Performance Areas

Scroll down to see all performance areas: Guitar, Keyboard, Percussion, Strings, Voice, and Winds!

These activities give an idea of what campers of each instrument area can explore. Some activities, such as lessons, masterclass, and primary ensemble(s), are part of the core for all campers. Others are options from which campers can select based on their audition placement and schedule.

Cannon Music Camp is committed to providing comprehensive music instruction for instrumentalists and vocalists. Hayes School of Music faculty, along with visiting artists and teachers, are in residency to provide all instruction and training. Students may pursue additional interests as time allows, and fee-based secondary lessons are available as schedules permit.

Audition placement for our ensembles & placement with your studio professor are scheduled for the first Sunday at 12:30 P.M. You may also audition on a secondary instrument/voice.

Guitar

(Classical and Jazz)

Participants in Cannon Music Camp's Guitar program have a variety of opportunities to pursue performance on their respective instrument, both individually and as a member of numerous ensembles.

Activities for guitar students can include:

Guitar Ensemble - A small ensemble class designed to give students exposure to and experience with classical guitar music written for more than one player.

Guitar Literature - A class designed to broaden the student's knowledge and understanding of the wide range of literature written for the guitar.

Jazz Ensembles - Represent a significant part of the popular guitar curriculum. These ensembles are directed by nationally known instructors that provide expert instruction and rehearsal techniques. Students who participate in the jazz curriculum are encouraged to pursue Jazz Improvisation as part of their schedule. Guitarists interested in jazz may audition for one of three jazz ensembles. Each jazz ensemble rehearses daily and performs once during the camp session.
Jazz Improvisation - The jazz improvisation class is available to all instruments and vocalists who are wanting to gain exposure to the basics of jazz theory, jazz language and jazz style through the experience of jazz improvisation. No audition required for this combo style class!

Jazz Theory - Provides an introduction to the elements of jazz harmony and scales unique to the style.

Music Theory - All Cannon Camp participants study the forms and structure of music at one of four levels, as determined by placement test administered at the beginning of the camp session.
Individual Lesson - All students receive a weekly one-hour individual lesson on their primary instrument.
Masterclass - All students participate in a weekly masterclass, a supportive group learning format in which students play for the lesson instructor and their lesson studio. Performers receive helpful feedback that benefits the entire studio.
Piano Class - For an additional charge, a beginning level introduction to keyboard skills is open to students with no prior piano experience.

Keyboard

(Classical Piano)

Participants in Cannon Music Camp's keyboard program have a variety of opportunities to pursue their interest in performing and learning about keyboard instruments. Our computer labs have keyboards, so please due to space, do not bring your keyboard/stand. If you are interested in the Organ, please contact the camp administrator to see if Dr. Joby Bell will be present in the summer for lessons.

Activities for keyboard students can include:

Piano Chamber Ensemble - a small ensemble class designed to give students exposure to and experience with piano music written for more than one player.
Piano Literature - a class intended to broaden the student's knowledge and understanding of the wide range of literature written for the piano.
Music Theory - All Cannon Camp participants study the forms and structure of music at one of four levels, as determined by placement tests administered at the beginning of camp session.
Individual Lesson - All students receive a weekly one-hour individual lesson on their primary instrument.
Masterclass - All students participate in a weekly masterclass, a supportive group learning format in which students play for the lesson instructor and their lesson studio. Performers receive helpful feedback that benefits the entire studio.
Piano Class - a beginning level introduction to keyboard skills is open to students with no prior piano experience. (Optional, additional fee)- You would take this class if you are NOT a Piano Major - see Camper Handouts for registration form. (Available Spring 2023)
Jazz Improvisation - The jazz improvisation class is available to all instruments and vocalists who are wanting to gain exposure to the basics of jazz theory, jazz language and jazz style through the experience of jazz improvisation. No audition required for this combo style class!

