Jim Henry, director of choral studies at UMSL, conducts University Singers, a UMSL choral group. Henry also serves as the Acappellooza Summer Camp’s men’s chorus and mixed group director. (Photo by August Jennewein)
The College of Fine Arts and Communication at the University of Missouri–St. Louis has announced Acappellooza Summer Camp, an a cappella music camp for students in grades 9–12. For four days, from July 16–19 students will be immersed in singing led by some of the world’s most prominent names in a cappella music, including members of the internationally famous Ambassadors of Harmony and Jim Henry, director of choral studies at UMSL.
Music and learning tracks will be sent to participating students in advance so that they can come together to perfect their skills in preparation for a one-of-a-kind a cappella concert featuring all Acappellooza Summer participants sharing the stage with the world-renowned a cappella ensemble Vocal Spectrum.
In addition to the intense rehearsals, this will be an opportunity for students to have fun with a pool party, karaoke party, movie night and more.
Jim Henry is Acappellooza Summer Camp’s men’s chorus and mixed group director. Henry holds degrees in vocal music education, music theory and music composition. As director of choral studies at UMSL he conducts University Singers and Vocal Point and teaches choral methods, choral arranging and choral conducting. In addition, Henry is the musical and artistic director of the Ambassadors of Harmony, a 160-voice men’s a cappella chorus that performs barbershops, jazz, and light classical music.
Debbie Cleveland, choral director at Gaither High School in Tampa, Fla., is the camp’s women’s chorus director. Debbie serves 165 students each year with a full program that includes three choruses, and SHOWCASE, a pop music ensemble consisting of 16 singers accompanied by a live 10-piece band. Debbie currently performs as lead singer of the 2005 International Champion Quartet the BUZZ and is a studio singer for Warner Bros. promotional materials for educational choral publications.
The registration fee for the four-day camp is $225 through May 31 and $250 after. This fee includes admittance to the camp, professional instruction, fun activities, a T-shirt and lunches and dinners. A housing and meal option can be purchased for $94. Housing will be at Oak Hall, a residential hall on UMSL’s campus, featuring four-bedroom suites with a shared full bath. The meal option includes breakfast. Limited partial scholarships are available.
For more information and to register, call 314-516-6590 or visit acappelloozasummer.com.
About the University of Missouri–St. Louis School of Professional & Continuing Studies: The University of Missouri–St. Louis School of Professional & Continuing Studies provides courses, programs, conferences, and events that fulfill degree completion, professional development and personal enrichment goals for the lifelong learner. For more information, visit pcs.umsl.edu.
