It is easy to understand that the activities children and teens are involved in shape their lives and choosing the programs that will most significantly impact their overall development is daunting. Since there is a national focus on the importance of children leading a healthy and active life, there is an emphasis on sports and outdoor activities in today’s curriculum plans.
What is publicized less in our society is how programs like choir, dance programs, music camps or theatre can be educational while also promoting physical health. Families should consider summer programs that focus on both the mind and the body.
In the past decade, there have been many studies, research, and articles dedicated to the impact of music education on children. The research agrees that music education, especially during the developmental years, nurtures a life long appreciation of music and helps develop self-esteem, teamwork, community building, cultural understanding and overall enhancement of academic skills in general.
Studies across the globe are now proving a connection between singing in a group setting, enhanced health and positive emotional benefits. Researchers in Germany and California are making connections between performing and an increase in a singer’s level of immunity building proteins. In the UK’s Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, there was a report about improved lung capacity, high energy, relieved asthma, better posture, and enhanced feelings of relaxation, mood, and confidence in singers.
Even with proven benefits, music education as part of the school curricula has been on the decline. Faced with strict core class goals and budget cuts, more and more schools are scaling back or eliminating music programs from elementary and middle school curriculum.
As cuts like this take place, the importance of educational activities outside of school programming is increasing. A well-organized program allows students to be actively and creatively engaged in learning in a group setting. The activities not only increase knowledge and understanding of the subject, they also promote an appreciation of the art form and build community within its participants. Summer arts programs are time well-spent for participants
Music & Dance Camp Listings
Ballet Tennessee and VanCura Ballet Conservatory
Summer dance camps
3202 Kelly’s Ferry Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37419
423-821-2055
BalletTennessee.org
June Dance Camps, June Evening Classes, June and July Summer Intensives: The world of dance opens up to all when you enroll at VanCura Ballet Conservatory or Ballet Tennessee Summer Dance Sampler at MACC. Discover creative movement through music,stories, and games. Aspiring ballerinas and premier danseurs will learn in beautifully crafted ballet classes. Explore modern dance, improvisations and how to make your own dances. Learn choreography from the esteemed Ballet Tennessee faculty. Meet guest artists and be inspired!
Enrollment is open until classes and intensives are full. The intensives require an audition, call and ask for Mrs. VanCura to set up an audition. For registration information:
www.BalletTennessee.org or call (423) 821-2055.
Barking Legs Theatre
Brain Dance & Circus camp
1307 Dodds Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37404
423-624-5347
BarkingLegs.org
Cadek Conservatory of Music
Suzuki Strings and Piano Summer Camp
Cadek Hall, UTC
725 Oak St.
Chattanooga, TN 37403
423-425-4624
UTC.edu/Outreach/CadekConservatory
Chattanooga Boys Choir
423-634-2299
www.chattanoogaboyschoir.org
Chattanooga Folk School
Summer camp programs with instruction in a variety of musical instruments.
250 Forest Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-827-8906
www.chattanoogafolk.com
Creating A Musical Summer Workshop
Chattanooga Girls Choir and the Chattanooga Theatre Centre
Gender: Boys and Girls
400 River Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-296-1006
www.chattanoogagirlschoir.com
Ages: 9 to 12 years old
Time: 9am – 4pm
Cost: $350 for 2 week camp
Chattanooga Theatre Centre Summer Academy
400 River Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-267-8534
Summer Academy 2012
Registration @ www.TheatreCentre.com
Hamilton Academy of Dance
Classical Ballet, Tap Dance, Jazz Dance, Modern & Ballroom
Boy’s exercise & Tap,
8509A Hixson Pike
Chattanooga, TN 37343
423-598-8786
www.hamiltonballet.com
Kindermusik at First Baptist Church of Fine Arts
Adventures Camp
401 Gateway Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-265-2601
FBCChattanooga.org
La Petite Academy Summer Camp
Knoxville, TN 37931
1-877-861-5078
www.lapetite.com
Mountain Arts Community Center
Summer Fun Camps of MACC
Theater, art, music, ballet
809 Kentucky Ave.
Signal Mountain, TN 37377
423-886-1959