General Information
What is the Summer Music Festival?
A summer camp on the beautiful campus of Southwestern College, studying with our outstanding faculty and developing your musical skills. Choose one of four areas of emphasis – voice, instrumental (strings, brass, woodwinds & percussion), piano or #skillz.
In addition to focused time on individual areas of emphasis, various activities are part of the daily schedule. These activities give students the opportunity to explore new topics and develop skills in fun topic areas such as Jazz Combos, Small Ensembles, Private Lessons, and So You Want to be a Music Teacher.
Evening activities such as movie night, ultimate frisbee, paint wars, talent show, and Moundbuilding Ceremony add to the fun!
When is the Summer Music Festival?
The 2023 Summer Music Festival has been postponed to summer 2024.
Who should attend?
High school and college (freshman/sophomore) musicians at intermediate to advanced skill levels.
Rising college juniors or seniors may apply for our Counselor Program.
Where will I stay?
All participants will be housed in Wallingford Hall. Festival Counselors will live in each wing of the hall and will participate in activities alongside students. The entire campus features wireless internet access.
What will it cost?
We continually strive to keep our tuition cost as affordable as possible. Through the generous support of V. J. Wilkins Foundation in Cowley County, all students receive aid to attend, thus lowering the cost of tuition to $450 for overnight campers and $375 for day campers. Additional scholarship aid based on need and merit is also available. Please mark your request when submitting your registration form.
Overnight Campers
Staying on campus as an overnight camper is the best way to make the most of your time at camp. Spend social time with new friends and get a taste of what it’s like to be away from home and as a Southwestern College student.
Overnight Camper tuition is $450 and includes the following:
- Housing in Wallingford Hall (Housing begins at the designated check-in time through the designated check-out time.)
- 3 meals per day plus snacks
- Festival T-Shirt
- 24-hour Supervision (Campers are not permitted to be anywhere on campus besides the dorm, dining hall, and music buildings, unless they are accompanied by a counselor.)
Day Campers
Students may attend as a day camper if they are staying at home or with a relative over the age of 21. Day campers are welcome to participate in all activities. Day campers should be prepared to attend camp from 7:30 a.m. – 6:35 p.m. and some evenings between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Dinner is not provided for day campers, they may purchase additional meals for $7.
Day Camper tuition is $375 and includes the following:
- Day Supervision
- Festival T-Shirt
- Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Are scholarships available?
Yes! There are scholarships available:
V.J. Wilkins Full-Tuition Scholarships - There are 30 full-tuition scholarships available for qualified students.
What facilities will I use?
All classes and rehearsals will be on the Southwestern College campus, a safe and accessible college located on a hill on the east edge of Winfield, Kansas. Many performances will be in the new state-of-the-art Richardson Performing Arts Center, dedicated in October 2011.
