FSU has been conducting music camp for 75 years

Every summer for the last 75 years, young musicians from all over the region have descended upon the FSU College of Music, instruments in tow. They are seeking expert instruction in piano, wind and string…

Every summer for the last 75 years, young musicians from all over the region have descended upon the FSU College of Music, instruments in tow. They are seeking expert instruction in piano, wind and string instruments, voice, drums, guitar and marching band, as well as composition, improvisation, theory and music history. With 14 different music camps offered, the opportunities to learn and grow are plentiful. One of Florida State University’s more unusual music camps focuses on tuba and euphonium, or “low brass,” a designation that refers to the pitch of the instruments.

Hailing from all over Florida and three other states, 25 campers ages 11-17 signed up for a week’s worth of guidance in polishing their low brass skills.

At age 15, Amelia Rigano has been to many band camps, but this was her first time at FSU.

Comparing her experiences, she noticed that “they get more into the depth of things here. I get more of an explanation here.” Hunter Taliaferro, 16, also prefers FSU’s camp. “This is the best camp if you want to hone your skills because other places don’t have the fundamentals,” Hunter said. Ulyana Shumnyk, 16, agreed. “When we’re in our band settings at home, it’s really hard to focus on individual groups and since low brass never has the melody, they’re never the main event of the show.

Here we learn how to get a fuller sound and improvement of our range.” These large instruments might seem unwieldy for youngsters.

Brenna Dowd, 16, said that “starting with tuba was really interesting, especially other people’s reactions when you tell them that you’re a tuba player and you’re 100 pounds.” She feels strongly, however, that “it’s something that you can definitely manage.”

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