Summer music camps for all levels in Whitefish

This summer North Valley Music School in Whitefish is offering summer camps and master classes for all ages and levels of students as well as private lessons in piano, violin, guitar and voice.

Camps are offered for the beginner as well as the advanced youth musician. Five-day camps are $90, four-day camps are $72, the advanced ensemble camp is $180 and the master classes are $10. Some scholarships are available.

Camps are taught by faculty unless otherwise noted and all end the week with a performance for family and friends.

Carnival of the Animals - June 13-16, 1 to 4 p.m., ages 4-6. Based upon composer Camille Saint-Saens "Carnival of the Animals," a set of orchestral character pieces, each of which is meant to describe a particular animal, usually by mimicking the sounds it makes or characterizing the way it moves or carries itself. Songs, dance and rhythm-instrument play will be combined with art activities.

Beginning Guitar Camp - June 19-23, 9 a.m. to noon, ages 8-11. Learn the basics of acoustic guitar, simple chords and chord reading, beginning theory and how to play several easy songs. Students are to provide with a guitar.

Intermediate Guitar Camp - June 26-30 , 9 a.m. to noon, ages 8-12. For the student who has knowledge of chords, picking a melody, note reading and music theory on the guitar and has taken guitar lessons in a formal setting

Advanced Ensemble Camp - July 10-14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., ages 12-19. Join guest musicians the Bridger Quartet and Ken Christensen from Bozeman. This camp is for the intermediate to advanced musician with strong reading abilities. Please call the school for more information and availability.

Open Master Classes - July 12, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., ages 5 to adult - all levels. Join guest musicians the Bridger Quartet and Ken Christensen for master classes in piano, violin, fiddle viola and cello. Students will be placed with two to three other students of like ability in a one-hour period, and will play a short piece and receive instruction. They are encouraged to stay and observe and learn from others in their class.

Instrument Sampler Camp - July 24-28, 9 a.m. to noon, ages 6-9. For the new music student to select an instrument, or the existing student to try a new instrument. An introduction to and group lessons on violin, cello, piano, recorder and rhythm instruments, as well as music theory.

Camp Crescendo - August 7-11, 9 a.m. to noon, ages 5-12. Violin and cello camp for the beginning to intermediate student which will include individual instruction, fun group classes and art activities. Campers will be divided by skill level into different groups. Back by popular demand is guest instructor, David Tasgal from Vermont, composer of "Blast Off!!"

Many classes are popular and fill fast so early registration is recommended. To register or for more information please call 862-8074, or stop by the school at 432 Spokane Ave. in Whitefish.

North Valley Music School is a non-profit community music school serving the northern Flathead Valley.