and others will be presenting master class work, in which students are divided by instrument sections for individual instruction.

Incoming NMSU freshmen, All-State, Southwest Honor Band members and Las Cruces All-City members were able to attend the camp at no costs making a large population of the camp participants some of the best in the state.

"This is a great way to get kids on our campus and is a great recruiting tool," Hill said.

Saturday's concert is free and open to the public. For more information contact Hill at 575-646-3319.