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Programs for Children

Music Composition Acadamies


The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra invites you to be part of the Music Composition Academy!  The Music Composition Academy will serve as a catalyst for community while teaching students to express their creativity and write original music.

Daily music composition lessons and activities will be part of the Music Composition Academy; with an emphasis on cultural understanding and finding human commonalities.

2023 Dates Announced!

Sisseton Wahpeton College:  Monday, June 19 – Friday, June 23 2023
Black Hills State University: Monday, July 10 – Friday, July 14 2023

Complete the following application form by Friday, May 12, 2023:

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Ages – Middle school through high school age students
  • Must have a desire to learn about music and music composition.
  • Basic knowledge of reading music (can read music in either bass or treble clef or tablature, knowledge of note values, rhythm, dynamics, etc.).
  • Can play a musical instrument reasonably proficiently.

 

COMMITMENT

  • Students must attend all days of academy including private lessons in music composition.
  • Participate in an evaluation process.

 

COST

There is no cost to attend the Music Composition Academy.  Students must be committed to attending all activities to participate.

 

ACADEMY SCHEDULE

Students will have daily one-on-one composition lessons and at the conclusion of the music academy have a fully formed piece of music for either string quartet or wind quintet. Students will work and collaborate directly with the professional musicians of the SDSO who will give a public performance of their completed compositions.

Music Composition Academies will be held in two locations: Sisseton, SD (day camp) and Black Hills State University (overnight camp)