The Department of Music at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) would like to invite middle and high school musicians to register for the 68th summer of SWOSU Music Camps, hosted on the Weatherford campus. 2023 SWOSU Music Camp offerings include Choral Camp on June 11-15; Cantiamo Solo Voice Camp on June 1516; Marimba Camp on June 18-21; String Camp on June 20-23; Middle School Band Camp on June 25-28; and Band Camp on July 9-14.
SWOSU Music Camps bring a special energy and excitement to campus each year. These programs give students the opportunity to work with top-notch conductors and teachers, participate in ensembles, and hone musical skills while making lasting friendships and memories. Approximately 1,000 students and faculty travel from around the region to attend camps each year.
Both residential and commuter options are available. Additional information, audition music, and online registration can be found at www.SWOSUCamps.co m. Any questions can be directed to the SWOSU Music Camp Office at 580-774-3296.
History of SWOSU Music Camps The SWOSU legacy of summer music camps began in 1956 when the 1st Annual Band Camp was started by the SWOSU Director of Bands, Dr. Richard V. Coy; the Thomas band Director, Melvin 'Buster' Westmoreland; and the Director of Bands at Hollis, Robert Moses.
Dr. Coy served as Camp Director from 1956-1961 and 19641967. Dr. Russ Coleman was the interim Director of Bands and Camp Director in 1962 and 1963 while Dr. Coy worked on his doctoral degree at UCLA. After Dr. Coy became Director of Bands at Pasadena City College in California, he was followed by Harlon Lamkin, who served as Camp Director at SWOSU from 19681970. Dr. James Jurrens became the Camp Director in 1971 and held that position until his retirement from SWOSU in 1986. Dr. Terry Segress directed and expanded the music camp offerings during his tenure as Camp Director from 19872007. Dr. Keith Talley took over camp administration from 2008-2016, followed by Marc Mueller from 20172021.
Dr. Shelley Martinson currently oversees camp administration in collaboration with individual faculty camp directors, Office Manager Chrissy Hagood and Financial Manager Kathleen Jung.
About SWOSU
Department of Music SWOSU is home to one of Oklahoma's largest music schools— one of established excellence. The excellent quality of training offered at SWOSU is demonstrated daily by the hundreds of graduates now working in Oklahoma and throughout the United States.
The SWOSU Department of Music offers the following undergraduate degrees in music: Bachelor of Music Education ( Instrumental/ General), Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal/General), Bachelor of Music (Performance or Music Business), and Bachelor of Music (Music Therapy). Graduate degree options include the following: Master of Music in Performance, the Master of Music in Music Therapy, and the Master of Music in Music Education.