Maine Summer Youth Music, known as MSYM, is held annually every July on the University of Maine at the Orono Campus, minutes from the city of Bangor. Students stay in the dormitories on campus for one week at the Junior Camp level, and for nine days at the Senior Camp level. They have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles, including Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz ensemble, Jazz Combo, Chorus or Chorale. There is also an annual musical theater production that all campers may audition for. Past productions include Cats, Into the Woods, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
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Camps
MSYM hosts two camps: Junior and Senior. The Junior camp is attended by students entering 6th through 9th grade, and generally takes place in the second week of July. Senior camp spans a week in July, usually beginning on July 18, and is for students entering 9th through 12th grade, in addition to seniors who just graduated.
Curriculum
Camp activities
Every night, campers attend an evening activity; concerts by extremely talented musicians - whether staff, student, or from around the world, Solo Night, Ensemble Night, Movie nights, Dances, Swimming, or any number of other possible activities. It all depends on the year!
Performance opportunities
Campers have many chances over the one week period to perform for their peers. Camper/staff variety night, solo/ensemble night, jazz night, and the final musical theater, band, and chorus performances on the last day of camp.
Camp life
Campers are housed in the dorms on campus, on separate male and female floors (two, and occasionally 3, campers to a room), and eat their meals at the commons on campus. They are supervised by experienced staff and counselors, as well as a certified camp nurse.