Stephen F. Austin State University

Three weeks of band camp at Stephen F. Austin State University wrapped up this week with the SFA Percussion Symposium.

The percussion symposium is one of the few camps in the country that offers percussionists “a little bit of everything.”

Dr. Scott Harris, camp director and director of percussion studies at SFA, said those who attend the camp are exposed to drumline, orchestral percussion, drumset and ethnic percussion.

“Our first goal is for them to become better musicians,” he said. “We want students to learn ifferent percussion techniques and ideas, and we want them to take these ideas back to their local schools, to share.”

Three internationally known guest artists performed at the camp, including marimba artist She-E Wu, marching percussionist Bill Bachman and drumset artist Steve Fidyk from the U.S. Navy Blues Band.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to have these professionals come to our camp,’ Harris said. “It allows students to see what’s possible on the instruments. They can see successful musicians who are touring the world doing their art.”

Harris said he received calls from parents this week, who were inquiring about ways to further their children’s experiences with marimba.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he said.

The camp experience is also valuable for SFA students who work as teacher assistants or camp counselors, Harris said.

“It’s great for them to be exposed to the teaching aspects,” he said, referring to the guest faculty and performers. “If a student gets to pick their brains for two hours over dinner or on the way to the airport, that’s invaluable.”

Harris said the camp faculty members have become friends, and every year they learn from one another.

“It’s also fun for us to put a piece together and perform,” he said. Freddy Lopez, an SFA senior from Portersville, said working at the camp has been a wonderful experience.

“Seeing the practical application of different ensembles and groups has help d to prepare me for the future,” he said. “Each educator and professor has a different approach. I will apply those approaches to my own ideology and teaching style.”

Lopez is a music education major. He said SFA is a long way from his home, but a friend convinced him it is the university for music education majors. “SFA is known for teacher preparation,” he said. “And the music department is very strong. The music faculty members place a lot of emphasis on the (teaching) aspects.”

Lopez said the SFA percussion camp offers a great foundation in all areas.

Becca Adamo, a 2005 graduate of SFA, said she comes back every year to work as a camp counselor. She just wrapped up her third week of band camp. “This year I’m the girls’ head camp counselor,” she said. “This is my seventh year.”

Some of the students are timid when they arrive at camp, and for some of them it is their first time away from home.

“It builds character, and 12 or 13 is a good age to start spending time away from home,” she said.