Music students dreaming of a summer adventure that will stretch them musically and spiritually can fulfill their dream at the Youth Music Outreach Summer Music Camp scheduled for July 9 – 21, 2007 in the beautiful Santa Barbara hillside.  Held on the Westmont College campus, YMO’s Summer Music Camp offers a unique two-week residential experience combining top musical training with deep spiritual commitment. This exciting non-denominational program is designed for intermediate and advanced musicians, ages 12 – 18. Students will have the opportunity to play some of the top concert and jazz band compositions, take classes in music theory and history, participate in chamber ensembles, and potentially take master classes by some of the top young professionals on the West Coast.

Youth Music Outreach is based on the foundational truth that all things are done for and through God. The YMO vision is to be a place where students can freely express their love for Christ while working with the musical talents God has given them. The YMO program challenges students to be a voice that proclaims Christ’s love through their music and way they live their lives. In harmony with YMO’s vision, Summer Music Camp students will perform a variety of concerts for church services, retirement homes, and other community events around the Santa Barbara area and will participate in group and quiet Bible devotions each day.

The YMO Summer Music Camp is an excellent opportunity for serious musicians to experience rehearsals that challenge technical excellence, to study music history and theory with creative and energetic teachers and to develop long-standing friendships; all with a Christ-centered focus.

Students wishing to participate in the 2007 Summer Music Camp are invited to audition in person in Santa Barbara or La Mirada or by submitting a recorded audition. Based on the auditions, students will be placed in one or more of the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Piano Ensemble or Chamber Ensembles. Throughout the two weeks, select students will be placed in various small ensembles, giving them the opportunity to have even more individualization of parts. These students will work on music that will be performed in different ministry concerts. In addition, several students will be chosen based on their auditions to participate in a masterclass where they will be coached by a professional musician.

While the primary focus is on music, the well-balanced YMO Summer Music Camp affords students the opportunity to participate in various non-musical and musical activities both on and off the Westmont Campus. All activities are mandatory for each student and will be supervised by qualified staff and chaperones.

There are numerous music camps available to sharpen student musical skills, but few focus on the relationship with the Lord as well. The Youth Music Outreach Summer Music Camp is one of the exceptions offering students the chance to reach the world for Christ through music.

For information about the Camp, for audition dates and enrollment procedures, please visit the Youth Music Outreach website at www.youthmusicoutreach.com.  L.F.■