5th Annual Summer Music Institute

The Dallas Wind Symphony partners with the Dallas Independent School District for the Annual Summer Music Institute, presented by Sterling Bank, now in its 5th year. The Summer Music Institute offers one-on-one instruction for Dallas ISD band students by professional musicians from the Dallas Wind Symphony. The five day long inner-city band camp offers a unique opportunity for young musicians to excel.

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The 2011 Institute took place at the Moises E. Molina High School of Dallas, with over 300 students from 6th-10th grades in the Dallas ISD in attendance from June 6-10. “This is a tremendous opportunity for students to take a major step forward with their musical studies during the summer,” said Michael Hinojosa, Superintendent of Schools for the Dallas Independent School District. “Students who participate not only get to dedicate significantly more time to improving their musical skills but they have a great time in the process.”

Most band students only get group instruction throughout the school year and only for a few hours a week. With this program, the students receive instruction from musicians who are experts on their instruments during sectionals and master classes. The students return to school in the fall with new skills and increased confidence.

The Dallas Wind Symphony is highly regarded, considered by many to be the premier civilian windband in the world. According to the Wind Symphony Founder/Executive Director Mr. Kim Campbell, concerts are just a small part of the bigger picture; “Music affects us all – no matter the age. We know music instruction for the young helps to train the mind. It instills confidence, enhances math skills, teaches cooperation, listening, self-discipline. If we can help to do that with the Institute, what better way to help our youth, our schools, our community?”

The Summer Music Institute is just one of the varied children’s education programs offered by the Dallas Wind Symphony. They also host the annual Invitational Windband Festival (a two-day long band competition), an essay contest for Dallas ISD middle-school band students, an annual side-by-side concert with the Wind Symphony of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, and teach clinics, master classes, and sectional rehearsals for students of all ages.

The Dallas Wind Symphony is committed to the local student population and works diligently to ensure the Summer Music Institute remains affordable. Helping the DWS to do just that is Sterling Bank, the presenting sponsor of the Institute. Robert Merkle, Regional C.E.O. of the North Texas Region of Sterling noted, “We are very excited to sponsor the DWS and the Summer Music Institute. We have been a long-time supporter of the Wind Symphony and our support of the Institute furthers our belief in and support of our local community. There’s nothing more important than the education of our children and we’re thrilled to be able to help!”

The tuition is only $25 for the week and includes over 30 hours of musical instruction, lunch, t-shirt, a Dallas Wind Symphony CD and transportation by DISD. The highlight of the Institute was the Camp-wide concert at 4:00 PM on Friday, June 10. Each of the four bands showcased skills learned during the week in a final concert in the school’s main auditorium. Dallas ISD band directors, administration officials, parents, sponsors and friends all gather for the big event. As one of the students said, “The worst thing about camp was when it was over!”