By Lizzie Walje | [email protected]

With summer break rapidly approaching, students and their families are looking for ways to pass the time and beat the heat. For those students who are interested in music programs, Granite School District has lined up a series of camps where students can learn or refine their skills during the summer months.

Matteo Krause is the music director at Evergreen Junior High School and a championing voice of music summer music programs. Krause has taught all over the world including in the United States, Turkey, Brazil and China. Throughout his studies and career, he has been exposed to the music of many cultures and its enriching impact on students’ lives.

“We have an awesome opportunity available for students this summer through the Granite Junior Youth Symphonies program. Not only does this opportunity allow for students to come together and have fun, but the benefits of learning a musical instrument are widely cited and studied. Music helps build confidence as well as refine important skills that intersect with other pertinent facets of learning,” Krause said.

The Granite Junior Youth Symphony will take place from June 6 through July 1, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Cottonwood High School, 5715 S. 1300 East in Murray.

“The benefit of having the camp take place in the morning is it allows for students to participate on a daily basis. The camp is over and done by 9:30 in the morning. We purposefully work in that time slot so that students have the rest of the day to dedicate to other activities,” Krause said.

At the Granite Youth Symphony students have the opportunity to engage with other like-minded peers, learn a new instrument, or improve on an instrument they’re currently learning. The symphony is taught by qualified teachers and instructors who can allocate the proper time and attention to ensure the student walks away having met their intended goal.

“During these youth symphonies, students will be able to build on the strong foundation they gained already in band and orchestra and continue to advance even further. The Granite Youth Symphonies bring in students from all over our school district and will make for some great collaborations across school boundaries. Please consider having your student take part in this awesome opportunity,” Krause added.

Furthermore, there is a specific opportunity for next year’s incoming sixth-graders. The Granite School Introductory Band and Orchestra Camp will also take place June 6 through July 1. It will also be held at Cottonwood High School. This particular camp is geared toward students who are looking to learn the basics of a specific instrument. Unlike the youth symphony, which focuses more on a group learning format, the introductory camp allows students to get one-on-one instruction regarding a specific instrument.

“If your student has participated in elementary school music coursework or is interested in joining band and orchestra during junior high, the Introductory Band and Orchestra Camp is a great opportunity,” Krause said.

If you are interested in signing up your student(s) for either of these camps, you can do so online.