Alcorn’s inaugural high school band and dance camp a success
Middle and high school students spent a week at Alcorn State University to enhance their musical and rhythmic prowess.
Students in grades 7-12 spent the week of Sunday, June 12 through Friday, June 17 at Alcorn’s inaugural High School Summer Band and Dance Team Camp. The students engaged in activities that would benefit them as band and dance team members.
Students who participated were impressed with the expertise of Alcorn’s band directors.
“It was fun and I really learned a lot,” said Titus Thomas, a native of Natchez, Mississippi. “I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned back to my school and teach my peers everything I gained from the camp.”
Vicksburg native Justin Brown was astounded by the eclectic sounds of his camp mates. For him, finding ways to blend everyone’s style was a signature moment.
“One thing I liked about the camp is that everyone brought their school’s style to the camp,” said Justin. “We all were able to mix those different styles to create one sound.”
Greensburg, Louisiana native Sam Taylor was grateful for the opportunity to grow as a member of a band and as an individual.
“This camp not only taught us how to blend with each other, but it also taught us how to grow on our own,” said Sam. “This camp was different from others because we worked with several band directors with different styles of music who helped us become better musicians.”
Camp coordinator and Assistant Director of Bands Everson Martin gave kudos to his staff for introducing the students to advanced levels of music.
“The camp was an awesome experience and I’m glad we were able to provide the students with comprehensive instruction,” said Martin. “The students learned a great deal about music education and pedagogy, and also had lots of fun in the process. I assembled a great staff of directors for the camp and they did an amazing job accommodating the students from various areas in the southern region of the country.”
Alcorn Director of Bands and camp administrator Dr. Renardo Murray expressed his pride in the students’ skills. He also credited Martin and his staff for putting on a great summer camp.
“The students gave remarkable performances,” said Murray. “They got a chance to experience college life musically, academically and socially while seeing our beautiful campus. I’m extremely proud of Mr. Martin and his staff. I was very impressed with everything.”
