FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It began as Band Camp in 1958 under the direction of university Director of Bands “Doc” Worthington. It was aimed at developing the talents of Arkansas’ high school musicians. Fifty years later the Arkansas Summer Music Camp brings more than a thousand junior high and high school musicians, both band and orchestra, from Arkansas, neighboring states, and beyond. Junior high band camp drew 674 students to campus from July 8-14; the university is hosting 263 band and 167 orchestra musicians through July 21.

“Students get a lot from this experience that has nothing to do specifically with music,” said Chalon Ragsdale, professor of percussion in the university’s music department and co-director of the camp for the past 10 years. “They learn about working towards a goal, working with other people in a structured situation; They learn about the value of discipline and practice. And, of course they learn about music, too.”

On the first day of camp the students audition for the music faculty and are placed in a band or orchestra, based on their skill level. The junior high camp had eight bands this year; senior high students were placed in one of three bands or three orchestras. The next five days were spent in group lessons and rehearsals, preparing for concert performances at the Walton Arts Center on the final day of camp.

The music camp faculty numbers about 90 people who work as conductors, teachers, counselors, equipment managers or office staff. Most of the faculty members are band directors themselves, but the rest include university music professors, private music teachers, a few professional musicians, and even some graduate students. Many of the faculty members, like Ragsdale, have been working at the camp for 10 years or longer. Some were students at the camp themselves at one time.

“This can be a life-changing experience for kids,” Ragsdale admits. “For some, it’s the first time they’ve been with a large group of people who share their love for music.”