FAQS
Who attends?
Summer Bassoon Extravaganza serves aspiring bassoonists. Most campers will be rising 8th-graders through college. However SBE usually has a handful of adult bassoon aficionados, who attend during the day, making camp a part of their summer activities as well. For the past several seasons SBE has drawn campers from more than 15 states.
What about the programming? How are the days filled?
SBE begins on Monday afternoon with an opportunity for participants to meet one another. We go to dinner as a group. Following dinner, faculty, counselors and campers get acquainted with one another through a series of team building activities. The “regular” schedule begins Tuesday morning with auditions for chamber ensembles. Typically, audition music—a lyrical and a technical excerpt or suggested literature—is emailed with camp materials. Campers may also elect to play a solo or etude that they know or are currently studying.
The days are filled with chamber music, bassoon choir, reed making, master classes and special focus sessions. Camp concludes with a concert, featuring faculty, small ensembles, and the bassoon choir.
SBE makes programming relevant to the playing ability of each participant.
Campers have an opportunity to play solos and/or orchestral excerpts in master classes where they will be coached by one or more of the faculty. There will be special sessions for those who wish to concentrate on improving their overall technique and sight-reading skills.
What about the faculty?
The SBE faculty consists of some of the finest bassoon pedagogues from across the country. In the past, one or more of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra bassoon section has led a master class. Brief bios are included in the registration/flyer.
What about the accommodations and meals?
Campers and faculty stay in a campus residence hall. Food services at Young Harris College are first rate. SBE faculty and camp counselors supervise campers activities and reacreational time.
What are the anticipated outcomes?
SBE promotes musical excellence, which is an outgrowth of this exceptional learning experience. One of many long-term benefits is the camaraderie that develops and extends far beyond the camp week. Bassoonists are used to being few in number—often the only one at their respective school—that they are thrilled to get to know and have the support of other bassoonists.
The $975 cost includes all camp activities, room and board as well as the 2024 camp T-shirt.* Participants may elect to enhance the learning experience with individual lessons with one or more of the faculty. There will be several private instruction packages from which to choose. Participants may want incidental money for soft drinks and snacks. These seem to go hand in hand with recreational time.
*Please call to inquire about an interest-free individualized payment plan.