Albert Lea High School band members Kadie Habana (flutist), Chris Weniger (saxophonist), Ray Stephenson (percussionist) and I (trombonist) recently attended the Bemidji State University Instrumental MusiCamp. The camp was held on the Bemidji State University campus in Bemidji from July 12 through July 18. Young band students came from as far away as Taiwan, Texas and Colorado to participate in camp. There were many cool people that we got to meet.

On Sunday, the first day of camp, we were all a little bit nervous, but the faculty gave us a warm welcome. Soon, we felt much better. The directors and counselors kept us busy with six hours of rehearsals/practicing a day and endless activities at night. We enjoyed a picture scavenger hunt, faculty recital, campfire, bowling and student talent show. For the talent show we performed a dance to the song “Love Game” by Lady GaGa. You can check out our dance moves on Facebook. It’s something you don’t want to miss.

Another highlight of our week was taking a music class. Kadie took music technology. “It was fun. I got to compose my own music.”

Chris took jazz improvisation. “I learned how to get in touch with my emotions and express it out loud through the beauty of music.”

Ray and Kayla took conducting. “We got to work with Mr. Sam Hazo, who’s an amazing composer and director. His original symphonic compositions include performances with actors Brooke Shields, James Earl Jones, David Conrad and Richard Kiley. In Mr. Hazo’s class we got to learn how to make the band feel and do what you, the director, want them to feel and do.”

The week went by fast, and we’re glad we had the opportunity to go. Our experiences were made possible by the Dale Danielson Scholarship Fund. We’re so thankful! We learned many things at camp that we’ll remember and use in future playing.

Kayla Swee

Albert Lea