Piano students do not normally perform in the Ensembles or Finale Concerts, and due to that, the piano students are not as busy as the other students. The Piano instructor will present a piano recital for the students who wish to perform, in our Recital Hall during the final week. The concert will be streamed for the familes and friends to view. Piano students should intend on participating in our Concert Choir or Treble Choir and Alexander Technique classes. If you perform on another instrument, please the audition information for that instrument on the first Sunday as well.

View audition placement on Piano

Percussion

(Snare Drum-Mallets-Timpani-Drumset)

Participants in Cannon Music Camp's percussion program have a variety of opportunities to pursue their interest in performance, both individually and as a member of numerous ensembles, large and small.

Activities for percussionists can include:

Large Ensemble - Students are placed by audition into the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, or Symphonic Band. It is conceivable, due to enrollment and ensemble needs, that percussionists may participate in as many as two of the large ensembles.
Jazz Ensembles - Those percussionists who have jazz and drum set interest may audition for one of three jazz ensembles. Each jazz ensemble rehearses daily and performs once during the camp session.
Jazz Improvisation - The jazz improvisation class is available to all instruments and vocalists who are wanting to gain exposure to the basics of jazz theory, jazz language and jazz style through the experience of jazz improvisation. No audition required for this combo style class!
Percussion Ensemble - All percussion students will be included in percussion ensemble and this group meets daily. Past performances of this ensemble have featured literature representing a variety of genres, including: "classic" concert percussion by composers such as Varese, Cage, Harrison, Cowell, and Chavez; contemporary concert percussion which have included premieres of works; fusion pieces utilizing a rhythm section, percussion, and mallets; and mid-East performance on middle-Eastern Rigs, North African Tars, and Irish Bodhrans. This ensemble performs once during the camp session.
Music Theory - All Cannon Music Camp participants study the forms and structure of music at one of four levels, as determined by placement test administered at the beginning of the camp session.
Individual Lesson - All students receive a weekly one-hour individual lesson on their primary instrument.
Masterclass - All students participate in a weekly masterclass, a supportive group learning format in which students play for the lesson instructor and their lesson studio. Performers receive helpful feedback that benefits the entire studio.
Piano Class - a beginning level introduction to keyboard skills is open to students with no prior piano experience (Optional, additional fee). See Camper Handbook for registration forms. (Available Spring 2022)

View audition placement in Percussion

Strings

(Violin-Viola-Cello-String Bass-Harp)

Participants in Cannon Music Camp's String Program have a variety of opportunities to pursue their interest in performance, both individually and as a member of a chamber ensemble, as well as in large ensemble settings. The faculty, made up of both App State and visiting artists, provide all instruction and training. Campers also have the added benefit of coaching sessions, master classes, and open rehearsals.

Activities for string students can include:

Symphony Orchestra performs standard orchestral repertoire and often has the opportunity to accompany guest artists in performance.
String Orchestra performs repertoire without the symphonic compliment of winds/percussion and focuses on the continued development of ensemble playing and string sonorities.
Chamber Ensembles - Each string student is placed into a trio or quartet for small ensemble exposure to both chamber literature and performance. These ensembles meet weekly and are coached by the CMC string faculty.
Music Theory - All Cannon Camp participants study the forms and structure of music at one of four levels, as determined by placement test administered at the beginning of the camp session.
Individual Lesson - All students receive a weekly one-hour individual lesson on their primary instrument.
Masterclass - All students participate in a weekly masterclass, a supportive group learning format in which students play for the lesson instructor and their lesson studio. Performers receive helpful feedback that benefits the entire studio.
Jazz Improvisation - The jazz improvisation class is available to all instruments and vocalists who are wanting to gain exposure to the basics of jazz theory, jazz language and jazz style through the experience of jazz improvisation. No audition required for this combo style class!
Piano Class - a beginning level introduction to keyboard skills is open to students with no prior piano experience (Optional, additional fee).

