What do parents do with older kids in the summer?

CLASS has several youth camps in music, theater and writing

When the school year ends, middle and high school students want to relax, while their parents want them engaged in intellectually-stimulating activities.

Whether you are a working parent of older kids or a stay-home parent in need of some peace and quiet, the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences offers a variety of youth summer camps.

CLASS- affiliated summer intensives for middle and high school students help them advance their academic goals and enhance creative talents. All workshops are taught by music, theater and writing professionals.

Here’s a round-up of the college’s community engagement projects specifically for youth offered during the summer months:

Texas Music Festival Institutes

In addition to scheduling nearly 50 musical performances throughout its 22nd season, the Texas Music Festival offers specialized training institutes that run for seven to ten days for young musicians ranging from middle school to graduating college seniors. Institute instructors include Moores School of Music faculty members and other world-class performers.

The TMF Institutes include High School Piano, Jazz, and “Classical Minds” Guitar. Admission to all Young Artists Series concerts is free (except “Classical Minds” Guitar Institute).

High School Piano Institute:

June 18 – 26
Grades 9 – 12

The Piano institute is an intensive solo performance designed for high school students and offers a variety of events including private lessons and guest recitals with renowned UH and other guest faculty.

For information contact: Nancy Weems at 713-743-3182 or Tali Morgulis at 713-743-3180

Jazz Institute

June 12 – 17
High school and college

An intensive ensemble program that consists of big band, combo, improvisation, sectionals, and a public performance.

For information contact: 713-743-3191 or visit www.uhjazz.com/events/jazzinstitute/

“Classical Minds” Guitar Institute

June 14 - June 19
Guitarists of all levels and ages
$15 students/senior citizens and $20 general public.

A week of intensive study of the classical guitar, it offers students technique and guitar orchestra classes. Along with the lessons, students will also have the option of entering the “Classical Minds” competition which will take place June 17-19 and win prizes for their outstanding performance.

For more information visit: www.valeriehartzell.com/CM2011/clminds11.html

Houston Shakespeare Festival Summer Conservatory

July 23 – August 8

High school

The Houston Shakespeare Festival proudly presents its two summer productions for the 2011 season, Othello and The Taming of the Shrew. The HSF is an event anticipated each summer season and this year inducts the inaugural Summer Conservatory for high school students. The HSF Summer Conservatory is a is a two-week workshop that concentrates in acting, voice, stage movement and Shakespearean scansion instruction and exposes the students to pre-professional training. Providing the City of Houston with public performances by some of the world’s most renowned actors and directors, the HSF and the Summer Conservatory prove to be an exceptional experience for young actors interested in pursuing studies in theatre and stage production.

For more information contact: Katherine Powdrell at kpowdrell@fisdk12.net

2011 Cougar Band Camp

July 10 – 14
Grades entering 7th – incoming college freshmen

The University of Houston Moores School of Music offers a chance to experience an atmosphere of musicianship and learning environment that will shape young musicians as they prepare for their college years.

Students from middle school, junior high, high school, and incoming college freshmen are encouraged to turn in their application and be part of 2011 Cougar Band Camp. Deadline is June 30.

For more information contact: Carol Risinger at crisinger@uh.edu or visit www.uhbands.com

Wonderworks Summer Enrichment Courses

June 13- July 15
High school

Wonderworks is a non-profit organization that works in conjunction with the University of Houston to provide Houston area students with a pre-college curriculum to acquire the skills needed to succeed in the students’ upcoming academic challenges. With involvement by the Department of English and Creative Writing Program, the School of Communication, the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, and the Houston Shakespeare Festival, students become involved in a college-level classroom setting and class instruction. The Summer Enrichment Courses offer students in-depths introductions to the fields of literary journalism, Shakespeare and drama, poetry, script writing and film making, and architecture.

For more information contact: info@wonderworkshouston.org or visit www.wonderworkshouston.org

Finally, another resource for parents looking for summer enrichment for youth is The Summer Book 2011: A Guide to Houston Day Camps and Classes for Kids and Teens, available at www.thesummerbook.com.