Vocal Arts Camp (V.A.C.)

June 11-17, 2023

Open to rising 9th graders through recent high school graduates.

Camper singing on a stage while other campers watch

Vocal Arts

VAC will immerse, encourage and educate you in musicianship and healthy vocal production. No previous vocal training required. Attend voice instruction, acting and movement workshops and music literacy classes. Perform a mixture of solo, chamber and choral music on the final day. We invite friends and family to join us for this performance.

Learn More about the Department of Music

Campus Living

Get a taste of campus life as a Resident Camper, who sleeps overnight in the residence halls with a roommate. Or as a Commuter Camper, who leaves campus at night and returns to VAC the following morning. Both options provide you access to all VAC activities and meals. A daily drop-off/pick-up plan should be communicated with the Camp Director. Campers and families are welcome to park on campus. Campers are not permitted to drive during the camp. Keys may be collected by camp staff.

Chorus of campers practiving singing with conductor and piano player

Resident Campers: $525 which includes tuition, room (double occupancy), accident insurance, and most instructional materials, and three meals a day.

Commuter Camper: $425 which includes tuition, accident insurance, most instructional materials, and meals daily. However, many Commuter Campers choose to eat breakfast and/or dinner at home.

Registration deadline is May 12, 2023.

We have several talent and need-based scholarships available. To be considered for a scholarship, submit a recent video or audio recording, and a letter of recommendation to Maribeth Crawford at VACmurraystate@gmail.com. The recordings should contain at least one memorized song selection with an accompaniment. Scholarship submission deadline is April 28, 2023.

Voice Instruction: Work on healthy vocal production, diction, communication and style.
Musicianship Class: Develop sight reading skills to help learn music efficiently and accurately. Explore rhythmic, melodic and harmonic structures.
Acting for Singers: Engage in a series of improvisational exercises and dramatic preparation to help with character development of vocal repertoire.
Vocal Ensembles: Choir, Musical Theatre and A Cappella

Sunday

1-2 p.m. Check in
1:30-3 p.m. Move into residence hall (counselors are happy to help!)
3-4 p.m. Campus tour
4-5 p.m. Assessments in Choir Room led by Dr. Almquist
5-6 p.m. Pizza dinner and introduction of faculty and staff. Visit from College of Humanities and Fine Arts Dean and Assistant Dean
6-7 p.m. Musical Theatre rehearsal with Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Jung, choir room
7-7:45 p.m. Hearing of all singers, "My Country tis of Thee" or "Amazing," choir room
7:45-8:20 p.m. Choral rehearsal with Dr. Almquist and Mr. Arneson, choir room
8:30 p.m. Residence hall rules with Housing staff
10 p.m. Be in residence hall
11 p.m. Be in your room (counselors will check your room at this time)

Monday-Thursday

7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30-10 a.m. Choral Rehearsal with Dr. Almquist and Mr. Arneson, choir room
10-11 a.m. Music Theatre Rehearsal with Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Jung, dance space
11-11:30 a.m. A Cappella Rehearsal with Dr. Mitchell, choir room or Performing Arts Hall (PAH)
11:30 a.m. Lunch
1-2 p.m. Acting for Singers with Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Arneson, dance space
2-3 p.m. Voice lessons with Dr. Crawford and Mr. Jung in choir room and Dr. Mitchell and Mr. Arneson in PAH/practice time
3-4 p.m. Musicianship Class group Gold with Dr. Almquist in 547
3-4 p.m. Voice Lessons with Dr. Crawford and Mr. Jung in choir room and Dr. Mitchell and Mr. Arneson in PAH/practice time
4-5 p.m. Group song rehearsals with Dr. Crawford and Mr. Jung in choir room and Dr. Mitchell and Mr. Arneson in PAH/practice time
5 p.m. Dinner
6:30-7:30 p.m. Musical Theatre rehearsal with Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Jung, dance space
7:30 p.m. Evening Activity: Monday yoga with Dr. Carter, Tuesday bowling (starts at 7:00), Wednesday movie night, Thursday talent show/solo auditions for showcase
9 p.m. Free time
10 p.m. Be in residence hall
11 p.m. Be in your room (counselors will check your room at this time)

Friday

7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30-9:30 a.m. Showcase Solo Rehearsal in PAH with pianists and voice faculty/Music Literacy with Dr. Almquist in 547 Group Blue
9:30-10:30 Showcase Solo Rehearsal in PAH with pianists and voice faculty/Music Literacy with Dr. Almquist in 547 Group Gold
10:30-11:30 a.m. TBA
11:30 a.m. Lunch
1-3 p.m. Showcase Dress Rehearsal in PAH
3-1:30 p.m. Recruitment office visit in PAH
3-5 p.m. Trip to Bug & Bees for ice cream
5 p.m. Dinner
7 p.m. Evening Activity: Friday minute to win it games and photo booth