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WHAT TO EXPECT

Terrapin Music Camp takes place in The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland. Rehearsals occur in the acclaimed School of Music facilities, with the final performance in the Dekelboum Concert Hall.

General Information

Registration, Cost & Payment

Registration for our Summer 2024 will open February 1. Registrations are processed in the order in which they are received, and some popular instrument areas are in high demand and close quickly. Register early to ensure that a space in the camp is reserved for you!

The camp takes place from 3-6pm on Sunday and 8:30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday with a concert on Friday starting at 2pm. The cost of the day camp is $435 (Feb. 1-May 31) and $485 (Jun. 1-15) and can be paid in full online when registering.

Students who demonstrate a financial need can apply to receive a discounted rate. Please contact us for details on how to apply.

Refunds are available, minus a $100 administrative fee. Please contact us musiccamp@umd.edu to request a refund.

Health Care

We take students' health and well-being seriously. In the event of an injury or illness, the student will be taken to our camp office. All of our staff are trained in CPR and a number have received training in the administration of medication. The University of Maryland Health Center is available for students in need as well.

Each camper will complete a medical history and permission form as part of the registration process to be kept on file for the duration of the camp.

 

Safety at TMC

Campers will be supervised by camp personnel at all times. We’ll have over 50 staff members on campus during each week of the camp. Our staff consists primarily of university faculty, staff and students along with K-12 teachers, including many former Terps! 

Expectations, rules and regulations for camp behavior are communicated during the Sunday orientation. Each student receives a name tag with their daily schedule, room locations and other important information and must wear the tag throughout the week.

All of our staff must undergo federal and state background checks.

Schedule

On Sunday, campers should arrive between 2:30 & 2:55 p.m. for check-in and camp will officially start at 3 p.m. in the Dekelboum Concert Hall, which is one of seven performance venues in the The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. On Sunday, students will rehearse with their ensembles, visit elective classes, and have time to discover the classrooms they will be using throughout the week. We'll finish the day with an informational (and fun) wrap-up session from 5:30-6:00. Parents can remain at camp or plan to pick up campers around 6:10.

Monday through Friday the camp is held from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.. Students should be dropped off no earlier than 8:15 and picked up no later than 4:45 each day. Events begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. so please arrive on time. The Friday concert begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Dekelboum Concert Hall with students departing immediately after the concert. Students should wear the camp T-shirt, which will be distributed on Thursday, and their choice of bottom wear (e.g, pants, shorts) and shoes.

The daily camp schedule resembles what a typical high school or middle school. Students will move through ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, elective classes, lunch, concerts, etc. Below is a sample schedule, though it could change:

Time

Band

Choir

Orchestra

8:30-9:35

Rehearsal

Rehearsal

Rehearsal

9:40-10:35

Elective Class 1

Elective Class 1

Sectionals

10:40-11:35

Elective Class 2

Elective Class 2

Rehearsal

11:40 - 12:40

Lunch/Concert

12:45-1:40

Rehearsal

Sectionals

Elective Class 1

1:45-2:40

Elective Class 3

Rehearsal

Elective Class 2

2:45-3:40

Sectionals

Elective Class 3

Elective Class 3

3:45-4:30

Rehearsal

Rehearsal

Rehearsal

Ensembles

Ensembles are formed by grade level, though instrumentalists at any grade level who have been playing for less than two years may be placed in a beginning ensemble. While choir students have historically been in a single group, as enrollment continues to grow there may be a need to separate into older and younger groups. The primary conductor of each group may ask to hear each student perform in order to place them on a part where they could be most successful.

What to Bring

Each instrumental student should bring their own instrument to camp. This is true for those who typically use a school instrument as well. If you do not own an instrument we suggest reaching out to your school to borrow one for the week or plan to rent one from a local music store for the week. Students should also bring their lunch.

Theme Days

The Terrapin Music Camp has a tradition of including theme days. These will be announced ahead of time. Samples of past themes have included "Alumni Day," "Rep Your School," "Colors!," "Stars & Stripes," and of course, "Terp Pride Day." Participation is optional but we hope you will join in the fun!

Parking/Drop-Off/Pick-Up

Directions to the Clarice can be found here.

Campers will be met by our staff in front of The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center as they are dropped off. If you prefer to park and walk them to the building you can park for free in the Stadium Drive Garage (SDG) for 15 minutes, but will first need to get a ticket at the machines near the entrance to the garage. Remember your space number! Plan to pick up students in the circle drive as well. If you are carpooling and would like to supply the names of individuals picking up your child from camp, please do so now by clicking here and completing the form.

Parking on Sunday is available for free in Lot 1 or Lot Z, just south of The Clarice. The SDG is a bit closer but costs $3/hour. For the concert on Friday at 2pm, parking is available in the Stadium Drive Garage for $3/hour.

Elective Classes (not all classes are available every week, additional classes will be added):

A cappella

Join the rhythm without boundaries and let the joy of a cappella take center stage.

Arts!

From paintbrush to performance, explore a kaleidoscope of artistic expression. No limits, just pure imagination and a canvas of endless possibilities. 

Beginning Instrument Lab

Dive into the instrumental playground as you learn the tuba, oboe, bassoon or other instruments of your choice. Instruments provided by TMC.

Buckets

Grab a bucket, let the rhythm flow and turn an ordinary object into extraordinary ensemble amazement.

Camp Chorus

Elevate your voice and join the harmony hub in our Camp Chorus. For those in band and orchestra.

Dance

Bring a dancing spirit and let's move and groove together!

Fiddling

Jump into the joy of fiddle music! Learn catchy, fun tunes in this beginner-friendly class that can also challenge advanced students through improvisation. For string players only.

Games

Dive into outdoor fun with our Games Class! From classics to quirky challenges, it's an adventure in friendly competition. Unleash your inner competitor, soak up good vibes and celebrate the fun of outdoor games.

Guitar

Strum into joy with our Guitar Class! Unlock the magic of chords, embrace the melody of strings and embark on a musical journey from novice to maestro. Good for beginners and we'll challenge those with experience. Bring your own instrument, or use on of ours.

Jazz: New Orleans Style

Immerse yourself in a NOLA-style celebration of America's classical music.

Keyboarding

Play the piano in the School of Music's Piano Lab, moving at your own pace. Instruction is focused toward beginning players, but those with experience can dive into independent practice. 

Marching Arts

A dynamic journey of musical and marching excellence. Embrace the thrill of precision, the camaraderie of brass and drums, and the joy of creating music on the move in this outdoor class.

Mindful Music

Let the soothing sounds guide you to a serene state of harmony. No rush, no stress–just musical mindfulness and a symphony of calm. Join us for a melody-infused journey to relaxation and peace of mind as you perform, listen and learn.

Movies & Music

Craft a class soundtrack to a popular film! No limits, just limitless creativity on this compositional adventure.

Musical Theatre

Join the spotlight in our Musical Theatre Class! Sing, dance and act your way through a world of Broadway magic.

Songwriting

Ignite your creativity in our Songwriting Class! Dive into the art of composition, craft lyrics that resonate and bring your melodies to life.

Steel Pan

Dive into the rhythmic paradise of our Steel Pan Class! Create vibrant melodies and feel the Caribbean groove. Every session is a steel pan party!

Technology

Use the digital realm to unleash your creativity with cutting-edge tools, from beats to bytes.

Ukulele

Grab a uke and let's make music, laughter and memories.