The Preparatory and Continuing Studies Department of the University of Houston Moores School of Music will host the Children’s Kodály Choir Camp, August 2-6, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the University of Houston main campus. The camp is open to interested students who have completed 4th through 6th grades and have unchanged singing voices. Young singers will have the opportunity to improve their vocal and musicianship skills and learn quality choral music using Kodály choral techniques. They will also go behind the scenes at the Moores Opera House, the Organ Recital Hall, KUHF Radio, and much more! The week will culminate in a final concert in Dudley Recital Hall.

Cost of the camp is $275, which includes tuition, music, T-shirt, and snacks. Students will need to bring a sack lunch and drink daily. Singers will study with Janet Scarcella, conductor and artistic director, as well as advanced teachers from the Kodály Institute of Houston. Janet Scarcella has more than thirty years experience teaching elementary and secondary music in Texas public and private schools. She is recognized for her outstanding choral work with children’s and high school choirs. Ms. Scarcella was assistant conductor and accompanist (1993) and conductor (2002) of the American Kodály Educators National Children’s Honor Choir.

Based on the extensive research and philosophy of the late Hungarian composer, Zoltán Kodály, the Kodály approach is based on singing skills, which move the students, experientially, to music appreciation and literacy. The Kodály approach relies on the timeless beauty of folk music and classic art music to facilitate music reading, music appreciation, and music performance.

Camp sessions include:

• daily singing games and vocal excercises
• campus attraction tours
• daily rehearsals with the Kodály Institute of Houston as well as with the Children's Kodály Choir Camp Choir
• daily music games
• a talent show
• concert by current Moores School of Music students.

There will be concert performances for the camp participants alone as well as with the Kodály Institute of Houston.