The Sound of Strings in the Summer

By Andria Bacon

WITH SCHOOL IN full swing, I thought it would be nice to reminisce about the wonderful summer camps that feature Strings in Maine.

Maine Summer Youth Music

Maine Summer Youth Music has provided an immersive music experience for hundreds of young campers on the beautiful University of Maine campus for over half a century. Campers learn from professionals from the UMaine community and around the country, all bringing a wide array of skills and experiences. Activities include performances by faculty, students, and others and fun recreational activities. MSYM runs for one week during July.

www.umaine.edu/spa/msym

Maine Fiddle Camp

Maine Fiddle Camp is a multi-generational traditional music camp in Central Maine. Not just for fiddles, MFC offers instruction in at least 14 instruments plus voice. Instructors emphasize learning and playing by ear. All ages and levels are welcome-from skilled players to people who have never played before. Besides instrument workshops, there are opportunities to perform, sing around the campfire, and “form a band.” There are jam sessions, variety shows, old-time country dances, and traditional camp activities like swimming and games for the kids. Maine Fiddle Camp runs a number of weeks during June and August. www.mainefiddlecamp.org

Southern Maine String Camp

For over 50 years, Southern Maine String Camp has been a place where students and music educators come together with a common focus on our mission: an opportunity for young string players to grow as musicians in a non-competitive environment while enjoying the classic Maine summer camp experience. Campers ranging from beginner to advanced gain orchestral and chamber music experience under the lush cover of 50-foot pines. SMSC’s home at the YMCA Camp of Maine offers access to a serene waterfront, sprawling fields, rustic and cozy cabins, and everything else you think of when you hear “summer camp.” With talented and passionate staff from all over New England and our dream-scape of Maine camp nostalgia, it’s no wonder campers come back year after year. Registration opens on November 1st, and camp runs for one week in August. www.southernmainestringcamp.org

The Ossipee Valley String Camp

The Ossipee Valley String Camp is an 8-day immersive experience (5 days of camp, including a pass to the music festival) with some of the brightest professional teachers of bluegrass and roots music around. The camp is in Hiram, Maine, and runs prior to the Ossipee Valley Music Festival. A ticket to the camp includes four classes per day, three meals using farm-to-table ingredients, daily yoga, and evening fun, such as the variety show, circle jams, and dances. Camp is for all ages 13+, and most instruments offer classes at multiple levels of speed and complexity, so there is something for everyone. The Ossipee Valley String Camp runs for one week during July.

https://ossipeevalley.com/string-camp/ n