Southwestern College will host a residential Summer Music Festival May 31-June 5 on the SC campus and an SC alumnus is providing scholarship funds for any interested participant.

The festival is for students ages 14-20 (as of Oct 1, 2009).  Campers will enroll in jazz band, choir, orchestra, and/or worship teams.  The daily schedule will include ensemble rehearsals, technique class, practice time, recreation time, and much more. 

Under the supervision of festival dean Timothy Shook, the festival will feature five award-winning faculty conductors.  David Gardner, the 2005 Southwestern College Fassnacht Outstanding Faculty Award winner, will conduct the choir; Christopher Schmitz, winner of the 2007 Sammy Nestico Award for Jazz Composition, will conduct the jazz band; Daniel Stevens, the 2008 United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award winner, will conduct the orchestra; Melissa Williamson, administrator for the Community Music School program, will teach flute choir and music theory; and Stephen Butler, music pastor at First Baptist Church in Arkansas City, will direct the worship teams.

Full cost of the festival is $450, which includes housing, meals, and instruction.  Scholarships are available through the generous support of musician and former Southwestern College trustee Dr. George Cole.  Any student recommended for the festival by a public school or independent music teacher will receive the scholarship. 

For more information about the Summer Music Festival at Southwestern College, call (620) 229-6270 or visit the web page.