U of A Announces 2026 Summer Music Leadership and Performance Camps

The U of A is excited to announce three dynamic summer camps this June for young musicians and performers in 2026: the Razorback Twirler Camp, Arkansas Marimba Camp and the U of A Drum Major Camp. Designed for students of varying ages and experience levels, these immersive programs provide high-quality instruction, leadership development and performance opportunities in a collegiate setting.

Razorback Twirler Camp

June 8-9, 2026
HPER Building, room 222 | U of A, Fayetteville
8 a.m.-noon

The Razorback Twirler Camp invites students in grades 1-12 to train, perform and shine in a high-energy environment led by experienced Razorback twirling staff and guest clinicians. Open to all skill levels, the camp focuses on baton technique, twirls and tosses, dance and choreography, and performance quality.

Participants will build confidence, stage presence and teamwork while learning solo, group and halftime-style routines. The camp concludes with a culminating performance, giving twirlers an opportunity to showcase what they've learned.

Students must bring their own baton.

Fee: $125

Arkansas Marimba Camp

June 9-13, 2026
Epley Band Building & Billingsley Music Building | U of A, Fayetteville

The Arkansas Marimba Camp offers middle and high school percussionists an intensive, weeklong experience focused on mallet keyboard performance, with an emphasis on four-mallet marimba technique. Through a balance of group classes, small ensembles and individual instruction, students will strengthen both their technical skills and musicianship.

Instructional topics include four-mallet technique (with a primary focus on the Stevens Method), warm-up and practice strategies, chamber ensemble skills, marimba and mallet percussion history, and mallet making and wrapping. Students will perform as part of a small ensemble and receive guidance tailored to their experience level.

The camp is open to percussion students who have completed grades 6-12 with at least one year of instruction. Applicants must demonstrate basic proficiency in treble and bass clef reading, submit a short performance video for ensemble placement and provide a reference from a band director or private instructor. A strong work ethic is emphasized throughout the program.

Fees:

• $375 — Tuition (includes instruction, materials and lunches)
• $240 — Optional lodging package (four nights dormitory housing and meals)

UA Drum Major Camp

June 14-17, 2026
Epley Band Building | U of A, Fayetteville

The U of A Drum Major Camp is designed for high school students entering grades 9-12 who are interested in developing their leadership and conducting skills. Whether students are seasoned drum majors or aspiring leaders, the camp provides a comprehensive introduction to podium technique and ensemble leadership.

Campers will receive instruction from U of A band directors in conducting fundamentals, score reading, leadership strategies, teaching techniques and individual and team-based feedback. Participants engage in daily conducting practice and conclude the camp with a final demonstration showcasing their growth.

Fees:

• $225 — Camp registration (includes instruction, materials and lunches)
• $210 — Optional lodging package (three nights dormitory housing and meals)

About the U of A Summer Camps: Hosted on the U of A campus in Fayetteville, these summer camps provide students from across the region with access to expert instruction, collegiate facilities and a vibrant Razorback atmosphere. Each program is designed to inspire growth, discipline and a lifelong passion for music and performance.

For registration details and additional information, visit the University of Arkansas CMS website.

About the Community Music School: The Community Music School (CMS) at the U of A provides high-quality music education opportunities for students of all ages and experience levels. Through private instruction, group classes, ensembles and summer camps, CMS is committed to fostering musical excellence, creativity and lifelong engagement with the arts. Programs are led by experienced educators and professional musicians and serve the Northwest Arkansas community while supporting the educational mission of the U of A.