Austin College hosted 94 middle and high school students from 14 school districts for Summer Music Camp Monday, June 10, 2024 through Friday, June 14, 2024.
Hosted by Austin College and operated by the Sherman Symphony Orchestra (SSO), Austin College Summer Music Camp (ACSMC) provides musical development through chamber music, electives, and large ensembles. SSO musicians, Austin College professors, and area music directors serve as camp faculty.
Leslie Whelan is Education Director of the SSO, as well as Director of ACSMC. Of this year’s camp, she said, “We are thrilled to be offering this program for a third year! Austin College Summer Music Camp is the first and only program of its kind in our region. Our students learn from fantastic teachers who represent Austin College, surrounding school districts, and the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. As a joint endeavor between the College and the SSO, ACSMC brings the experience and expertise of both entities to our students.”
In addition to instrumental and vocal instruction, the program provided several guest lectures by Austin College faculty for students to learn about subjects including music in film, world music, and even biochemistry.
Four recent Austin College graduates now working in music-related careers comprised a discussion panel to share their insights into using musical talents in the workforce in both traditional and non-traditional jobs. Participating alumni were music therapist Megan Chiu ’18, audio engineer Paola Matus Rheus ’20, music educator Zoe Rice Rheus ’20, and Toni Richardson ’20, who spoke about music performance and education.
To wrap up the week, participants put their new skills into practice with a final concert on Friday afternoon.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