View audition placement in Strings

Voice

(Chamber Singers-Jazz Vocal-Concert Choir-Treble Choir)

Participants in Cannon Music Camp's Vocal Studies program have a variety of opportunities to pursue their interest in singing, both individually and as a member of an ensemble. The App State Vocal Faculty, along with visiting faculty members, are in residency to provide all instruction and training.

Activities for voice students can include:

Chamber Singers is an auditioned group of 16-24 singers that performs a variety of choral literature from all stylistic periods.
Jazz Vocal Ensemble is a mixed voice ensemble of 12-16 singers focused on the performance practices of jazz repertoire from the swing, latin and ballad styles. No experience
in jazz choir or jazz music is required. All vocalists and instrumentalists who sing are welcome to audition!
Concert Choir is a non-auditioned group of 100+ singers and is open to all campers. The Concert Choir performs a wide range of selections representing both classical and popular styles.
Treble Choir Is a non-auditioned group of soprano and alto voices that perform music written specifically for treble voices.
Voice Classes - classes designed to enhance aspects of individual performance, separate and apart from private study. Class topics will be chosen and formatted from the following: movement (Eurhythmics, Alexander Technique), diction, song literature, and stage presence.
Music Theory - all Cannon Camp participants study the forms and structure of music at one of four levels, as determined by placement test administered at the beginning of camp session.
Individual Lesson - All students receive a weekly one-hour individual lesson on their primary instrument.
Masterclass - All students participate in a weekly masterclass, a supportive group learning format in which students play for the lesson instructor and their lesson studio. Performers receive helpful feedback that benefits the entire studio.
Jazz Voice Lessons - Singers (and campers of any primary instrument) can add Jazz Vocal Lessons as their optional secondary lessons for an additional fee. These lessons offer vocal study with a focus on efficient and healthy technique through practice and performance of jazz and contemporary repertoire.
Jazz Improvisation - The jazz improvisation class is available to all instruments and vocalists who are wanting to gain exposure to the basics of jazz theory, jazz language and jazz style through the experience of jazz improvisation. No audition required for this combo style class!
Piano Class - a beginning level introduction to keyboard skills is open to students with no prior piano experience (Optional, additional fee). )

View audition placement in Voice

Winds

(Flute-Oboe-Clarinet-Bassoon-Saxophone-Trumpet-French Horn-Trombone Euphonium-Tuba)

Participants in Cannon Music Camp's Wind program have a variety of opportunities to pursue performance on their respective instrument, both individually and as a member of numerous ensembles.

Activities for wind students can include:

Wind Ensemble is made up of essentially "one-on-a-part" instrumentation and performs upper level standard repertoire.
Symphonic Band is an ensemble comprised of wind and percussion students and performs standard band repertoire.
Symphony Orchestra performs standard orchestral repertoire and often has the opportunity to accompany guest artists in performance.
Jazz Ensembles represent a significant part of the wind curriculum. These ensembles are directed by nationally known instructors that provide expert instruction and rehearsal techniques. Students who participate in the jazz curriculum are encouraged to pursue Jazz Improvisation as part of their schedule.
Jazz Improvisation - The jazz improvisation class is available to all instruments and vocalists who are wanting to gain exposure to the basics of jazz theory, jazz language and jazz style through the experience of jazz improvisation. No audition required for this combo style class!
Music Theory - All Cannon Camp participants study the forms and structure of music at one of four levels, as determined by placement test administered at the beginning of the camp session.
Individual Lesson - All students receive a weekly one-hour individual lesson on their primary instrument.
Masterclass - All students participate in a weekly masterclass, a supportive group learning format in which students play for the lesson instructor and their lesson studio. Performers receive helpful feedback that benefits the entire studio.
Piano Class - a beginning level introduction to keyboard skills is open to students with no prior piano experience. (optional, additional fee)

View audition placement in Woodwind and Brass

Along with the above classes, there are classes in Jazz Improvisation and reed-making for oboes and bassoons that are available. Students may pursue piano and vocal interests as time allows, secondary lessons on additional instruments are available as faculty schedules permit (see optional fees).